Potential Scam Victim, Know Thyself

Are you a potential victim of a scam? Here are some traits you'll see in the typical victim of an online scam.

1. I AM A PARENT.
The best way to keep viruses and malicious keystroke-tracking software off your computer is to keep your KIDS off the computer. Yeah, the reality is probably that you'd have better lock locking them out of the bathroom than off the computer. That's why we installed a firewall in our home, complete with regular, automatic anti-virus updates. Yes, it's a hassle and not cheap. However we enjoy the convenience of online banking from this same computer, so we NEED it to be secure. The inconvenience of setting up a good security system palls compared to the inconvenience of having our financial data stolen.

2. I READ UNSOLICITED EMAIL.
Experts believe that 99% of all email is spam. The time and manpower spent filtering this stuff is ridiculous. According to the law of supply and demand, there would be a smaller supply of junk email if everyone refused to read unsolicited messages. So keep a list of who has your email address, and be suspicious of email from anyone who's not on that list.

3. I AM HAVING FINANCIAL PROBLEMS.
If you're worried about keeping your checking account solvent and you get an urgent email that your account has been locked, it's only natural to panic. But stop and think for a moment... does your bank actually HAVE your email address? Before you take any actions suggested in the email, call first and verify this isn't a fake message.
Conversely, easy money sounds more appealing when you're short on cash. Any unsolicited email that promises easy money is almost certainly a scam. No matter how hard up you are, responding will only cause more heartache for you in the end.

4. I USE THE SAME PASSWORD FOR EVERYTHING.
As passwords get more complicated, it's more and more tempting to use the same password everywhere. Don't! Instead, set up an Excel spreadsheet to track all your passwords and password-protect that one document. (If you don't have Excel, download a copy of Password Corral or some other free, legitimate software.)
Then, when asked to enter a password, use the Copy & Paste feature on your keyboard rather than typing in all the letters manually. If your kids unintentionally downloaded a keystroke-tracking system onto your computer, you can foil it with a simply copy & paste keystroke.

5. I BELIEVE EVERYTHING I READ ON THE INTERNET.
Carpenters are taught to measure twice, cut once. With so many supposed "facts" flying through cyberspace, we have to take similar safeguards before we accept anything as the truth.
By the time I publish this article, a newer keystroke-tracking system may already be out there that defeats my favorite cut & paste strategy. So be suspicious of everything you read on the internet and all emails you receive.
Any time that I doubt a piece of information, I Google it and see if it's suggested elsewhere, how recent the articles were that mention this fact, and if the same wording is used in all the stories. It helps me establish a framework for the accuracy of the claim.

I feel sorry for the people who are too paranoid to enjoy using the internet. I feel even worse for those who don't stop to question the emails and facts they receive via the internet. There's got to be a happy medium out there somewhere... here's hoping all of us can find our balance!