Beware – The Top 10 Amazon Email Scams You Need to Avoid
Written by: Stelian Pilici
Published on:
As one of the most recognized retail brands worldwide, Amazon, unfortunately, attracts a huge volume of scammers exploiting their name and reputation to run deceptive cons targeting customers. Many schemes revolve around sending fake emails mimicking Amazon designed to steal money, data, and identities from victims who fall for them.
This comprehensive guide will provide an in-depth examination of the most widespread Amazon email scams reported, how to recognize them, and expert advice to avoid becoming a victim yourself. Knowing what to look for can help you identify fraudulent emails aiming to access your sensitive information.
This article contains:
An Overview of Amazon Email Scamming
The ubiquity of Amazon makes it an ideal choice for scammers to impersonate when executing email fraud campaigns. Some of the most common Amazon email scams include:
Phishing Scams – Fake logins prompt users to enter credentials on phony websites which scammers control to steal account access.
Fraudulent Payment Notices – Emails with fake invoices demand payment for items victims didn’t purchase. Urgency is created through threats of account suspension.
Suspicious Refunds – Scammers promise refunds for supposedly mistaken transactions and aim to obtain banking details to commit financial theft.
Account Locking Alerts – Messages stating your account is frozen to build urgency and have users click credential-stealing links to ‘unlock’ accounts.
Bogus Subscription Renewals – Faked Amazon Prime renewal alerts with account expiration warnings aim to capture updated payment card details from recipients.
Malware Downloads – Infected email attachments or embedded links install viruses, spyware, ransomware, and trojans onto downloaders’ devices.
Fraudulent Support Calls – Scammers impersonate Amazon customer service reps and gain remote computer access under the guise of ‘helping’ once recipients call numbers within scam emails.
With so much legitimate correspondence also taking place via email, it can be challenging for the average user to discern real Amazon notifications from sophisticated fakes. But awareness of common red flags can help individuals steer clear of Amazon email cons.
Breaking Down the Top 10 Amazon Email Scams
Let’s examine the prevalent fake Amazon emails that users should stay vigilant against in order to detect and avoid them.
1. Account Locking Scams
Perhaps the most ubiquitous Amazon phishing scam starts with an email stating your Amazon account has been locked or frozen due to suspicious activity. Threats of permanent suspension are made if immediate action is not taken.
A link is conveniently provided to supposedly regain access, but it actually leads to a convincing phishing site capturing your login credentials once entered. The scammers then infiltrate and take over your Amazon account fully.
How to Spot This Scam
Urgent threats that your account will be deleted unless acted upon quickly.
Links go to odd URLs totally unassociated with Amazon domains.
Lack of specific account identifiers like your name or order numbers.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any emails about locked accounts – Amazon will never message this.
Go directly to Amazon.com if concerned and login normally without clicking links.
Use unique complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication for account security.
2. Fake Failed Delivery Notices
A common phishing tactic is emails claiming an Amazon delivery has failed because of outdated address or payment information on file. Scammers know recipients will be anxious for orders to arrive, increasing urgency.
The emails provide links to update your details so the package can be delivered, but it ends up being a data harvesting site once entered rather than any kind of alteration page. Your credentials and info are stolen rather than any shipping details changed.
How to Spot This Scam
Messages about overdue or failed deliveries of packages you did not order.
Links go to odd domains completely unassociated with Amazon sites.
Typos, grammatical errors, and other poor formatting.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any delivery emails about orders you did not place. Log into your Amazon account directly to check status.
Never click links in unexpected emails. Manually navigate to Amazon domains if checking orders.
Contact Amazon customer support directly if tracking information seems suspicious.
3. Fraudulent Billing Update Requests
Scammers frequently impersonate Amazon emailing recipients that there is an issue processing a recent order payment because of outdated billing information on file.
The email demands users click a link to urgently update credit card or payment details so the stuck order can successfully process. However, the link redirects to a fake phishing site capturing any card info entered rather than updating anything.
How to Spot This Scam
Messages about payment issues for recent purchases that you didn’t actually place.
Links lead to odd domains completely unassociated with Amazon sites.
Spelling, grammar, and formatting errors.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any payment update emails about unfamiliar orders. Check your account directly instead.
Never update financial information through third-party links. Manually login to Amazon and edit if needed.
Contact Amazon customer support directly if transactions seem suspicious.
