10 tips not to fall for scams on WhatsApp, Facebook and email

Considering the popularity of the internet these days, it is not surprising the amount of scams practiced in various services, applications and platforms. This ends up being more evident in social networks or apps. In addition to fake news, you receive messages with attachments or strange links that can lead to viruses, malware or scams that want to know your personal information. Therefore, we have separated some essential tips to avoid falling into scams on WhatsApp, Facebook or email. Check everything below!

Read too: 7 tips for using Facebook safely

1. Avoid clicking on links

This tip may even be obvious to a lot of people, but there are still those who leave by clicking on any link they receive out there. The simple fact that you click on the link can already give a loophole for someone who wants to break into your device or get your information and is applying scams on WhatsApp.

It can also initiate unwanted downloads or even crash your browser on your PC or smartphone. Linked messages can be sent on any platform or social network, so you need to be aware of what you click.

In general, WhatsApp scams that involve¢ links promise promotions, discounts, unique opportunities or even threats that you will lose something if you don't click. It is also common for scammers to impersonate certain companies such as Facebook, PayPal or even banks to force you to click on something.

If you receive any such message, check who sent the message. If it's from an apparent company, research to find out if the message is common or if it's a known scam.

2. Don't pay attention to chains

This is another obvious but important tip. Chains can be a very efficient way to spread blows without even knowing it.

A good example is messages that say that you will get something if you click on a link and share the message with your contacts. Companies only do this type of promotion on their official websites or social networks and not through private messages.

So don't go out sharing chains like that, even if the promised prize looks pretty good. Another good tip is to warn those who have already shared the message of this danger, after all, your information may be at risk.

3. Do not download files

It's also possible that you'll see messages mentioning a new and unique app, which you can only get from a link sent by the person. Even if it's a paid game or app that's being offered for free, don't download anything that's offered.

You will only be close to installing malware on your smartphone if you do. So, avoid anything like that if you don't want to fall for the scams on WhatsApp, Facebook and email.

4. Don't believe in promotions

Another common tactic involves messages that promise special promotions that you can join. This can happen on any platform and usually asks you to download something or click on a link.

Nowadays, no company does this kind of thing outside of its official communication channels. So, just go to the company's social network or website to find out if the promotion is fake.

5. Contact the company

The previous topic brings us to a very important point. If you are in doubt whether a company promotion, opportunity or message is real or not, just get in touch with them.

It is currently very easy to do this on the official social networks of these companies and they tend to respond quickly. It's better to waste a few minutes on this than to believe any message you get.

6. Don't give out personal information

Another important factor is that you should avoid giving out personal information via social media. This applies a lot to other cases we've already mentioned, such as scams promising special promotions or discount coupons.

Other than that, it is common to see people mentioning their full names, where they work, where they live and much more to mere strangers. Pay attention and be as discreet as possible when talking to someone you don't know so well through the app.

It's pretty easy to fall for the scams on WhatsApp, Facebook and other networks that way.

7. Don't answer unknown people

It is common to receive messages from completely unknown people through any social network. This doesn't mean you should answer them, especially if the person doesn't identify themselves right away. Also, since the way to add contacts on WhatsApp involves the phone number, it's not uncommon for someone to simply try to contact you by mistake. Even so, never doubt the possibility of malicious motives.

If you receive files, photos or videos from a number you don't know, we also suggest that you don't click on anything. It's common to see people posing as acquaintances this way too, so always be more suspicious to protect WhatsApp.

8. Always check the sender

No matter the situation, application or platform, you should always check who sent you messages or files. This is one of the simplest and fastest ways to avoid scams.

Most companies will never contact you through social networks privately, for example. Companies also do not send messages asking you to submit data or confirm information, which is common in email scams.

Other than that, companies will always have an official email address, so it's easy to search and find out if the sender is fake or real. This is true even if the email looks legitimate, as many people buy domains specifically to mimic real addresses.

To avoid scams on WhatsApp, Facebook and email, it is very important to pay attention to these details.

9. Hover your mouse cursor on the link

Another valuable tip if you are in doubt whether a link is safe or not is to hover your mouse cursor over that link. In many cases, you will be able to see more link details in the lower left part of your browser this way.

That way, you can see if the URL is different from what appears in the link or if it really seems to lead to the site that it promises. Even if everything looks ok, avoid clicking if the context in which you received the link is more suspicious.

10. See if there are any security warnings

Some email providers can detect when you receive strange messages. Therefore, you will even see security warnings about a connection that is not secure or private, for example.

If you see any warnings in your emails, please do not ignore them. As much as possible, avoid clicking on something that trusted sources say is suspicious and you'll have better chances of avoiding scams on WhatsApp, Facebook and email.

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