How to Guard Yourself Against Scammers: Rules You Need to Follow
Scammers are clever, persistent, and annoyingly creative. But there are simple rules anyone can follow to keep from falling into their traps. Here’s a straightforward guide to protect yourself and your family.
1. Don’t Pick Up Unknown Numbers
If you don’t recognize a number, let it go to voicemail. Most legitimate businesses will leave a message. Scammers rely on the curiosity of people who answer unknown calls.
2. Never Give Personal Information Over the Phone
Banks, government agencies, or service providers will never ask for your password, Social Security number, or credit card info unsolicited. If they do, hang up immediately.
3. Verify Before Trusting
If a caller claims to be from a company, hang up and call the official number on your bill or website. Never rely on a phone number they provide.
4. Don’t Be Pressured Into Quick Decisions
Scammers thrive on urgency. They want you to act fast before you think. Slow down. Pause. Check facts. Legitimate offers don’t disappear if you take a moment.
5. Never Allow Remote Access
Do not allow anyone to remotely access your computer or phone. Legitimate refunds or support will be handled on the company’s end—not through access to your devices.
6. Use Two-Factor Authentication Everywhere Possible
Extra layers of security on your accounts make it harder for scammers to steal money or access your personal information.
7. Keep Software and Devices Updated
Hackers and scammers exploit old software vulnerabilities. Regular updates keep your devices more secure.
8. Use Privacy and Security Tools
Services like VPNs (NordVPN, etc.), ad-blockers, and security software can help limit unauthorized access and protect your data. They’re not foolproof, but they add strong layers of defense.
9. Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Emails, Links, or Chain Letters
Phishing emails, text messages, and chain letters often look official or promise unbelievable rewards. Never click links, download attachments, or follow instructions from these messages. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam.
10. Use AI Tools to Double-Check
If you’re unsure about a message, screenshot it and ask a trusted AI or verification tool. Most AI will flag scam-like content quickly, giving you an extra layer of protection.
11. Protect Your Social Media Privacy
Limit what personal information you post online. Scammers often research targets through social media to make their scams more convincing.
12. Report Suspicious Activity
Report scam calls, emails, or messages to authorities, your service provider, or directly to our database at Ruff Technologies Scam Reporting. Contributing helps protect the community and builds a comprehensive list of known scams.
13. Educate Family Members
Teach children, elderly relatives, and others in your household about common scams and red flags. Awareness is one of the strongest defenses.
Bottom Line
Scammers count on distraction, ignorance, and fear. Follow these rules, stay alert, and you drastically reduce your risk. Protecting yourself is about creating friction—they want easy targets, and you’re not one.
Guard against SCAMMERS