4. Fake Account Closure Warnings
Another common phishing tactic scammers use is sending account closure warning emails to Amazon customers. The messages state your account is under review and faces permanent banning due to terms of service violations or suspicious actions that require immediate explanation.
Links within the email supposedly lead to forms where you can provide compliance information and dispute the violations. However, it actually navigates to credential harvesting sites once clicked where any information entered is stolen.
How to Spot This Scam
Threats of account suspension without specific details on violations.
Links lead to odd domains completely unassociated with Amazon sites.
Lack of personalized identifiers like your name or account numbers.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any account closure emails – Amazon will never message warnings like this.
Check your account directly by logging into Amazon.com if you receive concerning emails.
Never enter personal information on unfamiliar sites you are directed to.
5. Bogus Subscription Renewals
Scammers send fake Amazon Prime renewal notice emails to victims stating that their membership is about to expire so they must update their payment card details immediately to avoid losing access.
They craft incredibly convincing notices with Amazon branding and wording to trick recipients into clicking renewal links which redirect to phishing pages capturing any card information entered rather than renewing anything.
How to Spot This Scam
Renewal warnings about memberships you don’t actually have.
Links lead to completely different domains rather than Amazon pages.
Lack of personalized identifiers like your name and account numbers.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any renewal emails for accounts you don’t recognize. Check your Amazon memberships directly by logging in.
Never update financial information through third-party links. Manually login to Amazon and edit if needed.
Ensure you have the real Amazon website bookmarked so it’s easy to navigate there directly.
6. Bogus Refund and Reimbursement Offers
Fake Amazon emails hit inboxes claiming recipients are owed refunds for mistaken transactions, duplicate charges or as compensation for product issues.
Scammers then request banking details to supposedly process your refund payout, but actually end up committing theft with your sensitive financial information rather than providing any reimbursement.
How to Spot This Scam
Refunds owed for transactions or purchases you never actually made.
Requests for personal banking information needed to process payouts.
Attachments claiming to be refund receipts.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any refund email for unfamiliar transactions. Check your orders directly by logging into your Amazon account.
Amazon will deposit refunds directly to your account on file – no need to provide other banking details ever.
Never open attachments in unsolicited emails as they often contain malware.
7. Dangerous Attachments
One vector email scammers use is sending Amazon customers dangerous file attachments that when downloaded infect devices with malware. Fraudsters disguise harmful files as order receipts, notices about unclaimed refunds, or account security scans.
Once opened, the infected attachments covertly install viruses, ransomware, keyloggers and trojans capable of covertly stealing financial credentials, passwords, files, and personal data for months without detection.
How to Spot This Scam
Emails from unknown senders with attachments or links to download files.
Attachments end in obscure extensions like .exe, .zip, or .scr rather than expected.
Attachments named vaguely rather than indicating specific contents.
How to Avoid It
Never open or download attachments from unverified emails, even if seemingly from contacts.
Ensure comprehensive updated antivirus software is installed before downloading files.
Adjust Amazon notification settings to disable marketing emails prone to malware attacks.
8. Fraudulent Support Call Requests
Scammers send emails to victims asking them to call Amazon customer support numbers provided to supposedly help fix issues with their accounts, reset passwords, or provide refunds owed.
However, the phone numbers within the fake Amazon emails actually connect to the scammers themselves rather than real support. They gain remote access to computers or trick users into providing account credentials once on the call for them to steal.
How to Spot This Scam
Requests within emails for you to phone specific numbers provided.
Caller IDs on numbers are completely unaffiliated with Amazon or support when phoned.
Asks for remote computer access or account login credentials once called.
How to Avoid It
Never call numbers provided in unexpected Amazon emails. Consult official contact information on real Amazon sites if you wish to call.
Remote access should never be given on inbound calls. Real agents provide help through the phone only.
No legitimate company will ask for your password or sensitive data unexpectedly over the phone.
9. Order Confirmation Hijacking
A common tactic scammers use is sending phony order confirmation emails to customers for expensive products like phones, laptops, and smart devices they didn’t buy.
The fake purchase confirmation details aim to alarm recipients and make them call included customer service numbers for help canceling the orders. However, scammers operate the numbers provided and obtain remote access or banking details once called, resulting in data theft rather than rectifying any orders.
How to Spot This Scam
Order confirmations for expensive electronics purchases you never made.
