Protection of personal data from fraud and scams refers to a broad set of practices, strategies and preventive measures designed to protect a person’s sensitive information from unauthorized access, theft, misuse or exploitation. Personal data includes any information that can directly or indirectly identify a person, such as name, address, phone number, email address, social security number, bank account details, password, medical records, and digital activity traces. Fraud and scams involve a variety of malicious activities by cybercriminals, scammers, or unscrupulous individuals with the intent to defraud, steal, or exploit victims for financial gain, identity theft, or other harmful purposes. Therefore, the protection of personal data involves identifying vulnerabilities in advance, understanding potential threats, and adopting best practices to reduce exposure and exposure.
Important suggestions and methods for the protection of personal data focus on several important areas. These include creating strong, unique, and frequently updated passwords; enabling two-factor authentication on digital accounts; using a password manager to securely store credentials; and being alert to security questions and answers. Individuals are encouraged to regularly monitor their financial accounts, set up transaction alerts, and avoid excessive sharing of sensitive information on social media or public forums. Secure communication media such as encrypted messaging apps and taking precautions when clicking on unknown links or downloading suspicious files are also key elements of data security.
Additionally, the use of secure devices, regular software updates, antivirus programs, firewalls, and encrypted storage are considered essential technical measures. Public Wi-Fi networks should be avoided for sensitive transactions, and virtual private networks (VPNs) can add an extra layer of security. Physical precautions, such as the destruction of documents containing personal information and the security of credit cards, identity documents and devices, further contribute to data protection. Being aware of common fraud strategies, such as phishing, wishing, smishing, and impersonation scams, enhances a person’s ability to effectively identify and respond to potential threats.
Protecting personal data from fraud and scams is an ongoing process that combines digital hygiene, informed decision making, alert behavior, and responsible management of sensitive information. It enables individuals to maintain privacy, avoid financial loss, and avoid the emotional and social consequences associated with identity theft and cybercrime. By consistently implementing these suggestions and strategies, one can significantly reduce the likelihood of being a victim of fraud and ensure that personal information remains confidential, secure, and under their control.
1. Use A Strong Password
Creating strong and unique passwords is a fundamental step in protecting your personal data. A strong password is not just a combination of letters and numbers, it must be complex enough to withstand guessing attempts and brutal attacks. Hackers often use automated tools to quickly check thousands or millions of common passwords; therefore, using simple sequences such as “123456”, “password”, or your date of birth makes it extremely easy for attackers to access passwords. A strong password should ideally be at least 12 characters long and contain big, small letters, numbers and @, #, or! Special characters such as must be included.
Avoid using dictionary words, family member names, pet names, or anything on your social media profile. Another important strategy is to create passphrases—, a sequence of random words that includes signs and numbers. For example, “Coffee#Table7reverse!”, is much stronger than “Coffee123”. Strong passwords serve as an important first barrier against unauthorized access, and protect sensitive information such as banking details, personal emails, and private documents. Memorizing complex passwords can be challenging, but tools like password managers can help store them securely. By prioritizing strong, unique passwords for each account, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyberattacks that exploit identity theft, financial loss, and weak credentials.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a significant layer of security in addition to just the password. This provides another form of verification that ensures that even if someone receives your password, they cannot access your account. The second factor can take several forms: a temporary one-off code sent via SMS or email, an authentication app such as Google Authenticator, or even biometric verification such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
The main advantage of 2FA is that it makes it very difficult for hackers to penetrate the security of your account. For example, if a cybercriminal steals your password in data theft, he or she will still need another factor, which is usually only available on your personal device. Setting 2FA is especially important for high-risk accounts such as email, banking, cloud storage, and social media, where unauthorized access can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or privacy breaches. Many platforms now offer easy guides to enable 2FA, and some even provide backup codes for emergencies when your primary device is unavailable. By consistently using 2FA, you reinforce your digital security status, making it many times more difficult for attackers to compromise your accounts and sensitive information.
3. Update Passwords Regularly
Regularly updating your passwords is a proactive strategy to reduce long-term risk in the event of a data breach or cyberattack. Even if your current password is strong, it may become insecure over time, especially if the same credentials have been inadvertently leaked or compromised on other websites. Changing passwords from time to time ensures that even if hackers gain access to old credentials, they will not be able to take advantage of them for long. This practice is especially important for sensitive accounts such as online banking, corporate email, cloud storage services, and social media accounts that contain personal, financial, or business data.
Experts recommend updating passwords every 3 to 6 months, although accounts at greater risk may require more frequent changes. When updating passwords, avoid making minor changes to old passwords, such as adding “1” or “2025” at the end. Instead, create brand new and unique passwords that cannot be easily guessed. Additionally, if a company or service informs you of a potential data breach, change your password for that platform immediately. Updating passwords regularly is a simple and effective way to avoid cyber threats and maintain long-term security of personal and business information.
4. Do Not Reuse The Password
Using the same password repeatedly across multiple accounts is one of the most dangerous cybersecurity habits. If a hacker breaks into an account, he can use the same password on multiple other platforms, this technique is called credential stuffing. For example, if you use the same password for both your email and online banking account, a breach in a less secure website could put your more important accounts at risk. To avoid this, it is important to have different passwords for every online account. This ensures that even if one account is breached, everyone else remains safe.
A practical way is to combine the words, numbers and symbols to create a password that is different for each account. For example, everywhere “Sunil123!” Instead of using “Sun” for your streaming service!l_Movie2025#” and for your bank “Sun!Can use different passwords like lBank$987”. Although it can be difficult to remember dozens of different passwords, password managers can store them securely and even create strong passwords on their own. Avoiding password re-use is a simple but extremely effective way to prevent mass identity theft and ensure that your personal and business data remains safe from cyber criminals.
5. Use Password Manager
Password Manager is a digital tool designed to securely store, organize, and generate complex passwords for all your accounts. Using a password manager eliminates the need to remember dozens of unique, strong passwords, reducing the need to reuse the same password across multiple accounts. These tools encrypt your password database, ensuring that even if your device is lost or breached, unauthorized access is extremely difficult. Many password managers also offer a password generation feature, creating extremely complex passwords that are almost impossible to guess or use repeatedly.
Additionally, if your passwords are weak, duplicated, or exposed to known data breaches, they often provide alerts, requiring immediate updates. Modern password managers also support auto-fill functionality, making it easy to log in to accounts without typing long passwords manually. Popular password managers often feature cloud synchronization, allowing you to securely access your credentials from multiple devices. By using a password manager, you strengthen your overall cybersecurity, protect against phishing attacks, and maintain control over your digital identity. It serves as a practical and strategic approach to managing the increasingly complex landscape of online security.
6. Beware Of Phishing Emails
Phishing emails are one of the most common ways hackers steal personal data. These emails often appear to be legitimate and trick recipients into giving them sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security details. These emails may duplicate official correspondence from banks, government agencies, or popular services, and may use logos, signatures, and professional formatting. However, subtle inconsistencies such as misspellings, grammatical errors, unusual requests or unfamiliar links often highlight their malicious intent.
Clicking on embedded links or downloading attachments can lead to malware installation, ransomware attacks, or theft of credentials. To be safe, always confirm the sender’s email address and if sensitive action is requested in the email, confirm it with official contact points. Never give personal information via email or unsolicited messages, and avoid logging into accounts via links provided in email—type the website’s URL manually instead. Organizations and email services often provide anti-phishing filters, so keep these features enabled. Awareness and alert behavior are important: being aware of unexpected communications, educating yourself about common phishing strategies, and reporting suspicious emails all help protect personal data. By maintaining vigilance, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cyber fraud.
7. Avoid Clicking On Unknown Links
Clicking on unknown or suspicious links is one of the most common ways to tamper with personal data. Fraudsters often send links via email, text messages, social media platforms or messaging apps, and try to provoke users into giving sensitive information or downloading malicious software. These links can be hidden using URL shorteners or domain names that resemble legitimate websites. For example, a link like www.bankofarnerica.com might sound authentic, but it is designed to mimic a trusted bank website. Clicking on such links exposes users to exposure to phishing attacks, malware, spyware, and keyloggers, which may record passwords, financial data, or other private information.
A simple precaution is to move the mouse over the link before clicking to see the full URL, often revealing suspicious addresses. Also, avoid clicking on links received from unknown or untrusted sources and avoid opening attachments to unintended messages. If the link claims to be from a known institution, type the URL of the official website manually in your browser. Cybercriminals often use urgent or dangerous messages for immediate action, so it is essential to stay calm and confirm the validity of any links. Avoiding unknown links is a proactive measure to protect your identity, financial accounts and private communications from malicious elements.
8. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
It is important to regularly monitor your financial accounts to detect fraud and unauthorized activities quickly. Checking bank statements, credit card transactions, and online account logs allows you to identify anomalies, such as fees not authorized by you, unusual login locations, or many small transactions that may indicate a check by cybercriminals. Early detection makes it easier to take action, such as reporting suspicious activity to your bank, credit card provider, or relevant authorities, thereby avoiding more serious financial losses. Set aside time weekly or monthly to carefully review all accounts, compare transaction history with receipts or known expenditures.
Additionally, many banks and financial institutions provide tools for detailed account tracking, including a summary of spending and real-time alerts for unusual activity. Monitoring is especially important if you frequently shop online, use public Wi-Fi, or have shared access to your accounts. In addition to personal vigilance, maintaining personal records of transactions and matching details regularly can help identify fraudulent activities that may be overlooked by automated systems. Vigilant monitoring of financial accounts not only protects funds, but also keeps credit scores safe, minimizes the impact of identity theft and ensures that unauthorized activity is promptly remedied.
9. Enable Alerts For Transactions
Enabling transaction alerts for your bank accounts and credit cards provides instant protection from fraud. Transaction alerts notify you via SMS, email or app notifications whenever money is spent, received or transferred from your account. This real-time information enables you to quickly identify unauthorized activity and respond before significant financial losses occur. For example, if a fraudulent purchase occurs with your credit card, you can immediately contact the bank to freeze the card, dispute the fee, and prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Alerts are often especially useful for online shoppers, digital wallet users, and people with multiple accounts, as cybercriminals often target small or incremental transactions to check stolen card details. Many banks allow users to customize alert thresholds, such as transactions exceeding a specific amount or international activity, giving you more control over the monitoring of financial activity. In addition to fraud detection, transaction alerts also help track spending patterns, manage budgets, and maintain financial discipline. By enabling alerts, you create a proactive system that keeps you informed and in control of your financial transactions, reducing the risk of unseated fraud and strengthening overall financial security.
10. Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks
The use of secure Wi-Fi networks is essential to protect sensitive personal and financial data from cyber criminals. Public Wi-Fi networks such as cafes, airports, hotels or malls are often unencrypted and vulnerable to hacking. Hackers can intercept data transmitted over these networks using technologies such as man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing them to steal login credentials, credit card information, emails, and other private communications. Avoid accessing online banking,
shopping accounts or private emails when connected to unsecured public Wi-Fi. If you must use a public network, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your Internet connection, which will make it difficult for attackers to track or intercept your activities. Also, make sure your home Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong password, WPA3 encryption (if available) and updated firmware. Regularly reviewing and banning devices connected to your Wi-Fi network helps prevent unauthorized access. Using secure networks not only protects personal data, but also corporate information if you work remotely. By being alert to network security, you prevent cybercriminals from taking advantage of vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and data breach.
