Almost all of us have some or other online tasks. It may be browsing through social media, or it can be an online business. So you may have all your important information out there. Are you even safe online? There may be several kinds of digital fraud and you may not even know about them.

What are digital frauds?

Digital fraud mainly includes fake emails and promotions of some socialisation. It may ask you to make fake money transactions. 

Sometimes they appear very realistic and it becomes difficult identifying them. However, there are still some ways in which you can identify digital fraud and theft. How? Here we have a guide for you. 

Types of Internet Frauds

Internet frauds are of the following types:

1. Spam: Receiving unwanted emails or messages to your mailbox or phone is known as spam. Spamming is junk mail that may convince you to buy a product. It may sometimes ask for your bank details. Also, it may ask you to visit a website. To get more information about spam visit www.acma.gov.au (Australian Communications and Media Authority)
2. Scams: Generally scams are done by mail and messages. You may also be the victim of a scam. To get more information about scams visit www.scamwatch.gov.au (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission or www.fido.gov.au (Scam watch and Australian Securities and Investment Commission).
3. Spyware: Spyware is software that secretly gets installed on your device. It may get access to all your file and folder without your knowledge. Your personal information, bandwidth and processing capacity may get hijacked.
4. Phishing: Phishing is a technique by which your personal information is obtained. It particularly focuses on your bank details and online payment platforms.

These are the digital frauds by which your personal information and bank details may get disclosed to the fraudulent agency. How can you prevent this? Can you even identify them? Well, when safety is concerned you will have to be extra careful about your transactions. 

Following are a few suggestions to prevent online fraud-

1. Supervising your Accounts: Always check your account if you detect any unusual activity. If it happens to be so, immediately contact your financial institution. Keep an eye on your other accounts too. Even check if there are any mishaps with the bank accounts of your family members. If you see any transactions without your knowledge. You may seek legal help.
2. Using Online Tools and Alerts: Use apps or software that may notify you when there are transactions. Also, it can prevent you from signing into any fraud websites where your bank details may be asked.
3. Stay Alert: Be careful when websites ask for your credit card details. Check the terms and conditions thoroughly. Be careful when you have to visit any website. They may contain spyware that gets installed on your device.
4. Share minimum personal information in the public domain and keep your software (anti-virus and firewall) up to date.

What to do when you become the victim?

1. Report it: Report it to the Australian Cyber Security Centre. The necessary investigations will be carried out by them
2. Take control and stay protected: Change your passwords and pins frequently. This is for the prevention of if you feel your personal information may be in danger.

The Internet is a boon to human beings. You may obtain so many benefits from it. All you have to do is just a click and most of your tasks are done! However, you have to remain careful in all areas because there are frauds and fakes who would just take the advantage of the same. So be alert and spread awareness against digital fraud. Stay safe and stay happy.