Generic greetings like “Dear Customer” rather than your name.
Requests within the email for you to phone specific numbers provided.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any emails about unfamiliar purchases. Log in to Amazon directly to view legitimate orders.
Avoid calling numbers in unexpected emails. Look up real Amazon support contacts if needed.
Never allow remote access to devices or provide login credentials over the phone.
10. Fake Tracking Links
The ubiquitous tracking scam involves phony shipping notification emails from Amazon with links to track your package’s expected delivery.
However, clicking the tracking links redirects victims to credential harvesting phishing sites rather than any real shipping portals. Entry of username and password details grants account access rather than providing parcel tracking.
How to Spot This Scam
Tracking emails about packages you didn’t order from Amazon.
Links utilize redirects and URL shorteners to hide phishing sites.
Lack of order specifics beyond a vague non-clickable tracking number.
How to Avoid It
Disregard any tracking emails about unfamiliar orders. Check your Amazon account directly for real tracking.
Avoid clicking direct links in messages. Navigate to Amazon’s delivery tracking manually if you expect a package.
Use your real order numbers to look up statuses rather than the fake ones provided.
What to Do If You Fall Victim to an Amazon Email Scam
If you unfortunately got duped by a fake Amazon email resulting in identity theft or unauthorized access, take these steps:
Secure Your Amazon Account
If you entered account credentials into a phishing site, change your Amazon password immediately. Enable two-factor authentication for added security. Remove any unauthorized payment methods, addresses, or connected accounts.
Monitor Your Credit
Check your credit reports and sign up for dark web monitoring to see if stolen info appears for sale. Look for fraudulent new accounts or charges possibly indicating wider identity theft.
Contact Your Bank
Notify your bank’s fraud department regarding any compromised financial accounts or unauthorized charges from an Amazon scam. Dispute charges and request new account numbers where applicable.
Reset Passwords
Change passwords anywhere else you reused the same one as your Amazon account. Ensure all login credentials are unique going forward to prevent lateral account compromise.
Scan Your Devices
Run complete antivirus scans on all computers to check for malware or spyware infections resulting from downloaded email attachments or clicking phishing links. Remove anything suspicious detected.
Enable Account Alerts
Turn on purchase approval requirements and account change notifications in your Amazon settings to be alerted anytime an order is placed or changes like new logins or password resets occur.
File Reports
Submit detailed scam reports through the FTC and FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center regarding large losses or sophisticated fraud campaigns. Reports help authorities pursue legal action and alerts.
Spread Awareness
Let your connections know which Amazon scam email tactics targeted you so they can avoid falling for the same schemes by recognizing them. Your vigilance helps protect others.
How to Protect Yourself from Amazon Email Scams
Here are some best practices to safeguard against Amazon phishing:
Never open email attachments or click direct links from unverified senders. Manually type sites into your browser instead.
Thoroughly inspect sender addresses for any spoofing irregularities and mismatched domains.
Verify any claims of orders, payments, or account issues by logging directly into your Amazon account rather than using email links.
Check for legitimate Amazon logos and branding within emails. Avoid plain text messages.
Use unique complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your Amazon account.
Never provide sensitive information over the phone to unsolicited callers claiming to be from Amazon.
Staying vigilant against phishing warning signs, verifying legitimacy through direct account logins, and contacting Amazon customer support for anything suspicious goes a long way in keeping your data safe from scammers impersonating Amazon.
How to Identify Amazon Email Scams
While scammers are constantly changing their tactics, there are some common red flags that can help you spot fraudulent Amazon emails:
Analyze the Sender’s Email Address
Does the sender’s email address look legitimate or is it misspelled? Fake addresses often have extra numbers/letters. Emails from Amazon will always come from an address ending in @amazon.com.
Look for Personalization
Real Amazon emails address you by name and include account details. Generic greetings like “Dear customer” indicate scams.
Assess the Email Structure
Poor grammar/spelling errors and inconsistent formatting are common in scam emails. Real Amazon messages will be professionally written with perfect accuracy.
Inspect Hyperlinks Carefully
Hover over any links before clicking. The destination URL should match Amazon domains, not random or shortened links that may indicate phishing attempts.
Verify Before Clicking Links
Never click links in unsolicited emails. Manually log into your Amazon account to confirm any claims about orders, payments, account issues etc.