11. Install Antivirus Software
Installing reputable antivirus software on your devices is an important way to protect against malware, spyware, ransomware, and other malicious software that can steal your personal information. Antivirus programs constantly monitor threats on your computer, smartphone, or tablet and provide real-time protection, automatically quarantining or removing harmful files before they are damaged. Modern antivirus solutions often include additional features such as firewall protection, anti-phishing capabilities, web browsing protection, and email scanning to detect suspicious attachments or links.
Regularly updating its antivirus software ensures that it can identify the latest threats, as cybercriminals constantly create new viruses and malware that are designed to bypass outdated security systems. Regularly scanning the entire system helps detect any hidden infections that may have escaped early protection systems. Antivirus software is especially important for users who frequently download files, click links, or use external devices, such as USB drives, that may contain malware. By keeping antivirus software active and updated, you maintain a strong layer of protection against hackers and malicious programs, and protect passwords, financial data, and sensitive personal information from theft or risk.
12. Keep Software Updated
Keeping all software updated—, including operating systems, web browsers, applications, and plugins— is essential for digital security. Developers regularly release updates and patches to fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your device or data. Ignoring updates exposes systems to malware, ransomware, and other cyberattacks that exploit known vulnerabilities. Operating system updates often include significant security improvements, while browser updates provide protection from phishing, malicious scripts, and unsafe websites. Similarly, application updates for email clients, messaging apps, or online payment platforms address security gaps that attackers can exploit.
Automatic updates can be enabled for convenience, ensuring you don’t miss important security patches. Additionally, updating software improves performance, stability, and compatibility with other programs. Cyber criminals often target outdated systems because they are easy to break into; Therefore, timely software updates act as an active barrier, keeping your personal and financial information secure. Updating all digital devices regularly is a simple but extremely effective strategy to reduce risks and maintain strong cyber security across all devices.
13. Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encryption is one of the most powerful security measures against data theft, identity fraud and unauthorized access. When you encrypt sensitive files, emails or devices, the information is converted to unreadable code using cryptographic algorithms. Only a person with the correct decryption key or password can access the original data. This protection remains effective even when your device is hacked, lost or stolen. For example, if a fraudster gains access to your laptop, but your files are encrypted with strong AES-256 encryption, the data will appear as meaningless characters and remain unusable.
Encryption must be used on documents such as identity cards, financial records, tax files, medical data, legal agreements or business contracts. You can use built-in tools like BitLocker (Windows), FileVault (Mac), VeraCrypt, or the encrypted ZIP folder. For mobile devices, full-disk encryption is available in most modern smartphones, but for this to be effective users must set a strong password or biometric lock. Cloud storage also needs to be protected with encryption—Services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and iCloud offer encrypted uploads, but the use of end-to-end tools like CryptoMeter or NordLocker provides an additional security cover. Email communications can also be encrypted using secure platforms such as PGP or ProtonMail. The biggest mistake people make is storing unencrypted data in public folders, shared drives, or USB devices. Another risk is storing decryption keys or passwords in plain text or reusing them on different platforms. Encrypting data is not only for large organizations—common users also face threats such as identity theft, corporate spying, ransomware, illegal data resale and targeted scams. By encrypting files, you ensure that your data remains secure even in the worst case.
14. Back Up Your Data
Regular data backup prevents permanent losses during cyber attacks, technical glitches, theft, human error or natural disasters. Many victims of ransomware, phishing, device crashes, or accidental deletions are upset by not backing up their files. A proper backup means placing at least two or more copies of important data in different locations, such as an external hard drive and a secure cloud service. For example, ransomware attacks lock your files and demand payment in exchange for decryption. But if you have offline backup, you can easily restore your data without losing money or compromising your identity. Similarly, if your phone is lost or your laptop crashes, cloud backup facilitates instant recovery. External drives such as SSD and HDD must be encrypted and disconnected when not in use to prevent unauthorized access or malware infection.
Use trusted cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud, or Mega, but always protect accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Automatic backup scheduling ensures that the process is not forgotten. Large files such as photos, videos, documents, invoices and academic or business functions should be preferred. Make sure backup copies are not stored on the same device as the original data. Also, avoid using an unknown USB drive or unsafe public Wi-Fi during transfer. Maintaining backup also helps with police checks and insurance claims when fraud occurs. Reliable data copies protect financial records, memories, business functions and personal identities from exploitation.
15. Avoid Sharing Personal Information Excessively
Oversharing information online is one of the easiest ways for scammers to collect data for fraud. Many people give away their birthdays, addresses, children’s names, phone numbers, workplace, income, relationship status, travel plans or educational details of their own volition on social media, forums or public websites. Cybercriminals use this information to answer security questions, impersonate you, steal your identity, apply for a loan, or conduct phishing attacks. For example, posting information about your vacation space suggests that your home is probably empty. By sharing your mobile number publicly, you can become a victim of OTP theft or SIM swapping scam. Even information like your school or pet name can be used to crack passwords. Some attackers create fake profiles using collected public data to befriend or blackmail victims.
Avoid giving unnecessary information in public comment sections, job portals, online marketplaces, registration forms or giveaways. Remove email signatures, resumes posted online, and personal details from websites you no longer use. Be especially careful with children’s information—cheaters create fake accounts or attempt digital hijacking using shared photos. Before posting anything, ask yourself if a stranger might misuse your information. Always customize privacy settings on apps, hide your contact information from unknown users, and avoid sharing live locations. If a platform doesn’t need your sensitive data, don’t provide it. Excessive sharing may seem harmless, but modern scammers use these digital footprints to plan targeted attacks.
16. Use A Secure Website (HTTPS)
Whenever you enter personal or financial data online—, such as when shopping, banking, ticket booking, logging into accounts or submitting forms—, you must check whether the website uses HTTPS or not, not just HTTP. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts communications between your device and the website’s servers, preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information such as passwords, PINs, card details, Aadhaar numbers or addresses. A secure website shows a padlock icon in the address bar of the browser and its URL starts with https://. Without HTTPS, criminals can use techniques such as man-in-the-middle attacks, session hijacking, or packet sniffing to steal your data over public or private networks. Fake websites often mimic real websites, but use unsafe or misleading URLs such as slight spelling changes (e.g., paytm.co vs. paytm.com).
Many phishing pages look professional, but lack encryption. Always avoid entering credentials on sites that display warnings such as “not secure”. For additional security, do not click on payment links shared via SMS or social media without checking their security. For e-commerce or banking transactions, use official apps or type the correct website address manually. Not just HTTPS validity is guaranteed, but it is the minimum requirement before sharing private information. Combine this check with secure browsing habits, password sanitization, and device security to reduce risk. Cybercriminals constantly exploit unsecured websites to gather massive data for identity theft and account fraud. Making HTTPS your habit keeps your digital communications secure.
17. Be Careful Of Social Media
Social media is a gold mine for scammers, stalkers, imitators and data miners. Many unknowingly expose themselves by making their profiles public, suddenly accepting friend requests or posting private updates without knowing who can see them. Making public information such as your phone number, home address, workplace, travel photos or daily routine helps fraudsters create psychological profiles and plan frauds. Adjust your privacy settings such that only trusted contacts can see your posts, photos, stories and profile details. Disable features that allow strangers to search for you using a phone number or email ID. Do not publicly announce future travel plans, expensive purchases, or financial achievements.
Criminals keep an eye on such posts to target victims for theft, online blackmail or identity theft. Be careful when sharing photos giving background information such as documents, school name, car number or location tag. Avoid participating in quizzes that ask about year of birth, favorite teacher, best friend or first pet—, these are often used to guess passwords or security answers. Beware also of fraudsters impersonating celebrities, government officials or bank representatives in messages or comments. Romance scams, investment frauds, fake donation schemes and phishing links spread rapidly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Children and elderly users are particularly vulnerable. If someone pressures you to share personal information through chat, call or video requests, let’s say it’s a trap. Limit your digital footprint, block suspicious profiles immediately, and report fraudulent activity. Responsible use of social media reduces risk and protects both identity and security.
18. Confirm Contacts Before Sharing Information
One of the most common methods of modern fraud is pseudo-identification. Cheaters cheat by posing as bank officials, insurance agents, government officials, customer support officers or even relatives. They ask for OTP, password, Aadhaar number, ATM details, PAN number or other identifying information through call, email, WhatsApp message or SMS. Many victims trust someone’s language or people and share sensitive information without thinking. Before sharing anything, always verify the identity of the person who is contacting you. Do not trust caller ID—numbers may be fake. Instead of responding directly, disconnect the phone and call the official helpline number from a verified source, such as the organization’s website, card, or app. Government agencies like Income Tax Department, RBI and banks never ask for OTP or PIN through calls or messages.
Check email addresses carefully—cheaters often change letters to copy the official ID (for example, support@rbi-india.coinstead of @rbi.org.in). If a caller tries to spread panic by claiming account suspension, expiry of KYC period, legal action or winning a prize, then consider it an alarm bell. Do not click on any link or download attachments without checking its validity. If your relatives or friends are asking for money or personal information through messages, always contact them through a different channel for confirmation. Even recruiters and delivery agents can be fake. Never share identity documents or passwords without independent confirmation of who is asking for them and why. Verifying before sharing stops phishing, SIM swap attacks, identity abuse, and financial fraud. Your hesitation can save you years of trouble.
19. Doubt Offers That Seem Too Attractive
One of the most common ways to trap fraudulent people is to lure, excite, or entice people in need with offers that seem incredibly beneficial. These include winning lotteries without participation, huge discounts on luxury items, online investment plans promising double returns, high-paying fake job offers for less work, and prize notices asking for “processing fees”. The psychology behind these scams is simple—cheaters use temptation and pressure to manipulate the emotional, causing the victim to act impulsively rather than logically. For example, emails claiming to win a car or cash prize from a foreign company often ask for identity cards, bank account details, or small advances. Similarly, investment scams promise high interest in a short period of time without any risk, which is unrealistic in real financial markets.
Cheaters also send fake loan approvals or crypto investment ads with fabricated testimonials to make them look real. The safest strategy is to independently confirm all offers from reliable, authoritative sources. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments to unknown messages. Research the company name, view reviews, and consult financial advisors if needed. If any proposal demands immediate action, confidentiality or advance payment without any official paperwork, it is almost always a scam. Always remember: legitimate opportunities never compel immediate action, confidentiality or advance payment. Being skeptical protects you from emotional kidnapping, identity theft, and financial fraud.
20. Use Virtual Credit Cards
Virtual Credit Card (VCC) is a secure option to use your main card details for online transactions. Many banks and payment platforms offer temporary or disposable card numbers that are linked to your real account, but hide the real number during transactions. These virtual cards often come with expense limits, one-time access, and auto-expiry features. This dramatically reduces the chances of hackers misusing your bank details if the website or platform you pay from gets hacked. For example, if you use a virtual card to make a purchase from an unfamiliar or international website, the card number becomes useless after the transaction. Even if attackers access it, they cannot withdraw your money or use it repeatedly for unauthorized transactions.
