You might think you’re too tech-savvy to fall for an online scam. However, even the smartest people can be tricked on the internet. We all know friends and relatives who need a bit more help with digital security.
Here’s a simple rule to avoid internet scams: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Use common sense. For example, you can’t win the Spanish National Lottery if you didn’t buy a ticket.
Here’s our guide to help you and your loved ones stay safe online.
Never click a link to your bank or financial institution from an email
Many security experts agree that it’s best not to click on any links in emails. Scammers can make emails look like they’re from trusted sources. However, these links might take you to fake websites that steal your personal information or make you download harmful software.

This is very important when it comes to emails from your bank or services like PayPal. Real banks and financial services don’t send emails out of nowhere asking you to verify your information or reset your passwords.
If you get an email like this and you don’t remember asking for it, just ignore it. If you need to check if a notification from a financial service is real, don’t click any links in the email. Instead, type the website’s address into your browser yourself and log in the normal way to see if the message is really there.
Before you log into any website, look for a lock icon in your browser’s address bar. This icon isn’t a perfect guarantee, but it’s a good sign that your connection is secure and the website might be legitimate.
Never share your passwords
It might seem obvious, but don’t ever give out your passwords. Even if someone asks for your password through an email or text and seems trustworthy, never share it. No company or person should ask for your passwords directly.
Use strong passwords (and secret questions)
Many people still use simple passwords like “password” or “123456.” Don’t be one of them. Choose a password that others can’t guess easily. Avoid using easy-to-find information like your birthday or your spouse’s name. Hackers can crack simple passwords very quickly.
It’s important to use a different password for every online account you have. If one password gets exposed in a data breach, it could put all your accounts at risk. Consider using a password manager to help keep track of your many different passwords.
Also, be careful with secret questions and answers. These are used to reset your password if you forget it, but often they’re not very secure. Make sure your secret questions are strong too.
Lastly, always use two-factor authentication when available. This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, helping to prevent others from logging in even if they know your password.
Don’t buy anything from a random email you receive
Never buy anything from a random email. Good spam filters catch a lot of junk, like ads for cheap watches or other products, but scammers can still trick you. They might pretend to be from Amazon or your bank.
The safest rule is to ignore buying offers from emails. If you trust the site and signed up for their newsletter, that might be an exception. Still, be careful and don’t click on links from emails you didn’t expect to receive.
If you see something advertised in an email, you can always go directly to the website like Amazon by typing the address into your browser. Then, search for the product yourself.
Be careful with job offers that seem too good
If you’re looking for a job or a way to earn extra money, watch out for offers that seem too good to be true, especially on sites like Craigslist. While Craigslist can be a fine place to find jobs, scammers often use it to target people.

Be suspicious of jobs that promise you can make over $50 an hour from home or offers to be a mystery shopper with very little work. These jobs are usually scams.
A big warning sign is any job that involves handling money through Western Union, Moneygram, or wire transfers. If a job asks you to deposit a check and then send money back, be very cautious.
Later, you might find out the check was fake. Remember, if someone is offering you a lot of money or a great prize and asking for money first, think about why. If it sounds too generous, it’s probably not real.
Never share your personal information
Be careful about sharing your personal details online. Online stores and most services should not ask for your Social Security number when you create an account or log in.
This is usually only needed if you’re applying for credit, which is a different situation. Be extra cautious with websites that ask you to enter your personal information again, especially if it’s a site like your bank that should already have this info.
Use your browser’s security features
Web browsers like Chrome and Firefox have tools to help you stay safe online. They check the security of websites using something called security certificates. You can see this information by clicking on the lock icon next to the website’s address. It will tell you if the site is secure, who checked it, and other details.

Your browser will also warn you if you’re about to visit a dangerous website or download a harmful file. Always pay attention to these warnings to protect yourself online.
Ignore website popups claiming you have a virus
If you see popups while browsing that claim your computer has a virus, don’t click on them. Consider installing an ad blocker to stop these popups. These scary messages, like those saying you need to download software immediately, are usually scams.
It’s a good idea to use antivirus software to help catch and stop viruses. You can also use a VPN, which helps keep your online activities private. Not sure which ones to use? Look for recommendations on trusted antivirus apps and tips on choosing a secure VPN.
Even if you are already careful online, take some time to share these safety tips with your friends and family. It’s important to be very careful with your privacy and security when you’re on the internet.