Watch for Malicious Attachments
If an email includes attachments, verify the file extension to ensure it matches expected documents before downloading.
Avoid Calls to Action
Disregard demands to act immediately or threats of account suspension. Amazon will never message customers like this.
Check for Expected Branding
Real Amazon emails contain official logos, fonts, colors, and templates. Plain text-only messages should be scrutinized.
Staying vigilant against these common red flags can help you avoid getting duped by fake Amazon emails used in phishing and fraud schemes. When in doubt, contact Amazon customer service directly to verify legitimacy.
Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware
If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.
Malwarebytes can run on Windows, Mac, and Android devices. Depending on which operating system is installed on the device you’re trying to run a Malwarebytes scan, please click on the tab below and follow the displayed steps.
Malwarebytes For WindowsMalwarebytes For MacMalwarebytes For Android
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Windows to remove malware
Malwarebytes stands out as one of the leading and widely-used anti-malware solutions for Windows, and for good reason. It effectively eradicates various types of malware that other programs often overlook, all at no cost to you. When it comes to disinfecting an infected device, Malwarebytes has consistently been a free and indispensable tool in the battle against malware. We highly recommend it for maintaining a clean and secure system.
Download Malwarebytes for Windows
You can download Malwarebytes by clicking the link below.
After the download is complete, locate the MBSetup file, typically found in your Downloads folder. Double-click on the MBSetup file to begin the installation of Malwarebytes on your computer. If a User Account Control pop-up appears, click “Yes” to continue the Malwarebytes installation.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts to Install Malwarebytes
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, the setup wizard will guide you through the process.
You’ll first be prompted to choose the type of computer you’re installing the program on—select either “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer” as appropriate, then click on Next.
Malwarebytes will now begin the installation process on your device.
When the Malwarebytes installation is complete, the program will automatically open to the “Welcome to Malwarebytes” screen.
On the final screen, simply click on the Open Malwarebytes option to start the program.
Enable “Rootkit scanning”.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware will now start, and you will see the main screen as shown below. To maximize Malwarebytes’ ability to detect malware and unwanted programs, we need to enable rootkit scanning. Click on the “Settings” gear icon located on the left of the screen to access the general settings section.
In the settings menu, enable the “Scan for rootkits” option by clicking the toggle switch until it turns blue.
Now that you have enabled rootkit scanning, click on the “Dashboard” button in the left pane to get back to the main screen.
Perform a Scan with Malwarebytes.
To start a scan, click the Scan button. Malwarebytes will automatically update its antivirus database and begin scanning your computer for malicious programs.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now scan your computer for browser hijackers and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Quarantine detected malware
Once the Malwarebytes scan is complete, it will display a list of detected malware, adware, and potentially unwanted programs. To effectively remove these threats, click the “Quarantine” button.
Malwarebytes will now delete all of the files and registry keys and add them to the program’s quarantine.
Restart your computer.
When removing files, Malwarebytes may require a reboot to fully eliminate some threats. If you see a message indicating that a reboot is needed, please allow it. Once your computer has restarted and you are logged back in, you can continue with the remaining steps.
Your computer should now be free of trojans, adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed this malicious program on your computer, you may want to consider purchasing Malwarebytes Premium to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your computer after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Scan your computer with Malwarebytes for Mac to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Mac is an on-demand scanner that can destroy many types of malware that other software tends to miss without costing you absolutely anything. When it comes to cleaning up an infected device, Malwarebytes has always been free, and we recommend it as an essential tool in the fight against malware.
Download Malwarebytes for Mac.
You can download Malwarebytes for Mac by clicking the link below.
When Malwarebytes has finished downloading, double-click on the setup file to install Malwarebytes on your computer. In most cases, downloaded files are saved to the Downloads folder.
Follow the on-screen prompts to install Malwarebytes.
When the Malwarebytes installation begins, you will see the Malwarebytes for Mac Installer which will guide you through the installation process. Click “Continue“, then keep following the prompts to continue with the installation process.
When your Malwarebytes installation completes, the program opens to the Welcome to Malwarebytes screen. Click the “Get started” button.
Select “Personal Computer” or “Work Computer”.
The Malwarebytes Welcome screen will first ask you what type of computer are you installing this program, click either Personal Computer or Work Computer.
Click on “Scan”.