Additionally, some VCC systems allow users to create different virtual cards for different platforms such as e-commerce, subscriptions or travel booking, helping to track expenses and detect fraud faster. Conversely, exposing your main debit or credit card increases the risk of phishing, data breach, and unauthorized auto-debit. Virtual cards allow users to block or delete card numbers instantly without having to cancel the entire account, saving time and hassle of changing cards. These are especially useful for subscriptions, trials, hotel bookings, and services in which card details may be stored. With OTP authentication and transaction limits, virtual cards provide an additional layer of protection against cyber criminals and reduce financial losses in the event of data leaks.
21. Avoid Using Public Computers
Public computers in libraries, cybercafes, schools, airports, hotels, and shared workplaces may seem useful for quick Internet access, but these pose serious risks when used for banking, email access, or any login-based activity. These systems may contain malware, keyloggers, remote-access tools, or spyware that previous users or attackers have secretly installed. Such malicious programs can record everything typed, including usernames, passwords, card numbers, and personal data, and send it to cybercriminals. Even if you log out of your accounts, browsers on public devices can store session cookies, saved usernames, auto-fill entries, or browser history. Some users forget to clear the cache or assume that closing the window is enough. In many cases, hackers monitor these systems using hidden programs that copy screenshots, read email drafts, or even receive authentication codes.
Additionally, fake login pages or phishing pop-ups may appear on public machines without the user knowing. Wi-Fi in public places connected to these systems can also be unsafe, increasing the possibility of data interception. This risk increases even more when users check bank accounts, make purchases, access cloud storage, or enter Aadhaar/PAN numbers. If using the public system becomes unavoidable, never access financial accounts or sensitive emails. Use incognito mode, avoid saving passwords, clear sessions, and always log out manually. Prefer mobile hotspots or your device over shared terminals. Protecting your privacy is worth more than just the temporary convenience of using a free computer.
22. Destroy Physical Documents
Digital security is important, but physical documents remain a major source of identity theft. Many people throw away old bank statements, insurance papers, courier slips, check copies, income tax papers, SIM card forms, medical records, loan papers and utility bills carelessly without destroying them. Fraudsters often search dustbins, home dustbins, or office waste disposal areas to find such discarded papers using a technique called “dumpster diving”. Once criminals obtain photocopies of your address details, account number, date of birth, signature or identity cards, they can misuse them for fake KYC applications, SIM card activation, unauthorized loans, false addresses in police records or fraudulent insurance claims. Can do for activities like. Some scammers also create artificial identities by combining pieces of different documents.
The safest habit is to destroy any paper with personal details before throwing it away. Use cross-cut or micro-cut shredders instead of tearing by hand as larger pieces can be glued to the tape. Expired credit/debit cards, ID tags, old passports and photocopies are also required to be destroyed. If shredders are not available, soak the documents in water mixed with detergent or bleach before disposal so that they are difficult to reconstruct. Entities handling customer records must follow safe destruction policies. At home, keep a small box for documents kept for shredding. Proper disposal prevents criminals from turning your waste into a tool for fraud.
23. Limit Credit Card Usage
Holding multiple credit cards or having too many payment accounts on apps and websites increases the likelihood of fraud. Every time a card is swiped, entered online, or shared with a merchant, the risk of data theft increases—whether it’s through skimming devices, cloned terminals, phishing sites, fake QR codes or Hacked payment gateways. By limiting the number of cards you regularly use, you can reduce the chances of your attack. Carry only those cards you need daily and keep the rest in safe storage at home. If you have multiple active accounts, stop international transactions or contactless payments on unused cards. Avoid linking all your cards to digital wallets, shopping sites and auto-renewal subscriptions. The fewer cards in the database, the lower the risk of theft.
If a wallet is lost or a card is skimmed, financial losses are limited if only a select card is used. Also keep track of active card statements more often. Consumers holding multiple cards often ignore transaction alerts, making fraud undetectable for weeks. Instead, disable or close unnecessary accounts and use virtual cards for transactions requiring temporary use. Using just one or two cards helps keep track of expenses, improve credit management, and strengthen financial security. In emergency cases, card blocking and dispute resolution becomes faster and easier when you don’t engage too many numbers.
24. Review Privacy Policies
Most people download apps, register on websites, or subscribe to services without knowing how their personal information will be used. Privacy policies state what data is collected, whether it will be shared with third parties, how long it will be stored, how it is protected, and what rights the user has to opt-out or request deletion. Ignoring these details puts the individual under surveillance, profiling, spam marketing, identity theft, and data resale. Many platforms collect more information than necessary—such as contacts, locations, browsing habits, biometric data and device identifiers. Some apps request access to the camera, microphone, and storage, even if they have no connection to their main function. E-commerce sites, travel portals, dating apps, and social media platforms often collaborate with advertisers, analytics firms, or even anonymous data brokers. By reviewing privacy policies before signing up, you can decide whether to continue, refuse permission requests, or switch to an alternative service with safer methods.
Most apps allow disabling personalized ads, unnecessary tracking, or newsletter subscriptions. When registering, always uncheck options such as “Share with partners” or “Allow promotional communications”. Use privacy tools like browser trackers, VPNs, anti-spyware, and encrypted messaging apps for added security. Understanding how your personal data is managed enables you to control risk. Once leaked the data cannot be completely recovered, so it is necessary to prevent misuse through awareness. Reading a few extra minutes protects your identity much better than regretting it later.
25. Monitor Credit Reports
Monitoring your credit report is one of the most effective ways to protect against identity theft and financial fraud. The credit report contains details of your loan history, credit card accounts, repayment track record, outstanding amounts and any new accounts opened in your name. Cheaters sometimes use stolen personal data such as PAN number, Aadhaar number, Social Security number (in some countries), or proof of address to apply for loans, credit cards or purchase goods on EMIs. If you don’t keep track of your reports regularly, these fake accounts may go unnoticed for months or years, damaging your credit score and reputation. By reviewing your credit report every few months, you can detect any unauthorized inquiries, unfamiliar accounts, or rejected loan applications that you never started.
If you identify such entries in a timely manner, you may immediately notify the credit bureau and the financial institution concerned. Registering disputes helps to put a stop to fraudulent activities and prevent further abuse. Many countries allow at least one free credit report annually, while banks and apps also offer monitoring tools. In addition, errors sometimes occur due to clerical errors, such as incorrect addresses, incorrect account closures, or duplicate entries. These mistakes can have a negative impact on your credit score and future loan eligibility. Regular checks ensure that your financial identity remains clean and secure. Create a double layer of security by combining it with SMS/email alerts for credit transactions.
26. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze, also called a security freeze, is a powerful preventive step to prevent unauthorized persons from opening new credit accounts using your identity. When you freeze your credit with major credit bureaus, lenders and financial institutions cannot access your credit report for approval checks unless you temporarily remove or “defer” the freeze with your consent. This means that even if criminals obtain your personal data, they cannot take loans, open credit cards or start financial services in your name. This method is especially useful when you suspect a data breach, have lost personal documents, accidentally shared sensitive information, or you have already been a victim of identity theft. This process is usually free or low-cost and can be managed online or through customer service channels.
Once Freeze is activated, even legitimate lenders will be denied access unless you unlock it using a secure PIN, password, or authentication method. Unlike credit monitoring, which alerts you only after fraud occurs, a credit freeze prevents the possibility of unauthorized credit creation before it even begins. It does not affect your existing accounts, ATM usage, employment checks or insurance applications. When you actually need to apply for a loan or credit card, you can temporarily lift the hold. Doing this gives you peace of mind for a long time and reduces your chances of recovering from a major fraud later. This is a proactive step to protect your financial identity.
27. Avoid Using Simple Security Questions
When resetting passwords, accessing accounts, or logging in with new devices, security queries are often used as a secondary level of identity verification. However, many users make the mistake of choosing questions whose answers are easily predictable or publicly available— such as their mother’s first name, date of birth, first school, pet name, or hometown. Nowadays, a lot of personal information is available in social media, public records or informal conversations, making these traditional answers unsafe. To strengthen this layer of security, it is better to use answers to security questions as passwords. Instead of giving a literal answer, you can use random words, numbers, or phrases unrelated to the question.
For example, if the question asks, “What is your birthplace?” So you could say something like “BlueMountain#92” instead of the actual city. The important thing is to make sure that only you know the answer and that no one can logically guess it. Additionally, avoid sharing such information online or in social media posts. Hackers often collect information through profiling, phishing, and social engineering. For better security, use a password manager to store custom answers securely. Some platforms also let you create your own questions—use this opportunity to design something unexpected. By not relying on explicit or sentimental answers, you close a large backdoor that attackers use to reset passwords and hijack accounts. Complex, private answers provide a strong shield against attempts to circumvent security.
28. Beware Of Phone Scams
Phone scams, also called wishing (voice phishing), are one of the most successful methods of fraud because scammers exploit fear, urgency, and authority. Criminals often pretend to be officials of banks, tax departments, telecommunications companies, insurance companies, police or even delivery agencies. They can call you to claim problems with your account, suspicious transactions, outstanding payments, blocked SIMs, KYC verification problems or reward announcements. These collars put pressure on you to provide OTP, bank credentials, ATM PIN, Aadhaar number or card details. They may claim that if you do not respond immediately, your account will be frozen, a legal case will be filed or services will be suspended.
Some scammers even send fake caller IDs that show official names or familiar numbers to win your trust. The safest solution is to never share your personal information on unwanted calls. If someone claims urgency, hang up without hesitation. Then, contact the company’s website or the official customer care number on the back of your card. Never call the number given by the caller. Avoid clicking on links sent through SMS during such calls. Also, report suspicious calls to cyber crime helplines or telecom authorities. Make family members— especially children and elderly— aware, who often easily trust unknown callers. Awareness and skepticism are your strongest shield against voice-based fraud. HWT
29. Educate Yourself About Common Scams
Scams are developing rapidly in today’s digital world. What worked for fraudsters five years ago has now been upgraded to more sophisticated versions, including AI voice cloning, deepfake videos, fake customer service portals, UPI frauds, crypto schemes, phishing emails, SIM swapping, QR code traps and identity spoofing. Staying informed about these scams gives you the power to quickly identify them and avoid falling into the trap. Phishing involves fake websites or links that steal passwords and account details. Smishing uses SMS to send malicious links or fake alerts, while wishing is via phone call. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal data to apply for a loan, purchase goods, or access accounts without permission. Romance scams, fake job offers, technical assistance fraud, online market fraud, and fake investment platforms are also on the rise.
For your safety, regularly read security advisories issued by banks, government cyber cells, RBI, CERT-in or consumer protection bodies. Watch news about major frauds to learn how scams are carried out. Follow verified sources on social media that post scam warnings. Avoid sharing personal updates publicly and encourage friends and family to be cautious. Awareness’s the defense. The more you understand fraud tactics, the faster you can identify red flags in emails such as grammatical errors, instant scare tactics, mismatched URLs, suspicious payment requests, and unverified identities. Knowledge turns doubt into defense.
30. Avoid Downloading Suspicious Apps
Mobile apps have become an integral part of daily life-banking, shopping, education, entertainment, payments and communication. However, fraudulent or malicious apps are one of the biggest threats to personal data. Cyber criminals create apps that mimic official platforms or hide malware inside utility or entertainment apps. When users download these from third-party websites or unverified sources, they inadvertently grant permissions that allow the app to read messages, access contacts, monitor keystrokes, track location, or steal banking credentials. Apps outside the Google Play Store or Apple App Store are more likely to contain viruses, ransomware, spyware, or Trojans. Even in official stores, some fake apps come out temporarily until they are reported.
