Tips to avoid on­line fraud

The internet has largely simplified our lives and delivered connections to the outside world on a silver platter. We can easily contact relatives and friends on the other side of the planet, and there's nothing stopping us from purchasing goods and services online. However, there's a downside, as dishonest individuals have now gained countless new ways to defraud people.

It's good to adopt certain habits when it comes to electronic communications, and unfortunately, it's better to show skepticism rather than less. Many have been badly burned by trusting the wrong people who turned out not to be who they claimed to be.

There's no reason to fear the internet, but rather to get used to a few things to ensure safe communications. This can be compared to traffic rules that we learn and follow to ensure our safety on the roads.

Here we list several points that are good to follow:

• Always check the email address that a message comes from. If it seems strange or untrustworthy, it's likely a scam.

• If an email or message appears to come from someone you know but the email address or tone is strange, don't respond. Send that person a new email to an address you know is correct or call them.

• If you receive unusual messages on social media or through other messaging platforms from friends or relatives, call them directly to verify the messages.

• Never send passwords or login information to anyone. Legitimate companies never ask for such information.

• Never send credit card numbers or images of credit or debit cards to anyone.

• If companies ask you for payment, contact the company directly and make sure it's actually from them.

• If investment offers or prizes sent to you seem too good to be true, they very likely are scams.

• If friends ask you to send them codes you receive via SMS or similar, it's usually a scam.

If you believe you've been a victim of online fraud of any kind, contact the police immediately.