With the rise of the digitized age, online scams are now part of our norm. The news runs stories every week about people finding themselves in hardship because of a cleverly disguised scam. How do you stay safe when there is so much misinformation floating around? Regularly checking the FTC website can help you stay aware of what is currently circulating. Here are also three easy ways to protect yourself from fraud attempts.

1. Don't Cave to the Pressure

Scams often work by triggering an emotional response — by creating this emotional state, you are less likely to stop and ask questions. You may receive a call claiming your social security number has been compromised, or that a loved one has been injured. Do not immediately react. Remember that the IRS will never demand payment via a specific source like a gift card, and they will send several reminders in the mail before ever resorting to phone calls.

When you feel too much pressure from the other end of a conversation, do not be afraid to hang up and step away. Do your research before giving out any personal information.

2. Ask Questions

Scams do not hold up to the light of day. When you begin asking questions, scammers are unable to elaborate on details. Did you win a contest or prize? Ask for the name of the company giving it away and the phone number of the marketing director. Make the initiator of the conversation provide detailed information before you give any of yours. Legitimate businesses, doctors, and authorities will not bristle at staying transparent.

3. Appearances Matter

Scams often rely on distraction — an email with a color scheme similar to your bank, or a pop-up advertisement with a suspicious link. You may absent-mindedly click on fraudulent messages without looking closely enough. Be vigilant: notice slight spelling errors, out-of-focus graphics, or logos that look slightly off. These are tell-tale signs of a scam. Dating profiles and housing listings have also become potential pitfalls, so stay aware during any online activity. When something looks too good to be true, it more than likely is!

Stay safe and protected with this information and keep checking back to the Kratos Gas and Power blog for more valuable tips.