Before downloading, always verify the developer name, app rating, review, number of downloads, update history and requested permissions. If a video editing app asks for access to SMS or microphone unnecessarily, it is a danger signal. Disable the “Install from unknown sources” option on your phone to prevent unauthorized installation. Use antivirus or mobile security apps if necessary. Update apps regularly to remove security flaws. Uninstall those you no longer use or recognize. Remember that a single malicious app can compromise your entire digital life by stealing OTP, scanning screenshots, hijacking payments, or spying on passwords. Prioritizing security over convenience protects both your privacy and finances.
31. Use Biometric Security
Biometric security refers to unlocking devices or authorizing access using unique physical traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice recognition. Unlike traditional passwords and PINs that can be guessed, shared or stolen, biometric markers are directly linked to the user’s unique biological characteristics. This makes it extremely difficult for fraudsters to gain unauthorized access, even if they have your equipment or know some of your personal details. Modern smartphones, laptops and tablets offer features such as fingerprint scanners, face IDs or iris recognition. When these are activated, the system creates a secure template of your biometric data and stores it in a locally protected hardware area (such as Secure Enclave on Apple devices). This information is not stored on cloud servers, reducing the risk of it being hacked. The use of biometrics adds an additional security layer to apps that contain sensitive information, such as banking apps, digital wallets, email accounts, healthcare portals, and document storage applications.
Even if someone tries to reset your access through social engineering or phishing, they cannot bypass biometric verification without your physical presence. For maximum security, biometric logins must be combined with strong backup passwords or PINs in the event of a fingerprint or face sensor failing. You should also disable biometric access for apps that don’t need it or for devices that are shared between multiple users. Finally, always update your operating system and security patches to strengthen the biometric system against spoofing methods like deepfake facial images or fake fingerprints. In short, biometric authentication significantly reduces the chances of fraud, identity theft, and data leakage by ensuring that only the legitimate owner can access sensitive content.
32. Secure Mobile Devices
Smartphones and tablets have now turned into small digital vaults that store personal photos, banking apps, saved passwords, email accounts, identity documents, social media logins, and confidential chats. If such devices are lost, stolen, hacked or accessed by unauthorized persons, it could result in identity theft, bank fraud, impersonation scams or misuse of personal data. One of the most important security measures is to use strong lock-screen protection. Instead of using simple swipes or weak pins like 1234 or birthdate, users should create complex passcodes containing at least six digits or alphanumeric combinations. Combine this with a biometric lock such as a fingerprint or face unlock for added convenience and security. Encryption is another important security measure. Device encryption keeps your stored data secure by converting it into unreadable code. If someone tries to access your phone’s files by removing a storage chip or connecting it to another device, they won’t be able to see the data without the correct decryption key.
Most modern Android and iOS devices turn on encryption automatically once the lock screen password is set. Also, activate features like “Find My Device” or “Find My iPhone” to remotely lock, wipe, or locate your phone in the event of theft or loss. Avoid installing apps from unauthorized sources or third-party websites, as these may contain malware. Always keep updating your operating system and security patches to remove weaknesses. To reduce the risk of interception or unauthorized sharing, turn off Bluetooth, NFC and Wi-Fi when not in use. Do not leave the device unattended in public places, vehicles or workplaces. Also, regularly backup important data to a secure cloud or encrypted drive so you can recover the device if it becomes unusable. Combining lockscreen security, encryption, careful use, software updates, and remote-tracking options, mobile devices become significantly protected against fraud and abuse.
33. Limit App Permissions
Mobile apps often ask for access to features such as contacts, call logs, messages, cameras, microphones, photos, locations, and storage. While some apps really need specific permissions to function properly, many apps ask for unnecessary access that could expose your personal information or lead to secret data collection. Hackers and suspected developers may misuse these permissions to track users, steal identifying information, or sell personal data to third parties. Limiting app permissions starts with checking which permissions are already granted. On Android and iOS devices, you can access privacy or permission settings to review each app separately. Disable access to features that are not essential to the core functionality of the app. For example, a photo editor may need access to your camera and gallery, but a calculator app certainly doesn’t. Avoid installing apps from unknown developers or third-party sites. Apps found in the official store can also sometimes abuse permissions, so check user reviews and ratings before downloading.
When an app suddenly asks for new permissions after an update, especially access to sensitive areas like microphones or SMS, be careful. Provide location access only when an app is being actively used, rather than “always allow”. Turn off background activity on apps that don’t require constant tracking. Similarly, when not necessary, turn off microphone or camera access—, doing so may inadvertently avoid data recording or spying. Additionally, keep an eye on data usage in your phone’s settings to see if an app is secretly using large amounts of data, which could be a sign of unauthorized background activity. If an app behaves suspiciously, uninstall it immediately and scan your device with a trusted antivirus software. By carefully controlling app permissions, you reduce the chances of data leaks, spying on microphones, targeted ads, geo-tracking, or identity misuse. It gives you more control over your privacy and strengthens your protection from fraud and scams.
34. Avoid Storing Sensitive Data On The Cloud Without Encryption
Cloud storage services such as Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox or OneDrive allow users to store and access documents, photos and backups on a variety of devices. However, if security is not properly managed, these platforms are not protected from data breach, unauthorized access or internal misuse. Sensitive data such as identity documents, banking information, tax records, medical files, business contracts or passwords should never be uploaded in raw, unencrypted form. Encryption is the most effective level of security. When you encrypt a file before uploading it, it converts to an unreadable format that requires a decryption key or password. Even if a hacker violates the cloud service or tampers with your login credentials, encrypted files remain useless without the key.
You can use software such as Veracrypt, 7-Zip on devices with AES-256, or built-in encryption tools before uploading. It is equally important to select a cloud provider with strong security policies. Look for features like zero-knowledge encryption, two-factor authentication, end-to-end data security, and secure data centers. Some services encrypt files on their servers but still hold your decryption key, meaning employees or intruders can potentially access your data. End-to-end encrypted storage means only you control the keys. Avoid saving passwords or financial documents in unsecured folders. Do not share cloud links publicly, and always review who has access to shared folders. Enable account alerts to detect suspicious logins and remove access from unknown devices. Always log out of cloud accounts on shared or public devices. Review regularly stored files and delete those that are no longer needed
35. Use Email Filters
Email is one of the most common mediums used by cyber criminals for phishing, fraudulent links, malware attachments, impersonation scams, and social engineering. Without a filtering mechanism, your inbox may be flooded with harmful messages that may inadvertently prompt you or a member of your household to click or respond. Email filters monitor security by automatically identifying and blocking spam, malicious emails, fake promotions, and suspicious attachments before they reach your main inbox. Most modern email platforms, such as Gmail, Outlook, ProtonMail, and Yahoo Mail, have smart filtering systems that analyze a sender’s reputation, keywords, embedded links, and attachments. You can increase security by creating custom filters to automatically send emails containing certain words, unknown senders or file types to the spam folder. Enabling features like “phishing protection” or “safe browsing” can give you alerts when an email tries to duplicate a bank, government agency, or well-known company.
Mark spam emails as junk so the system can learn and improve filtering accuracy. Avoid clicking “Unsubscribe” on suspicious emails, as this may confirm active use of your address and invite more spam. Instead, block the sender. Attachments, especially in ZIP, EXE, DOCM, or PDF formats, can carry malware or ransomware. Filters can quarantine such files and keep your device safe. Some filters also detect spoofed addresses where scammers mimic real companies by changing a letter in the domain name. For added security, you can use third-party spam-filtering tools or antivirus software that integrates with your email
36. Verify The Authenticity Of The Website
Before entering any personal information like credit card number, login credentials, Aadhaar details, PAN number, address or password, it is important to verify whether the website you are using is genuine or not. Cybercriminals often create fake versions of official websites, which contain trusted logos, false contact details, and fake layouts, to trick users into entering private information. First, check the website URL carefully. Authentic websites use HTTPS instead of HTTP, and the domain name must match the official website exactly— without any additional letters, hyphens, numbers, or misspellings. For example, “paytm.com” is legitimate, but “paytm-pay.com” or “paytm.in.net” can be fraudulent. Look for the padlock icon in the address bar, indicating SSL encryption. Clicking on the padlock mark or using the browser’s certificate viewer helps you verify the site’s security certificate, issuer, and validity period.
Certificates issued by trusted agencies such as DigiCert or Let’s Encrypt indicate authenticity. Counterfeit sites may use self-signed or expired certificates. Avoid websites that have poor design quality, multiple typing errors, broken links, or incorrect contact information. Official websites usually provide valid phone numbers, addresses, and customer support channels. Re-confirm such information through known sources or phone calls. Do not click on links to unwanted emails or messages that take you to login pages. Instead, manually type URLs or use saved bookmarks. Beware of online shopping sites with unrealistic offers, no return policies or no consumer reviews. When making payments, make sure the payment gateway redirects to a known and secure processor. Check trust seals (such as Verisign or Norton Secure), but also click on them to verify if they link to an actual certification page. By following these verification steps, you protect yourself from phishing pages, cloned websites, credential theft, financial fraud, and identity abuse. Verifying authenticity reduces the chances of being a victim of fraud disguised as a legitimate platform.
37. Be Careful With Online Forms
Online forms are commonly used for registration, feedback, surveys, job applications, contests, and service requests. Although many forms are valid, cybercriminals often create forger forms to give users personal information such as name, address, bank information, Aadhaar or Social Security number, OTP and password. These forms may appear on suspicious websites, pop-up ads, anonymous messaging links, or phishing emails disguised as official platforms. Fraudulent forms usually lure people with tempting offers like free gifts, jobs, lotteries, scholarships or lucky draws. These collect sensitive data on the pretext of verification, eligibility checks or identity confirmation. Once submitted, the information can be sold on the dark web, used for impersonation scams, or exploited for financial fraud. For your safety, always check the reliability of the source before filling out any form. Avoid entering sensitive data on websites with no HTTPS encryption or websites with unfamiliar URLs, broken layouts, spelling errors or unverifiable contact details.
Be wary of forms that ask for unnecessary information, such as bank account numbers for surveys or passwords for offers. Avoid clicking on form links shared by unknown WhatsApp chats, Telegram groups, SMS messages or social media posts. For official services like banking, education, government schemes or insurance, use only verified websites or apps. If you are not sure, contact the organization through the official helpline. Use disposable or secondary email addresses for non-essential registrations and avoid sharing your primary phone number unless necessary. Never upload identity documents or card details unless you have full confidence in the platform. By taking precautions and verifying forms before sharing information, you can significantly reduce the risk of phishing attacks, identity theft, and misuse of data.
38. Report Fraud Immediately
When fraud or suspicious activity occurs—such as unauthorized transactions, phishing attempts, fake calls, hacked accounts, or misuse of personal data—, prompt action is necessary. Delaying the action can cause criminals to withdraw money through your hacked accounts, misuse identity information, or target more people. The first step is to notify the customer service of your bank, credit card provider, or payment app. Most financial institutions can freeze your account, block cards, cancel certain transactions, and monitor fraudulent activities. If your phone or wallet is lost, reporting it to the authorities or service providers may deactivate the linked accounts before they are misused.
