In our experience scammers use really simple techniques to collect data on their vioctims. For example answering silly questions on social media could be costly. As the old saying goes, “if you are not paying for it, you are the product”. Are you accidently helping the scammers? Despite it’s friendly interface the internet is a very dangerous place – espeicially if you are not aware that it is full of people trying to gather information about you, your likes and dislikes, your fiends and family.
You may think you are having a bit of harmless fun on Facebook by answering a simple question e.g ‘what was first dog’s name’. Scammers use this technique to collect key information about you that will help them to identify key facts about you. They can use this information to get even more information about you.
Be very careful if you are tempted to play these games. Answering silly questions on social media could be costly. Are you accidently helping the scammers?
At On Demand Payment Technologies we recommend the following tips when on social media:
- Be aware that your answers will be analysed by technology for important information about you. So do not give truethful answers re your likes/ dislikes, information about you, your pets, lifestyle. All of this is important information that people will pay for and scammers look for.
- Remember that “if you are not paying for the service, you are the product”, or someone is extracting information about you.
- Avoid playing ‘free’ games at all times. Especially if invited – even by friends.
These simple rules will protect you and ensure you have a good experience online.