To scan your computer with Malwarebytes, click on the “Scan” button. Malwarebytes for Mac will automatically update the antivirus database and start scanning your computer for malware.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will scan your computer for adware, browser hijackers, and other malicious programs. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Quarantine”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes has detected. To remove the malware that Malwarebytes has found, click on the “Quarantine” button.
Restart computer.
Malwarebytes will now remove all the malicious files that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your computer.
Your Mac should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious program on your computer, you might want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still experiencing problems while trying to remove a malicious program from your computer, please ask for help in our Mac Malware Removal Help & Support forum.
Scan your phone with Malwarebytes for Android to remove malware
Malwarebytes for Android automatically detects and removes dangerous threats like malware and ransomware so you don’t have to worry about your most-used device being compromised. Aggressive detection of adware and potentially unwanted programs keeps your Android phone or tablet running smooth.
Download Malwarebytes for Android.
You can download Malwarebytes for Android by clicking the link below.
In the Google Play Store, tap “Install” to install Malwarebytes for Android on your device.
When the installation process has finished, tap “Open” to begin using Malwarebytes for Android. You can also open Malwarebytes by tapping on its icon in your phone menu or home screen.
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process
When Malwarebytes will open, you will see the Malwarebytes Setup Wizard which will guide you through a series of permissions and other setup options. This is the first of two screens that explain the difference between the Premium and Free versions. Swipe this screen to continue. Tap on “Got it” to proceed to the next step. Malwarebytes for Android will now ask for a set of permissions that are required to scan your device and protect it from malware. Tap on “Give permission” to continue. Tap on “Allow” to permit Malwarebytes to access the files on your phone.
Update database and run a scan with Malwarebytes for Android
You will now be prompted to update the Malwarebytes database and run a full system scan.
Click on “Update database” to update the Malwarebytes for Android definitions to the latest version, then click on “Run full scan” to perform a system scan.
Wait for the Malwarebytes scan to complete.
Malwarebytes will now start scanning your phone for adware and other malicious apps. This process can take a few minutes, so we suggest you do something else and periodically check on the status of the scan to see when it is finished.
Click on “Remove Selected”.
When the scan has been completed, you will be presented with a screen showing the malware infections that Malwarebytes for Android has detected. To remove the malicious apps that Malwarebytes has found, tap on the “Remove Selected” button.
Restart your phone.
Malwarebytes for Android will now remove all the malicious apps that it has found. To complete the malware removal process, Malwarebytes may ask you to restart your device.
Your phone should now be free of adware, browser hijackers, and other malware.
If your current antivirus allowed a malicious app on your phone, you may want to consider purchasing the full-featured version of Malwarebytes to protect against these types of threats in the future. If you are still having problems with your phone after completing these instructions, then please follow one of the steps:
Restore your phone to factory settings by going to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Email Scams
How can I tell if an email from Amazon is fake?
Warning signs of Amazon phishing emails include mismatched sender addresses, generic greetings, threats demanding immediate action, suspicious links, requests for sensitive information, poor grammar/formatting, and lack of order specifics.
What should I do if I clicked a link in a suspicious Amazon email?
If you clicked a link in a shady email, change your Amazon password immediately and enable two-factor authentication if available. Check your account for any unauthorized changes made by potential scammers who now have access. Also scan your device for malware.
Is it safe to ever open attachments sent in Amazon emails?
It’s best to avoid opening attachments in Amazon emails you weren’t explicitly expecting, even from known contacts. They may unknowingly be spreading infected files. Only open attachments from trusted senders after scanning them with antivirus software first.
How can I tell if an Amazon call asking for information is a scam?
Real Amazon support will never cold call demanding account access or sensitive personal details unexpectedly. Hang up on any unsolicited calls claiming to be Amazon support. Look up official numbers on Amazon’s website rather than calling numbers left in emails.
How do I report a scam Amazon email?
Forward phishing emails to stop-spoofing@amazon.com if sent from a spoofed address. You can also report malicious emails, links, and suspicious content to Amazon customer service for investigation.
What should I do if I gave my Amazon login to a phishing site?
If you disclosed account credentials to a phishing site, immediately change your Amazon password and enable two-factor authentication if available. Check for any unauthorized account changes made in your name and report them.
Are text alerts from Amazon about orders real?