In India, complaints of cyber fraud can be lodged at the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or on the official portal (cybercrime.gov.in). Many other countries also have dedicated cybercrime units and fraud helplines. If identity documents like Aadhaar, passport, or PAN have been hacked, inform the issuing authority. Quickly change passwords for affected email accounts, banking apps, social media platforms, and online services. Enable multi-factor authentication to prevent further unauthorized access. Keep evidence such as messages, screenshots, emails or bank statements handy to confirm your case during investigation. Reporting fraud not only helps you, but also prevents cybercriminals from targeting others. Regulatory bodies, banks, telecom operators and cyber police can use your reports to block numbers, track IP addresses or alert the public. In the event of scams that occur through e-commerce platforms, delivery companies or UPI apps, file a complaint through their official support system. Reporting early often increases the chances of recovering lost money, limiting losses, and legally prosecuting fraudsters. Silence or delay benefits cheaters— speaking quickly protects you and helps others stay safe.
39. Educate Family Members
Cybercriminals often target people who do not fully understand digital risks, especially children, the elderly, and less tech-conscious family members. Even if you take full care of digital hygiene, the mistake of a family member can still make everyone’s data, financial accounts or devices a victim of fraud. Children are easily misled by gaming links, free gift offers, fake learning apps or suspicious pop-ups. They may inadvertently share private photos, school information, OTP or passwords. It is important to teach them safe browsing habits, not to click on unknown links and not to chat with strangers online. Activate child safety settings, parental controls, and app restrictions on the devices they use. Older family members are often victims of phishing calls, fake customer service scams, lottery schemes, impersonation frauds, and fraudulent investment offers. They can rely on unknown callers claiming to be from banks, telecom companies or government offices.
Teach them never to share OTP, PIN or Aadhaar details over the phone or through messages. Teach them to identify scam calls, fake websites and malicious emails. Youth and working professionals also need awareness about online dating scams, loan app fraud, identity theft and job-related phishing. Encourage all family members to use secure passwords, enable two-factor authentication, log out of shared devices, and update apps regularly. Create an open environment where family members feel comfortable discussing suspicious messages, calls or online requests. Share news about trending frauds and explain real-life examples to alert them. Teach them how to report cyber threats and who to contact in an emergency. Family education acts as a collective defence. When everyone understands basic cybersecurity, the entire family becomes less vulnerable to scams and data breaches.
40. Avoid Sharing The Location Excessively
Modern apps, social media platforms, and devices often ask for access to your location for features like navigation, weather updates, delivery, fitness tracking, or tagging posts. However, constantly sharing your real-time or exact location can seriously threaten your privacy and security. Criminals can use location data to track your activities, know your home address, track your work routine, or plan crimes such as stalking, theft, or identity theft. Posting travel updates, live locations or holiday photos in real-time lets scammers and thieves know that your home may be empty. Many apps use your location data for targeted ads, profiling, and unauthorized data sharing with third parties. Some even sell this information to marketing agencies or data brokers without your knowledge. To stay safe, turn off location permissions for apps that don’t need it. Change settings to “Always Allow” instead of “Always Allow”.
Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, and location sharing features when not needed. Avoid tagging exact locations in social media stories, posts, or public profiles. Before posting travel or program updates, defer until your return. See which apps have background access to your location and cancel unnecessary permissions. For ride-sharing, maps, or delivery apps, give access only temporarily. If children in the family use smartphones, keep an eye on their privacy settings and prevent them from sharing school or home space on chat apps or games. By controlling location sharing, you reduce the chances of digital stocking, physical threats, targeted theft, and misuse of personal data.
41. Be Careful With QR Codes
QR codes are widely used for payments, website links, menus, downloads, logins and app installs. However, scammers also use QR codes to allow users to open malicious websites, download harmful apps, or share personal information. A fraudulent QR code may be printed on posters, flyers, product packaging, public walls, business cards, or pasted over the real payment code at shops or toll booths. Upon scanning, it may redirect you to a fake banking page designed to steal your credentials, or it may automatically start paying into a scammer’s account. Some malicious QR codes install spyware or malware in your phone, giving hackers remote access to messages, galleries, microphones, or banking apps. Some other codes may subscribe you to premium services without your consent.
To stay safe, scan QR codes only from trusted sources— such as official apps, verified business counters or government platforms. Avoid code found in random public places, unauthorized websites, forwarded messages or social media posts. Before scanning the code for UPI or digital payments, confirm the recipient’s details on your screen before approving the transaction. Use an antivirus or QR scanner that can preview the link before opening it. Never enter password, OTP or card details after scanning QR code, unless you have complete information about the source. Avoid scanning codes sent by strangers via email, WhatsApp or SMS. By taking precautions and vigilance, you can prevent phishing, malware infections and financial fraud caused by malicious QR codes.
42. Use Secure Messaging Apps
Not all messaging apps offer the same level of privacy and data protection. Many popular platforms store messages on their servers, track metadata, or allow third-party access. The use of secure messaging apps with end-to-end encryption prevents unauthorized persons—including hackers, Internet providers, government agencies, or even app companies— from reading your private conversations. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read messages. Even if the data is intercepted, it remains unreadable without the specific decryption key stored on the user’s devices. Apps like Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram (secret chat), iMessage and Threema provide this level of security. These apps also protect voice calls, video calls, and shared media files, protecting them from intercept or tampering during transmission.
For sensitive communications involving business deals, personal identity documents, medical information, financial data or legal matters, it is necessary to use encrypted apps. However, just using a secure app is not enough. You should lock the messaging app using biometric or password protection, disable chat backups if they are stored unencrypted, and avoid linking to cloud backups that may expose messages. Be careful when sharing photos of IDs, debit cards, addresses or personal documents. Remove confidential files from chat history when they are not needed. Avoid using unsafe public Wi-Fi when sending private messages. Also, verify contacts using security codes or encryption keys to avoid impersonation. Do not click on unknown links, media files or attachments even inside encrypted chats, as scammers can still spread malware. By prioritizing secure messaging platforms and safe use habits, you protect your privacy, prevent interception, and reduce the risk of identity theft or data leaks.
43. Set Limits On Sharing Financial Statements
One of the most important habits for personal data protection is to avoid sharing financial information through unsafe or informal means. Information such as your bank account number, ATM PIN, CVV, card number, UPI PIN and online banking password is often targeted by scammers pretending to be bank agents, customer service representatives, insurance officers or delivery service personnel. Real financial institutions never ask for sensitive information through SMS, WhatsApp, social media chats, emails or voice calls. If someone immediately asks for information— like freezing your account, updating KYC, processing refunds, EMI offers or reward points— then they are trying psychological manipulation. Panic or excitement is created by adopting social engineering tactics so that the user can voluntarily provide information.
Once shared, this information can be used immediately for unauthorized transactions or gradually for major frauds. There are also digital traps where fraudsters use phishing emails or fake login pages that resemble official bank websites. Users sometimes inadvertently access these portals by entering a card number or OTP. Sharing pictures of your card, checkbook or bank statement with chat apps or unverified service providers can also be risky as fraudsters can extract partial numbers and confirm the account by combining them with other publicly available personal data. Many victims think that simply sharing an account number or card number is not harmful, but with call-based OTP tricking, fraud can be easily done.
Another growing issue is scam calls claiming to be RBIs, IT departments, courier services or payment gateways that ask for “verification” of financial statements. People unaware of banking protocols sometimes share these details thinking that compliance is mandatory. In digital markets, fraudsters also send malicious payment links labeled “get paid” by becoming fake buyers, but in reality their purpose is to steal card information. The safest approach, therefore, is to refuse financial information on any external request, however reliable. If any problem arises, always call yourself using the official helpline number from the bank’s website or statement. It is also necessary to educate family members, especially adolescents and the elderly, to prevent accidental disclosure.
44. Check Account Breaches
The incidence of data breaches is steadily increasing due to cyber attacks on social media platforms, online services, banks, healthcare portals and shopping websites. When a company’s database is hacked, user credentials— such as email ID, password, phone number, address and in serious cases, credit card information—Dark may be leaked on the web. If you use the same password across multiple services, attackers can also gain access to your other accounts through a process called credential stuffing. This is why checking if your email or phone number has been exposed in known breaches is an important step in protecting personal data. Many trusted platforms allow users to enter their email addresses and see if they were involved in breach incidents for various years.
Once a violation is detected, immediate recovery measures must be taken to minimize the damage. This includes changing passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, reviewing linked accounts, scanning inboxes for suspicious emails, and blocking anonymous logins. Many users ignore breach warnings by assuming that their accounts are inactive, but attackers often wait quietly, monitor communications, or sell data to others. Even information from old gaming accounts, forums or shopping websites can be combined with recent data to impersonate users. Fraudsters also use infringed data for phishing and targeted scams, where they address you by your real name or refer to past transactions to gain your trust.
Another threat is identity theft, where someone uses leaked information to apply for a loan, create a SIM card, open a bank account, or commit money laundering. Children and the elderly have more insecure accounts because their digital footprints are often unmanaged. Regular breach checks help detect the threat early and help with new security measures such as updating recovery emails, checking privacy settings, and deleting unused accounts, etc. Businesses should also audit, change credentials, and inform customers transparently about violations so people can act quickly. Monitoring violations is not a one-time activity—it should be a regular digital hygiene exercise that enhances your long-term protection against sophisticated cyber fraud.
45. Avoid Storing Passwords In The Browser
Most web browsers allow your password to be saved for instant login, and although this seems convenient, it poses a huge risk if your device is breached or accessed by someone else. Does. When passwords are saved in browsers without strong encryption or master password protection, malware, remote hackers or unauthorized users can easily access them. Physical access to a device for even a few minutes can allow one to open browser settings and view saved credentials. Some browsers sync passwords across multiple devices using cloud accounts, meaning that if one of those linked devices is breached, all accounts are vulnerable simultaneously.
Modern cybercriminals use password-stealing Trojans that search for saved credentials in browser storage and silently transmit them. There have been several cases where attackers distributed “free software” or fake updates designed to extract saved passwords and autofill information. In addition, public or shared computers, such as offices, libraries, or cybercafes, often have leftover login data that the next user can access. Even if you clear the browsing history, the saved credentials may remain. Many people don’t even know that the credentials stored in the browser are often not updated when the password is changed, leading to confusion and security flaws. Instead of storing credentials in browsers, security experts recommend using dedicated password managers that provide encrypted storage, multi-device syncing with encryption keys, dark web monitoring, and automatically generated strong passwords.
Password managers also protect the credentials behind master passwords, biometrics, or hardware-based authentication. They prevent password reuse, reduce the risk of brute-force attacks, and simplify long-term account management. Using unique passwords for banking, social media, government portals, cloud storage, and email services reduces cross-account vulnerability. In contrast, storing the same password in the browser increases the risk if even a single account is hacked. Taking this precaution also helps if the device is lost or stolen. Even if someone bypasses the screen lock, they cannot automatically access your password through the saved browser Autofill. Additionally, organizations that manage employee data and client portals discourage browser-based credential gathering to avoid legal and financial consequences. By closing browser autofill and storage prompts and switching to more secure options, users can significantly reduce the chances of identity theft, unauthorized trading, fraudulent purchases, and email hijacking.
