Top 10 Dos and Don'ts to Avoid Scams

1. Do not fall prey or be tempted by emails or websites offering exceedingly high rate of returns. That is the primary trick used by scamsters.

2. Do not entertain unsolicited emails. Just simply delete and send it to the recycle bin. Never encourage chain mails regardless of how interesting or important the information may seem, as most chain mails are certainly fraudulent.
3. While making purchases or quoting bids online, check the credibility rating of the seller, quality of goods sold, guarantee or money back clauses. Conduct all your Credit Card transactions only on secure websites that use encryption. In the case of identity theft and credit card misuse, promptly inform the concerned authorities and close the accounts or put a watch on it.

4. Do not download dubious software from unknown sources. Do not to be tempted by sleazy websites as they are often the best source for virus and spyware to enter your system.

5. Protect your system with antivirus and antispyware softwares and frequently keep upgrading it. Also, keep updating your Windows operating system with the latest patches. Further, install a good anti spam software that blocks emails from known spamming sites and severs.

6. Do not be misled by look-alike websites of the originals which are hijacked to cheat you if you're careless. Check for the website address that closely resembles the original.

7. Do not be swayed by sympathy emails about individual sufferings or calamities and make donations. Check the credentials of the charity organizations.

8. Do not be coerced by threats and fear of misfortune if not replied to immediately. Some emails even trick you into believing that your banking account has been temporarily suspended and ask you to reenter your account name and password, which you shouldn't do at any cost.

9. Do not be swayed by promises of easy money making methods with no investments and effort.

10. Change your passwords frequently and do not use easily identifiable telephone numbers, social security numbers, consecutive numbers or mother's maiden name as passwords. Do not store them on browser web pages.

So be careful. One simple mistake could trigger a chain which could prove disastrous.