It’s risky to click any links in unexpected Amazon texts regarding your orders or deliveries. Manually log into your Amazon account to confirm any notifications sent via text to avoid phishing schemes.
How can I get refunds lost to an Amazon email scam?
Unfortunately it is very difficult to recover payments lost in Amazon email scams. Contact your bank immediately to potentially reverse fraudulent charges made recently. Legal action may help for large losses. Avoid wiring any funds or sharing personal details.
How do I secure my Amazon account?
Enable two-factor authentication, use unique complex passwords, check activity logs regularly, avoid clicking direct links, be wary of calls/emails requesting personal information, keep software updated, and report anything suspicious to Amazon customer service.
How can I identify a fake Amazon website?
Fake Amazon sites have misspelled URLs, insecure connections, strange logos, broken links, or missing sections. The real Amazon.com has an ‘A-to-z Guarantee’ badge and padlock symbol indicating a secure connection.
Be skeptical of any unsolicited Amazon communications and do not provide personal information or account access without verifying legitimacy first. Watch for red flags indicating potential scams and phishing attempts.
Conclusion
As one of the internet’s most trafficked websites, Amazon will continue attracting hordes of scammers exploiting its brand name and reputation to steal from unsuspecting customers. Fake Amazon emails hijack real purchase flows using order confirmations, shipping details, balances due, account verification, and other hooks trying to spur urgency.
This guide provided an overview of the top 10 Amazon email scams to watch out for designed to phish for login credentials, install malware, and manipulate users into providing sensitive personal information. Being aware of common red flags like strange links, spoofed domains, shady attachments, and threats indicating phishing can help recipients avoid being deceived.
Take preventative measures like utilizing unique account passwords, installing antivirus software, avoiding direct email links, and reporting phishing messages to better protect yourself. Share this guide to help spread public awareness of Amazon email scams targeting shoppers so others can avoid costly compromises. Stay vigilant in assessing risks when reviewing unsolicited messages and critically analyzing requested actions before responding.
How to Stay Safe Online
Here are 10 basic security tips to help you avoid malware and protect your device:
Use a good antivirus and keep it up-to-date.
It's essential to use a good quality antivirus and keep it up-to-date to stay ahead of the latest cyber threats. We are huge fans of Malwarebytes Premium and use it on all of our devices, including Windows and Mac computers as well as our mobile devices. Malwarebytes sits beside your traditional antivirus, filling in any gaps in its defenses, and providing extra protection against sneakier security threats.
Keep software and operating systems up-to-date.
Keep your operating system and apps up to date. Whenever an update is released for your device, download and install it right away. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance.
Be careful when installing programs and apps.
Pay close attention to installation screens and license agreements when installing software. Custom or advanced installation options will often disclose any third-party software that is also being installed. Take great care in every stage of the process and make sure you know what it is you're agreeing to before you click "Next."
Install an ad blocker.
Use a browser-based content blocker, like AdGuard. Content blockers help stop malicious ads, Trojans, phishing, and other undesirable content that an antivirus product alone may not stop.
Be careful what you download.
A top goal of cybercriminals is to trick you into downloading malware—programs or apps that carry malware or try to steal information. This malware can be disguised as an app: anything from a popular game to something that checks traffic or the weather.
Be alert for people trying to trick you.
Whether it's your email, phone, messenger, or other applications, always be alert and on guard for someone trying to trick you into clicking on links or replying to messages. Remember that it's easy to spoof phone numbers, so a familiar name or number doesn't make messages more trustworthy.
Back up your data.
Back up your data frequently and check that your backup data can be restored. You can do this manually on an external HDD/USB stick, or automatically using backup software. This is also the best way to counter ransomware. Never connect the backup drive to a computer if you suspect that the computer is infected with malware.
Choose strong passwords.
Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using personal information or easily guessable words in your passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts whenever possible.
Be careful where you click.
Be cautious when clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. These could potentially contain malware or phishing scams.
Don't use pirated software.
Avoid using Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file-sharing programs, keygens, cracks, and other pirated software that can often compromise your data, privacy, or both.
To avoid potential dangers on the internet, it's important to follow these 10 basic safety rules. By doing so, you can protect yourself from many of the unpleasant surprises that can arise when using the web.
Meet Stelian Pilici
Stelian leverages over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to lead malware analysis and removal, uncover scams, and educate people. His experience provides insightful analysis and valuable perspective.