46. Set Up Device Recovery Options
Losing a phone, tablet or laptop can seriously threaten users’ privacy as personal communications, banking apps, OTP messages, photos, identity documents and saved passwords can become accessible. It is important to set up device recovery options such as “Find My Phone”, “Find My Device”, Remote Wipe, SIM Lock, and Secure Backup to reduce the impact of theft or loss. These features allow you to track the device’s estimated GPS location, remotely lock it, display recovery messages, or quickly erase all stored data. Without these security measures, a thief or unauthorized user can insert a new SIM, turn off network access, reset the device, or sell it with your sensitive data. Nowadays smartphones often serve as authentication tools for financial accounts, social media profiles, and official portals. Once in the wrong hands, SIM swap attacks or OTP intercepts can be quickly executed. Enabling recovery features also ensures that your photos, cloud credentials, and communication apps don’t fall into the hands of cybercriminals, who specialize in gathering personal data for blackmail or identity fraud. Integration of recovery functions with Google, Apple or Windows accounts provides multilevel security, especially when biometric locks and screen pins are set correctly. The remote wipe allows you to erase sensitive content even if the device cannot be physically recovered.
Another overlooked aspect is registering alternative email addresses and phone numbers as part of recovery settings. This ensures that password resets and device alerts reach you even if primary access is lost. Regularly testing the recovery feature, updating emergency contacts, and enabling SIM card lock with PIN further strengthens your security. Backup options prevent data loss and make it easier to restore data to a new device after wiping. Recovery facilities are particularly useful during travel, in crowded places, schools, offices or public transport, where devices are often lost or stolen. Families can also use tracking for children’s or elderly relatives’ phones to ensure safety in emergencies. Businesses use these tools through mobile device management to protect corporate data. In any scenario, without recovery options, one could lose not only the device, but also control over emails, financial accounts, cloud storage, and identity documents – which could be exploited quietly and rapidly.
47. Use Different Emails For Different Purposes
Using the same email ID for banking, personal communications, government portals, job applications and online shopping increases the risk because if any one platform is compromised, all the accounts linked to it may be exposed. Cybercriminals often carry out targeted attacks by using leaked credentials, sending phishing emails or employing brute-force tactics on related accounts. By dividing emails into categories—, such as one for official and financial services, one for social media and entertainment, and the other for sign-ups, purchases, and newsletters—, you can reduce the impact of violations. Even if a low-security platform leaks your email, your critical accounts remain secure. Partitioning helps manage spam and reduces the chances of ignoring suspicious messages. Phishers often use cloned bank or tax department emails sent to general-purpose addresses, causing users to be caught suddenly. If your main financial email is kept confidential and shared only with banks, insurance providers and verified platforms, the chances of scammers reaching you are significantly reduced. Additionally, separate emails help track unauthorized logins and unusual activity alerts more accurately. People who mix personal and business communications also risk inadvertently sharing sensitive files or identity documents when their accounts overlap.
Using separate recovery emails for critical accounts prevents attackers from easily resetting passwords via a hacked inbox. For business owners or freelancers, having a dedicated work email ensures that client data and contracts are protected from accidental leaks. Students or job seekers often share their resumes widely; Using a secondary email ensures that personal and banking-related accounts remain separate from the job portal. What many people don’t know is that subscription-based websites, forums, shopping apps, and gaming portals often sell user data to advertisers. If your high-value email is used everywhere, it becomes the target of spear phishing and credential theft. Using emails with unique passwords and multi-factor authentication adds further layers of security. By periodically reviewing which email is connected to which service, you are also able to close unused accounts and update important contacts. Organizing email in this way does not require technical complexity, but rather provides strong protection against digital fraud, identity theft, spam-based scams, and surveillance-based attacks.
48. Avoid Sharing Personal Information On Public Forums
Public platforms such as social media groups, online communities, discussion forums, Telegram channels, public Facebook groups, Reddit threads, and comment sections may seem harmless, but these are actively tracked by scammers and data scrapers. Posting personal identities such as home address, phone number, Aadhaar details, Social Security number, passport photo, banking reference, workplace ID, land records, or even names of family members can be used for identity theft, impersonation, SIM. Can be used for fraud or financial scams. Cheaters often create fake profiles by combining pieces of data collected from different sources or apply for loans in someone else’s name. Scammers also take advantage of emotional posts where users seek financial help, share medical or legal problems, or detail assets.
Cybercriminals then become well-wishers, executives, or buyers to get users to disclose more sensitive data through private messages. Posting legal documents, certificates, utility bills, dates of birth, pet names, vehicle numbers, or travel plans allows them to anticipate security questions or track your pattern of activities. Children and adolescents inadvertently reveal school names, locations, or programs when posting photos, increasing families’ risk of stalking, attempted kidnapping, or blackmail. Even comments made on random forums asking for help with bank or card issues can attract fraudsters pretending to represent customer service. They contact the victim privately, gather financial details, and carry out the fraud with reasonable intent.
Public posts also leave permanent traces that can be indexed by search engines, meaning that data can still appear after being deleted. To be safe, keep your identity secret when connecting publicly and avoid revealing personal details. Limit who can view your posts, remove geotags, and avoid uploading documents or identity cards using privacy settings. If an organization requests sensitive data, always provide it through official, secure means, not forums or comments. Educate family members not to openly display exam results, marriage certificates, property papers or KYC documents. Scammers often use collected data for phishing, blackmail, credit fraud, and SIM duplication. By controlling what you share publicly, you eliminate a major source of exploitable information and maintain better control over your digital identity.
49. Review App Privacy Policies
Every time users install a mobile or desktop application, they inadvertently agree to terms that give the developer access to certain personal information. Most people uncritically click “allow” or “agree” without checking what data is being collected, how it will be used, and whether it will be shared with a third party. Many apps ask for permissions that have nothing to do with their core functionality. For example, a simple Torchlight app should not require access to contacts, camera, microphone, or location. Similarly, a gaming app should not seek permission to read SMS or access banking information. When users ignore privacy policies, they allow apps to collect sensitive data such as messages, photos, browsing history, device IDs, biometric information, and advertising preferences. Some apps earn revenue not through subscriptions, but by selling user data to marketing networks, data brokers, or unknown entities. This data can later be used to send phishing messages, targeted scams, attempted identity theft, and unwanted advertisements. Some applications host malicious SDKs that silently track the behavior of other apps. If you use the same phone for work, financial transactions and personal activity, this unauthorized tracking can pose huge risks.
It is also necessary to check whether the app shares user data with governments, partner companies or foreign servers. Many free VPNs, file cleaners, photo editing apps, and unknown financial tools have been caught selling user data, leaking files, or spying on messages. Reviewing app policies helps identify red flags such as uncertain data retention, third-party access, unclear encryption practices, or the developer’s missing contact details. Users should uninstall apps that ask for excessive permissions or provide vague privacy terms. Download the app only from the official store and check out recent reviews and update history. Disabling unused permissions in settings and denying access to contacts, microphones, and space when not needed also reduces risk. Ultimately, reading privacy policies – even if briefly – helps you understand whether the app respects your data, misuses it, or leaves it vulnerable to fraud and monitoring.
50. Use A Strong PIN For The Card
The card PIN is often the last security line between your money and the cheater. Many set pins based on easily identifiable information, such as year of birth, date of marriage, anniversary, repeating digits such as 1111 or 0000, or patterns such as 1234 and 2580. Criminals are aware of this behavior and test common combinations before accessing stolen cards or clones. In cases of ATM skimming, once the card information is found, it is easier to guess the weak PIN. When purses or handbags are stolen, thieves check identity cards, driving licenses or social media profiles to extract pins from dates of birth or important numbers. A strong PIN must be random and not linked to personal information. Avoid using any public information such as your phone number, vehicle registration or address digits. Also, do not place your card PIN on paper slips, purse notes, diaries or mobile phone notes with any signs written on them. Some people share their PIN codes with relatives, domestic helpers, friends or colleagues for convenience. This increases the risk of misuse or accidental disclosure.
Banks recommend changing the PIN code from time to time, especially after suspicious ATM visits or card usage in unfamiliar places. Card cloning devices and hidden cameras can capture PIN codes if users are not careful. Always cover the keypad when entering the number and avoid using ATMs that look tampered or have loose attachments. Another important precaution is not to use the same PIN for more than one card. If one card is tampered with, thieves should not access other cards with the same digits. Digital wallets, UPI apps and credit cards also require strong PIN codes for authentication. Some people reuse the same code for ATMs, apps, and phone locks, making all systems vulnerable at once. By using complex, unrelated PIN codes and storing them mentally instead of paper or digital notes, users significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized cash withdrawals, online purchases, or POS fraud.
51. Avoid Using Automatic Login On Shared Devices
Automatic login features allow websites and apps to sign in without entering credentials every time. Although it is convenient on personal devices, but on shared or public computers— such as offices, cyber cafes, libraries, schools, hotels or friends’ laptops— its use poses a serious risk. When credentials are saved or sessions remain active, the next user can access your email, social media, banking portal or shopping accounts without any hindrance. Even when closing the browser, sessions are often open or can be retrieved via browser history or stored cookies. Some public machines also have software that records keystrokes or screenshots for malicious monitoring. If automatic login is enabled, credentials may be stored in local files, which hackers can then extract. Organizations sometimes use shared systems for training or customer service, and employees inadvertently leave logged-in sessions that others may abuse. In cyber cafes, people often check tickets, banking apps or social media and forget to log out, giving direct access to strangers.
Hackers exploit weak device hygiene and capture multiple accounts by combining saved passwords with recovery methods. Temporary automatic login to friends’ laptops can also cause problems if the browser syncs saved credentials to their cloud account. To avoid this, always use secret or private browsing modes on shared devices. Never allow a popup that says “Save Username and Password”. After use, manually log out of each session and clear cookies and history. Another safe option is to avoid shared systems altogether for financial or identity-sensitive logins. Use only your personal trusted device with a secure browser and two-factor authentication. If use becomes unavoidable, generate temporary passwords or OTP-based access instead of full credentials
52. Beware Of Charity Scams
During tragedies such as earthquakes, epidemics, floods, wars or medical emergencies, fraudsters exploit people’s emotions by running fake charity campaigns. They create websites with real charities such as names, social media pages, bank accounts and UPI IDs. Messages for help spread via WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, Instagram and SMS. Many victims donate assuming that their money will go to disaster relief, orphan support, animal welfare or medical treatment. Often, however, the funds end up in the private accounts of fraudsters. Fraudsters also impersonate religious trusts, government initiatives, non-governmental organizations or reputable entities. They use emotional photos, forged documents, and doctored videos to gain credibility. In some cases, victims receive calls or emails urgently requesting surgery, oxygen supplies or shelter. Crowdfunding platforms are also misused using photographs of stolen patients and fake hospital records. During COVID-19, many donated to the “instant plasma” and “oxygen cylinder” scandals without verification. To avoid becoming a victim, always check the official website of the institution and check whether the donation is tax-free and registered under legal entities. Confirm registration number, address and previous work. Donate only through recognized means such as verified accounts listed on government portals or official websites. Avoid donating to individuals who refuse transparency or insist on immediate payment.
