Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

This year, follow BBB’s five resolutions and stay scam free in 2015.

Keep your computer programs and passwords up-to-date. Those reminders to update your Internet browser, operating system and other software are annoying, but don’t ignore them. Keeping your programs current is a great defense against malware. Software manufactures continually update programs to protect against the latest viruses.

To create strong passwords, combine lowercase and capital letters with a mix of numbers and symbols. Go ahead and write your passwords down, but don’t store this cheat sheet on your computer. 

Guard your personal information. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation. Do not give credit card or bank account numbers, your date of birth, Social Security number, insurance information or driver’s license number over the telephone. Any time you give out personal information, including your name, address and telephone number, it may be shared with a third party and leave you open to fraud so it’s important to ask questions or read privacy policies online about how they share your information.

Keep your devices safe. Take the same precautions on your mobile devices as you do on your computer. Protect your phone and/or tablet with a passcode, keep your software up-to-date and watch out for malware disguised as apps.

Know the telltale signs. A little common sense goes a long way in spotting scams. Watch out for anything that’s too good (or sensational) to be true. This covers everything from “free” gifts to instant job offers to scandalous celebrity videos. Be skeptical of any communications riddled with typos and poor grammar. If you have any doubt, check it out first.

Don’t act immediately... do your research first. Most scams urge you to act right now, before you’ve had a chance to consider your options. Always be sure to do your research. Depending on the occasion, this can be anything from don’t click links sent to your inbox, getting three contractor quotes or perform a quick online background search about the business or charity. Just don’t be pressured into a commitment before doing your homework.

For scam alerts, tips and other information you can trust visit bbb.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.  

Reporters: For more information or to schedule an interview with a BBB spokesperson, contact Peggy Penders at 800.303.4490.