According to recent news reports, a woman from Gurugram was defrauded over ₹28 lakhs by unknown individuals who promised her easy money by rating movies online. This incident occurred four days ago.
In a similar incident that took place two days ago, a 33-year-old woman from Noida was also conned by seamsters who offered her a job to rate movies and cheated her of ₹12 lakhs.
These incidents warn people to be cautious while engaging in online activities and to thoroughly research and verify any offers or job opportunities that seem too good to be true.
The internet has brought about unprecedented convenience and access to information. However, with the proliferation of online offers and transactions, it is important for people to be vigilant and watch out for red flags that could indicate potential scams.
Today, let’s discuss some of the common red flags we should look out for when dealing with online offers, as well as tips on verifying the authenticity of an online offer.
Red Flags to Watch Out
Some common red flags to watch out for when dealing with online offers so that you can stay safe and secure while navigating the online world are listed here:
Unsolicited Emails or Phone Calls
One of the most common red flags is receiving unsolicited emails or phone calls from unknown individuals or companies. These may offer incredible deals or opportunities, but it is important to remember that legitimate businesses typically do not cold-call or email individuals they do not know.
Promises of Large Returns with Little Effort
Another common red flag is offered that promises large returns with little or no effort. These offers may include promises of quick and easy money, guaranteed returns, or secret investment opportunities. While it may be tempting to believe these offers, it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Requests for Personal
Information or Money
Any online offer that requests personal information or money should be viewed with suspicion. Legitimate businesses will never ask for sensitive information such as social credentials, security numbers, debit or credit card details, or bank account information through unsolicited emails or phone calls.
Verifying Authenticity
By following these tips, you can avoid falling prey to online scams and make informed decisions when it comes to online offers:
Check the Credentials of the Company or Person
One of the easiest ways to verify the authenticity of an online offer is to check the credentials of the company or person offering the service. This can be done by looking up the company’s website, and reading online reviews, or checking with regulatory bodies to see if they are registered or licensed.
Do Research on the
Product or Service
Researching the product or service offered is important to ensure it is legitimate. This can be done by reading online reviews, checking with consumer protection agencies, or consulting with experts in the field.
Be Cautious with Personal Information
Personal information should only be given to trusted sources. When dealing with online offers, it is important to be cautious with the information provided and to verify the identity of the person or company requesting it.
Use Trusted Sources for Online Transactions
Finally, using trusted sources for online transactions is important. This can include reputable online retailers, secure payment platforms, and well-known financial institutions.
Wrapping Up
The rise of online offers and transactions has brought about unprecedented convenience and access to information. However, it is crucial to be vigilant and watch out for red flags that could lead to potential scams.
Following the tips outlined in this article, people can protect themselves from falling prey to online scams and ensure that their personal information and money remain secure.
Abhishek Anand is the founder of Skill Bud Technologies Pvt. Ltd. He is also an author, speaker and mentor.