Before donating, check if fraud has been reported about the charity. The de facto entities provide receipts, lists of donors and progress reports. Double check phone number and email domain. Use caution if someone interacts with emotional pressure or claims that “there is very little time left”. Scammers resort to urgency to circumvent your decision. By practicing verification, you ensure that your money reaches real objectives and deprives criminals of financial benefits. Educating family members, especially the elderly or compassionate donors, helps prevent exploitation. Responsible charity requires emotional compassion as well as practical caution.
53. Check The Email Sender’s Domain
Fraudulent emails are often created in such a way that they appear to come from legitimate entities such as banks, insurance companies, government departments, universities, delivery services or tech companies. Scammers use similar domain names to deceive users. For example, instead of support@bankname.com, they can use support@bankname-secure.com, care@bnakname.com, help@bankname-alerts.net, or bankname@customersafe.info. At first glance, users focus only on the display name and ignore the entire email address. This omission causes people to click on malicious links, share credentials, or download infected attachments. Attackers also use spoofing techniques to hide a fake domain from the name of a real-looking sender. An email may come from “RBI”, “SBI Support”, “Aadhaar Update”, “Gmail Team” or “Amazon Support”, but the domain behind it reveals the deception. They often put subtle character substitutions— like “0” instead of the letter “O” or “.co” instead of “.com”. Users who do not check carefully eventually assume that the communication is genuine.
Checking the sender’s domain helps avoid phishing attacks aimed at stealing OTP, passwords, or banking details. Legitimate institutions use official domains and do not contact customers through random free service providers such as Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook for sensitive matters. If an email asks for verification, asks you to click on the payment link, or mentions the account being blocked, always compare the domain with the official website. Moving the mouse over the link can reveal whether the destination URL is valid or a fake page. Whenever in doubt, contact the institution directly using official phone numbers or website email ID. Never respond to suspicious emails or open unknown attachments. Encouraging employees, students, and family members to verify domains reduces the risk of ransomware infections, money transfers to fraudsters, or hacked accounts. Domain awareness is one of the simplest but most powerful defenses in email security.
54. Avoid Unnecessary Data On Apps
Many people store PAN card, Aadhar card, bank statement, password, credit card photos, personal photos and confidential documents in apps that do not require such data. Examples include gallery apps, note-taking platforms, messaging apps, loan calculators, photo editors, and local storage-based apps. If any of these apps are hacked, updated with spyware or sold to a third party, the stored information becomes unsafe. Even some legitimate apps collect hidden metadata from files without notifying users. Some shopping and travel apps ask users to upload an identity card, address, or payment details for faster checkout. Users should avoid permanently storing details in such apps unless absolutely necessary. Sensitive data such as CVV numbers, medical records, travel plans, passwords and biometric details should not be kept in an unsecured app environment. When a phone is lost, shared or repaired, unauthorized persons can browse these apps and extract data.
Another problem is that many apps automatically sync information with cloud services. If the security of the accounts is weak or the privacy setting is loose, this data may be inadvertently passed to multiple servers or devices. Even expired or outdated apps that remain installed, hold old data, and are rarely monitored by users. Apps asking for camera, microphone, storage or SMS access can silently abuse data in the background. To stay safe, remove documents that are not necessary for the app’s functionality and turn off access permissions where not needed. If you want to store some information digitally, use encrypted vault apps or secure folders. Clear cache regularly and sign out of apps with financial or identifying details after use. Avoid giving multiple permissions at once during installation and check privacy settings after updates. When users control how much personal data an app can access or store, they reduce the likelihood of fraud, blackmail, identity abuse, or financial theft. Apps should facilitate—on that should become a repository of sensitive life information.
55. Review Account Settings Regularly
Most people create accounts on social media, email platforms, and financial websites and never review privacy or security settings afterward. Over time, platforms update features, change policies, or introduce new sharing options that may expose your personal information more than ever. If you don’t review the settings from time to time, you may inadvertently leave your data open to the public, advertisers, or even cybercriminals. For example, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter often reset or modify visibility settings after updates. If you don’t keep track of these changes, your posts, photos, phone numbers, and friends list may be partially or completely visible to strangers. The email account also includes settings associated with recovery options, connected devices, third-party access, and two-factor authentication. An old phone number or inactive recovery email may prevent you from accessing it again in the event of hacking attempts. Many people don’t see if unknown IP addresses or unfamiliar apps are logged into their accounts. By reviewing the settings, you can remove suspicious devices, disable unused integrations, and update weak passwords.
Financial accounts need even more attention. Banks and digital wallets can add new authentication features like biometric login, OTP alerts or device-linked verification. If these features are not operational, the risk of unauthorized transactions increases. Reviewing account preferences also helps you close unnecessary auto-payment settings, linked third-party apps or saved cards that may be misused. Some apps also let you download or delete your stored data, but users rarely choose this option. Regular review— at least once every few months— strengthens your digital security. It also reduces the risk caused by outdated settings that are no longer compatible with your current use. Small updates such as limiting profile visibility, hiding contact details, turning on login alerts, or canceling unused app permissions can also prevent data leaks, impersonation, stocking, or financial fraud.
56. Avoid Using Default Security Questions
Security queries are often used for password recovery or secondary verification, but many users leave these to default settings or choose predictable answers. “What is your mother’s first name?”, “Where were you born?”, or “What is your pet’s name?” Questions like these are risky because such information can be obtained through social media profiles, informal conversations or public records. Fraudsters can gather this information through data mining, social engineering, or targeted phishing. If it’s easy to guess your default questions, hackers can reset passwords without your knowledge. Another mistake is to give the correct answer in its original form. For example, if your real birthplace is Jaipur, and you write “Jaipur”, someone who knows you or does research about you can guess it. A safe way is to write an unrelated but rememberable answer. Instead of using real information, you can use fictitious or coded answers that only you know. For example, if security asks the question, “What is your favorite food?” You can answer “GreyMango918” or anything that doesn’t relate to your life.
Default queries provided by websites often lack variety and are shared across different platforms. If a hacker gains access to one of your accounts and sees your security answers, he or she may try the same details elsewhere. This becomes especially dangerous when users reuse the same answers on banking, email, social media and shopping portals. Turning questions and answers into less explicit answers makes it harder for fraudsters to cross over to automated verification systems. Some platforms now allow custom security queries. When this option is available, create questions that no one else would even think of asking. Also, if the answers are complex, consider storing them in a secure password manager instead of remembering them. By staying away from default and predictable security questions, you make it far more difficult for cybercriminals to exploit recovery systems or take unauthorized possession of your digital accounts.
57. Stay Updated About Scams
Scams experts constantly develop their strategies to take advantage of new technologies, social trends and economic conditions. What was previously limited to email phishing has now spread to UPI fraud, SIM swapping, fake investment platforms, QR code scams, AI-generated voice calls, deepfake videos, cryptocurrency theft and fake customer service helplines. If you are not fully aware of the methods of new scams, you are more likely to become a victim of an unexpected scam. Staying up to date helps you quickly identify and respond intelligently to fraudulent attempts. Reliable ways to stay informed include reading news from reputable sources, following cybersecurity awareness pages, checking advice from banks or government agencies, and staying connected to digital security forums. Law enforcement agencies such as CERT-In, RBI, INTERPOL, and cyber police departments often issue scam warnings and guidelines to help citizens recognize patterns. Even telecom providers and payment apps sometimes send warnings when new threats appear.
Scams experts also take advantage of seasonal trends. For example, during the tax filing season, fake messages from the IT department appear. During festivals, phishing links offering discounts circulate. During a crisis or pandemic, fake relief funds and donation schemes emerge. Being aware of the timing and style of scams helps you identify them quickly. If you keep getting information about real cases, you start seeing common signs like urgency, emotional blackmail, impersonation of the officer, or suspicious links. Discussing scam awareness with family, friends, employees or elders also helps others stay safe. People who lack digital literacy or who live offline do not know about new fraud methods unless someone informs them. Staying up to date is not just for personal safety; it also contributes to community safety. When users remain ignorant, scammers thrive. But when people stay informed and share knowledge, the power of fraudsters to surprise and deceive diminishes.
58. Avoid Sharing Personal Information Over The Phone
One of the oldest and most effective methods of fraud is phone calls. Scammers impersonate bank officials, telecom operators, delivery agents, loan officers, electricity departments, gas agencies, insurance companies, tax authorities or customer support staff. They use caller ID spoofing to show official-looking numbers and speak with a professional accent to win trust. When the victim is relieved, the caller asks for personal information like Aadhaar number, bank account details, card number, CVV, OTP or password under the pretext of verification, KYC update, refund, cancellation or account blocking. Many people become victims because the call seems reliable and necessary. The main security principle is this: Never share any personal or financial information unless you have initiated a call and dialed a verified number from an official source. Banks, government agencies and legitimate companies never ask for OTP, password, PIN or card security code on the phone. If someone insists, it’s an immediate alarm bell. Hang up the phone and contact the institute on a confirmed helpline number to confirm whether the problem is real or not.
Scammers also sometimes pretend to be beleaguered relatives or officials claiming legal action. They may use information collected from social media or past data leaks to appear genuine. They may already know your name, address or bank branch so you feel they are legitimate. Some cheaters even ask for remote access to your phone by asking you to install a screen-sharing app. This allows them to keep track of whether you open sensitive accounts or enter OTP. To avoid becoming a victim, do not have long conversations with unknown callers. Never follow instructions such as “Confirm details” or “Update quickly”. Families should train children and elderly members not to share any personal information over the phone, even if the caller threatens to face consequences or offers help. Your information is safest only if it is shared only through official channels, which you initiate and verify yourself.
59. Check The Security Of Online Shopping
Online shopping can be convenient, but if users do not confirm the authenticity of the website, it can also become a victim of fraud. Cyber criminals create fake shopping portals imitating popular brands and offer huge discounts to lure buyers. After payment is made, either no product arrives or counterfeit goods are shipped. Fraudulent websites often lack secure payment gateways, customer service contacts, or valid return policies. Some are used only to collect card details, addresses, emails and phone numbers to prevent further fraud. To reduce risk, always check HTTPS (not just HTTP) in the website address. A secure website usually displays a lock symbol in the browser bar. However, that alone is not enough—cheaters can also buy SSL certificates. So, check the spelling of the domain and make sure it matches the legitimate brand. Pay attention to verified reviews of real users on trusted platforms, not just testimonials displayed on the site. Also, check the contact sections, refund policies, and availability of physical addresses. Lack of transparency indicates danger.
When making payments, give priority to cash on delivery or official payment gateways linked to recognized banks or wallets. Avoid entering card details directly into unknown websites. Paying through virtual cards, UPIs or secure apps reduces losses even when data is leaked. Beware of shopping links sent via WhatsApp, SMS, email or random social media ads—These often redirect to phishing sites. Another alarm bell rings when a website asks for excessive personal information, such as identification numbers, OTPs or additional account logins, during checkout. Fake tracking links, instant sales countdowns and non-standard URLs are commonly used to put pressure on buyers. Always double-check deals that seem unrealistically cheap. Being cautious when shopping online protects not only against financial loss but also against identity theft and misuse of data.
