Learn to avoid scams with this Cloudeight site pick

Consumer FTC : Avoid Scams

We love irony. I think we appreciate irony more than most people. And I feel that the number one reason why we picked this site of the week is because it’s a government site which wants to help you avoid scams and prevent identity theft. Don’t you find it ironic that the government wants to help protect you from scams and identity theft and spying? We do.

Ironic or not, governmental or not, this site contains some very good information to help you avoid being scammed and/or having your identity stolen — which is quite a miserable circumstance in which to find yourself. It’s almost as bad as being EB’s partner, if not worse.

But irony aside, NSA, CIA, FBI and all those acronymic organizations aside, this site provides some great information and tips to help keep you safe and keep you from being scammed.

We like the site; we love the irony.

Our site of the week is called OnGuard Online; it’s owned and operated by the government of the U.S.A. And here’s how the government describes this site (the words are theirs not ours, ironically):

“…Avoid Scams

Scam artists use clever schemes to defraud millions of people around the globe each year. Being on guard online can help you maximize the benefits of the internet and minimize your chance of being defrauded. Learn how to recognize common scams and what you can do to avoid them.

Tech Support Scams
Who is calling out of the blue, claiming to be able to “fix” your computer? A scammer, that’s who.

Hacked Email
What to do if you think your email or social networking account has been hacked.

Text Message Spam
Text message spam is to your cell phone what email spam is to your personal computer.

Avoiding Online Scams
Ten steps you can take to avoid scams

Common Online Scams
Tricks that con artists use to get people to send them money

Spam
What you can do to reduce unwanted commercial emails

Phishing
What to do about messages that ask for your personal information

Money Transfer Scams
Scammers often insist on money transfers for payment because wiring money is like sending cash: Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back

Online Dating Scams
Signs that your online love is a scam artist

Online Penny Auctions
Tips to help you understand how penny auctions work and recognize the pitfalls before you lose any money

Identity Theft
If you believe your personal information has been lost or stolen, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage

Tax-Related Identity Theft
Warning signs that an identity thief has used your social security number for tax purposes and what to do about it

Work-at-Home Scams
Bogus ads often promise steady income for minimal labor

Weight Loss Claims
Weight loss gimmicks that promise more than they can deliver

Lotteries and Sweepstakes Scams
Have to pay to get your prize? It’s a scam…”

Seriously, you should visit this site and heed the advice thereon. You’ll remember we’ve told you that the best way you can protect yourself is to educate yourself and become more knowledgeable about all things Internet. Today, we have the Internet of Things and the more things you know, the safer you are.

Be sure to visit our site of the week and learn, baby, learn.