Use Internet searches with caution

[Compiled and published by New Sancai] Using Google or Bing to search for information on the Internet has become a daily activity for many people. However, if you put some specific vocabulary information on a search engine, there may be many risks, and you may fall into a trap designed by scammers. There are some key words that often give scam websites a chance to catch you, so it is necessary to be cautious about the information or resources you are looking for.

Find Customer Service Phone Request Certificate

Scam websites can buy ads to rank their websites at the top of online search results, thereby increasing the chance of luring consumers to connect to their websites. Consumer service phone number is a very risky search term. Scammers can use a fake customer service phone number, but use a reputable brand name as a cover to trick customers into calling them. When a user dials his phone number, a computer voice service is used to induce the customer to enter personal information or credit information. Criminals can then steal this information for consumption or fraud. Therefore, it is always safe to visit the company's official website directly to obtain contact information.

Beware of fake technical support services

Similar to spoofing customer service phone numbers, online fraudsters may also use fake technical support service websites to defraud people. When consumers search for services on the Internet to solve product usage problems, if they connect to a fake website and allow criminals to connect to their computers through remote services, criminals can take the opportunity to install malicious software on their computers. , or ask for credit card information and personal information. Therefore, when looking for technical services, be sure to contact the manufacturer or supplier directly (the product usually has supplier or manufacturer information marked on it). Do not directly click on the link or link without verification after seeking technical support from a merchant on the Internet. Call their phone number.

You must ask for verification before using the offers or discounts provided online.

There can also be risks when looking for deals or coupons online. When users search for related words such as "promotions", "coupon" (discount coupons), "cheap" (cheap), etc., they may be mistakenly connected to malicious websites. These websites may use phishing methods. Get your personal details or credit card information.

Don’t dream of getting rich quick unless you win the lottery

If you search for get-rich-quick ads on the Internet, if they are not scams to make you lose money, they may be to obtain your personal information. Advertisements that claim you can earn huge profits with little effort or investment usually require you to pay a price upfront and provide personal or credit information. Once you provide it, they will lose contact, not only make you lose money but also steal your personal information. You just need to remember, if it is so easy to make money, he can’t make enough by himself, so why should he give you the opportunity to make money?

Getting a loan has never been easier or simpler

Scammers often lure people in financial difficulty by claiming to offer quick and easy loans. Once you find them, you will be asked to pay a specific fee in advance and provide your personal information. Then they will lose contact or use various excuses to prevent you from getting the money. They will also use your personal information to commit fraud. Make money. Therefore, it is better not to seek loan assistance online. It is safer to seek loans directly from banks or credit institutions. If your credit is not up to standard and you cannot get a loan from a bank, you may have to seek relief from relatives and friends.

Beware of free stuff

Malware may lead users to dangerous websites under the guise of being free. They may offer a link URL as "free software sharing", "free sharing movies", "free games" or "free listening to music". If you click to download, you will be directed to a malicious website, and what you download may be an object containing a Trojan horse.

Do not search your credit report online (especially in the United States)

Searching for a "free credit report" can be dangerous in the United States. If you use an Internet search to obtain your free credit report, malicious websites may have the opportunity to collect your personal information, such as your birthday and social security number (the effect is somewhat similar to Taiwan's identity card number). Regularly checking your credit report is a way for Americans to understand their credit status and ensure financial security. You can obtain free reports through financial or related credit agencies, so it is best to avoid searching for your "free credit report" on the Internet. ” to prevent personal information from being misappropriated.

in conclusion

Internet search has become an indispensable tool in our daily lives, but now Internet fraud is rampant. When you search for certain terms, malicious websites may lure you to link to their websites by offering free resources or quickly helping you solve financial problems. When you are not alert, you are asked to perform certain operations to commit fraud, or to install a Trojan horse program into your computer. Whether it’s customer service calls or technical assistance, free software, easy loans, etc., the risk of encountering malicious fraud is always there.

Therefore, be cautious when using the Internet to search for resources or information. It is necessary to maintain a certain suspicion and verification. Going directly to the official website or calling the confirmed phone number can help prevent these risks. With the belief that there is no such thing as a free lunch and that there is no such thing as a free lunch, you can protect your personal information and avoid being defrauded.

(Compiled by: Mulian)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)