60. Protect Your Social Security Or Identification Number
Identity numbers like Social Security number, Aadhaar number, PAN, Voter ID card, passport details or National Identity Card code are highly sensitive as they can be used to impersonate you or commit fraud. Criminals can use these numbers to apply for loans, open bank accounts, obtain SIM cards, register fake businesses, file fraudulent tax returns, or commit cyber crimes using your identity. Once misused, clearing your name becomes difficult and time-consuming. Many people spontaneously share identity proofs with individuals, apps, job portals, landlords, hotels, or local agents without verifying how the data will be stored or protected. Some people also upload identity documents to unverified websites during registration or gift giving. Cheaters collect copies of identities from useless documents, email attachments, or unsafe drives. In large scams, criminals obtain Aadhaar or SSN details and link them to fraudulent phone numbers or bank accounts to conduct illegal transactions.
The best approach is to share these numbers only when legally required and through trusted entities. Always check whether the requesting organization is genuine and authorized. Avoid carrying physical copies unnecessarily and never send them through online posts or insecure chats. When submitting a photocopy, write the purpose and date on the document to avoid re-use. Destroy old copies before throwing them away. Digital lockers and government portals often provide secure storage, but access needs to be protected with strong authentication. Enabling alerts for financial transactions, PAN-Aadhaar linkage or account opening helps in early detection of misuse. If you suspect that your identification number has been compromised, immediately inform the concerned authorities and keep an eye on the credit activity. Being selective and cautious about your identification numbers ensures that they are not used as weapons against you in fraud or criminal activity.
61. Avoid Using Old Equipment
Using old devices like smartphones, tablets or computers significantly increases the risk of fraud and cyber attacks. Older devices often stop receiving necessary security updates, firmware patches, and operating system upgrades from manufacturers. Without these patches, unresolved vulnerabilities allow hackers to take advantage of system vulnerabilities, gain unauthorized access, or install malware without your knowledge. Many older devices also do not have advanced security features such as biometric authentication, encrypted storage, secure boot systems, or automatic threat detection. For example, smartphones running older versions of Android or iOS cannot block new phishing apps or ransomware infections.
Even old laptops and desktops can reveal saved passwords, financial logins, and browsing history for cybercriminals. These devices may also be incompatible with the latest version of security software or antivirus programs, leaving users vulnerable. If upgrading to a new device is not possible immediately, at least make sure the existing device still gets system and security updates. Remove unused apps, disable risky permissions, and avoid logging into sensitive accounts using such tools. Do not do online banking, digital wallet transactions, government portal access or confidential communications on old hardware. Staying up to date with devices reduces vulnerabilities and ensures better encryption, multi-factor authentication, and compatibility with fraud detection mechanisms.
62. Don’t Fall For “Immediate” Requests
Cheaters often resort to psychological subterfuge by giving them a false sense of urgency. They put pressure on victims to act immediately before they find time to think, affirm or question the situation. These instant requests may appear in emails, messages, calls, or pop-up alerts, with claims such as “Your account will be blocked,” “Your payment failed,” “Limited time offer,” “Immediate action is required,” or “You are being fined”. Cheaters may pretend to be bank officials, government departments, technical assistance agents, company officials, or charitable workers. They may urge you to click on a link, transfer money, give OTP, share personal or financial details, or download a file. Caller ID spoofing and fake email domains make these scams look like real ones. To stay safe, stop before responding to any immediate messages.
Confirm the request by contacting the official organization not through the numbers or links provided in the suspicious message, but through their known contact details. Check for grammatical errors, unusual demands or threats. Legitimate authorities never rush or threaten users demanding immediate compliance. If you’re unsure, get a second opinion from someone you trust. Most frauds are successful when victims panic— fraud can be completely prevented by remaining calm and conducting investigations.
63. Use Credit Instead Of Debit For Online Payments
When making online payments, using a credit card provides more protection from fraud than a debit card. Debit cards are directly linked to your bank account, which means any unauthorized transaction withdraws your money immediately. Depending on the bank’s policy, recovery of this money can be complex and time consuming. However, credit cards serve as a buffer as payments are billed later, giving you time to dispute fraudulent charges before your money is affected. Many credit cards offer zero-liability protection, fast chargeback options, and dedicated fraud monitoring systems. If someone gets your debit card information, they can empty your account, interrupt automatic payments, or initiate an overdraft.
Credit cards, on the other hand, limit the offender to the credit limit of the card and provide you with legal protection under consumer laws. In addition, credit cards often include additional features such as virtual card numbers, OTP verification, and transaction alerts. For high-risk transactions—including new websites, international purchases or third-party payment gateways—credit cards act as a secure medium. But even when using credit cards, it’s important to monitor statements, enable alerts, and avoid unnecessarily saving card details on websites. Responsible use of credit cards helps prevent both inconvenience and financial loss.
64. Clear Cookies And Cache Regularly
Web browsers store cookies and cache to increase browsing speed and remember user preferences. However, when these stored files are accumulated, they can pose a risk to privacy and security. Cookies can track your online behavior, login sessions, and browsing history. If someone gains access to your device or browser profile, they can retrieve saved sessions, auto-filled details, or logged-in accounts. Hackers and malicious websites may take advantage of cookies to hijack sessions or impersonate users.
Cache, on the other hand, can store temporary files such as pages, images, or scripts that can reveal sensitive data. Regularly clearing cookies and caches reduces digital footprints, prevents tracking by third-parties, and reduces the possibility of unauthorized access. It also improves browser performance and reduces data clutter. After clearing these files, be sure to log back in to only those services you trust. Additionally, use private or secret mode for temporary browsing and disable third-party cookies whenever possible. Avoid using public or shared devices without clearing browsing data. Continuous cleaning strengthens privacy and limits the information the attacker can obtain in case the device is hacked.
65. Avoid Downloading Email Attachments From Unknown Sources
Email attachments are one of the most common ways to spread malware, spyware, ransomware, and keyloggers. Cybercriminals hide harmful files as PDFs, invoices, resumes, tickets, reports, or bank documents. These attachments may appear to come from legitimate companies, government bodies, or familiar names using fake email addresses. Opening such attachments can install programs that can steal passwords, encrypt files for ransom, monitor keystrokes, or provide remote access to your device. Even a single click can compromise your financial accounts, social media profiles, identity documents or confidential data.
For your safety, never open attachments from unknown senders or unexpected emails. Even if the name seems familiar, confirm with that person by another communication means before opening the file. Check the sender’s full email address, not just the display name. Beware of files like.exe,.zip,.js,.docm, or.xlsm that may contain active code. Use a reliable antivirus tool that scans attachments before opening them. Avoid downloading attachments on mobile devices connected to financial apps or office accounts. In case of doubt, delete the email instead of taking risks. Caution with attachments can prevent major financial and data glitches.
66. Beware Of Fake Technical Support
Fake technical assistance scams are one of the most common and dangerous forms of fraud. Scammers often pretend to be representatives of well-known companies or antivirus providers like Microsoft, Apple, Google. They usually send unsolicited phone calls, pop-up warnings or fake emails claiming that your device has been infected or hacked. Their purpose is to create fear so that you hand over control to someone else or pay off. They may ask you to download remote desktop tools such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer or UltraViewer, under the pretext of “fixing” your device. Once they have access, they can steal your personal data, install malware, or demand payment for fake services.
Some scammers also ask for gift cards, bank transfers, or digital wallet payments as “service fees”. Legitimate tech companies never make sudden calls to warn you about problems. They do not ask for remote access, passwords or financial information unless you have previously contacted them through an official support channel. If you ever get such a call or pop-up, disconnect immediately. Do not download any software or click on suspicious links. Instead, run your antivirus scan or contact verified customer support using the numbers of the official websites. Being wary of such scams can avoid identity theft and financial loss.
67. Avoid Sharing Travel Plans Publicly
Posting your travel dates publicly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp status or Twitter may not seem harmful, but it can provide valuable information to fraudsters and thieves. When criminals find out you’re out of the house, it becomes easier for them to plan a break-in, target your property, or track your absence. Even if your accounts are private, friends of friends or hacked contacts may inadvertently expose information.
Additionally, scammers can impersonate you using your travel status and ask for money from relatives or friends by claiming an emergency abroad. Posting tickets, boarding passes, hotel reservations or location check-ins reveals sensitive information such as booking codes, travel deadlines or financial identifiers. A safe way is to avoid announcing upcoming trips online. If you want to share updates, do so after returning. For added security, inform your trusted neighbors or relatives to check your property during your absence. Make sure your home’s security systems, cameras, and alarms are on. Keeping your absence a secret can avoid both digital and physical threats.
68. Keep The Software Firewall Active
Firewalls are an important link in protecting against cyber threats. It monitors incoming network traffic and prevents unauthorized access to your device. Whether you’re using a computer, smartphone, smart TV or tablet, turning off the firewall makes your system vulnerable to hacking attempts, malware, ransomware, and identity theft. Modern operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and many Android devices have built-in firewalls, but users often turn them off accidentally or due to misconfiguration. Some people turn them off to speed up performance or install apps without any restrictions— without realizing the risk.
Hackers look for open ports and insecure systems to install malicious software or extract personal data. To stay safe, make sure your firewall is always on. If you use security software from companies like Kaspersky, Bitdefender, McAfee or Norton, check that their firewall features are active. Keep settings updated and allow only trusted programs to use. When using public Wi-Fi, firewalls become even more important as attackers often scan shared networks for vulnerable devices. By activating and properly configuring your firewall, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber intrusion.
69. Limit Use Of Smart Home Devices
Smart home devices such as smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, TVs, plugs, and door locks collect large amounts of personal data. These provide convenience, but if not managed properly, they also increase privacy and security risks. Many users omit factory-default passwords, which hackers can easily guess or search for online. Some devices lack proper encryption and allow unauthorized access through Wi-Fi networks. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities to spy through smart cameras, listen to conversations through smart speakers, or control connected devices.
If the devices are connected to your phone or email accounts, attackers can use them to steal credentials or access your home. To reduce risk, use strong, unique passwords and change the default login credentials immediately. Disable features you don’t use, especially remote access, voice purchases, or third-party integration. Place devices on a separate Wi-Fi network (guest network) so that they do not share access with sensitive devices such as laptops or phones. Update firmware regularly to remove security flaws. The aim is not to completely avoid smart devices, but to use them responsibly and with awareness of potential threats.
70. Stay Calm And Confirm
Cheaters resort to haste, fear, panic, or confusion to incite people to make mistakes. Whether it’s a fake bank call, a suspicious email, a message demanding payment, or a threat to suspend an account, they aim to keep you from thinking clearly. When people act in a hurry without checking any facts, they are more likely to share OTP, passwords, personal data or money. Staying calm is your first defense. If someone asks for information, payment or access, stop before responding. Ask yourself:
• Did I initiate this contact?
• Does this request seem logical or expected?
• Can I confirm this through an official means?
If a caller claims to be from the bank, disconnect the phone and call the official number given on the website. If you receive messages claiming legal or financial threats, confirm with the responsible institution. Do not follow the instructions blindly, even if the tone sounds professional. Scammers often use fake names, government seals, official identity cards such as emails or real-looking numbers. By taking a few minutes to verify, you can avoid major losses. Calm thinking neutralizes manipulation and helps you maintain control over the situation.
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