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How to be safe while having online friends. 

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How to be safe while having online friends. 

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Building friendships online can be rewarding, offering connections with people from diverse backgrounds and interests. However, it's crucial to exercise caution, as online friends may not always be who they claim to be. The anonymity of the internet allows for the possibility of encountering catfishes—individuals pretending to be someone else. To protect yourself, it's advisable never to disclose your location or share classified and personal information with online acquaintances, fostering a balance between connection and safety in the digital realm.

Examples include,

1. Pedophiles trying to meet up with younger girls/boys after connecting online with fake profiles.

2. Black Mail - people asking for nude photos or information to trap you into sending them money

What should you do?

While having online friends can be fun make sure that you check for these important red flags.

1. These photos are too good to be true. If they have professional-looking photos majority of the time they are from Pinterest or the internet.

2. If they will not show their face and will only send photos. They are not who they say they are

3. They don't want you telling your parents. Never talk to anyone who wants to stay hidden from adults.

4. If they ask for money. They are not going to repay you so don't send it.

Now going forward make sure to be careful with who you talk to because you never know who it may be. This is such a big issue there is an entire TV series catching these online predators.

Try this quiz to look at Interent Safety and Online Preadators

https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizshow.php?title=internet-safety-online-relationships&q=1

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There are numerous steps to take when buying things online because the second you type in your card information faulty websites can start charging your card. These are the most important steps to take if you are buying items online.

1. Check for HTTPS: Ensure that the website's URL begins with "https://" instead of "http://," indicating a secure connection with encrypted data that makes your card protected

2. Look for a Padlock Icon: the little locked key icon up top by the search bar signifies a secure connection; clicking on it can provide additional details about the website's security.

3. Verify the Website's Legitimacy: Research the website, read reviews, and confirm its authenticity before making any purchases most scams have some bad reviews on google but not listed on their page.

4. Use Reputable Payment Methods: Use pay pal or a credit card as much as possible

5. Be Wary of Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers: Exercise caution when encountering exceptionally low prices or unbelievable deals, as they might be lures to compromise your personal information. ONLY PAY SHIPPING is a red flag it means you aren't buying a product therefore if it never comes they don't owe you anything.

For example,

If you want a new pair of shoes most likely instagram will send you an ads for some because they are listening to what you say to have better knowledge of what ads to send. Most of the times the ads on instagram are no regulated and can send you to a bad websites. Most pages have insane deal where everything is free but you pay shipping therefore the product is free and you can never be reimbursed for the shipping cost.

Imagine buying from what seems like a family online site, only to discover unauthorized credit card transactions later. This is what happens when you fall for an online scam. Despite looking legitimate, the site was fraudulent, leading to theft of your credit card details. The only way to stop these. charges if getting a new card can frexxing your old account.

How to check a website?

https://us.norton.com/blog/how-to/check-if-a-website-is-safe

Watch Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BoL5c_6IaO0

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Because there are so many scams out there, it can seem difficult to know how to check if a website is safe. Learn cybersecurity best practices and our 11 tips to stay safer online, including using strong online protection like Norton 360 Deluxe to help block online threats and prevent you from visiting fake websites.
1. Know what happens if you visit an unsafe website

The first step to avoiding fake websites is to know what you'll see if you ever inadvertently land on an unsafe site. Most modern browsers are designed to make navigating the internet easier and safer. If you visit a site with known safety issues, the browser will usually inform you by presenting a fullscreen warning about the dangers of continuing to that page.

These warnings might say that your connection is not private or that you're heading toward a deceptive site. If you see one of these warnings, close the window or click "back to safety" to avoid a potentially unsafe site. If you know that a site is safe, click on "Advanced" to proceed.

If you visit an unsafe site, you could end up dealing with several issues, including:

2. Look for an SSL certificate

An SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a digital certificate that certifies that a website is legitimate and that it offers encryption to protect personal information and financial data. In order for a site to have an SSL, they have to prove to the issuer of the certificate that they are who they claim to be.

Checking to see if a website has an SSL is simple: look at the address bar when you visit a site. You should see:

"https://" at the beginning of the URL. The "s" at the end of the http means "secure."

A lock icon on the far left side of the address bar. This lock signifies a secure connection between you and the site. Click on the lock for more details about the website's security.

If a site doesn't have an SSL, it doesn't necessarily mean it is unsafe. It could mean that it's OK to browse that site, but it may not be safe to share any personal information.

3. Use a website checker

If your browser didn't provide you with a warning about a site, but you still don't feel great about sharing your information or making a purchase, you can double-check it using a site checker. A website safety checker like Google's Safe Browsing site status page will let you know if a website is unsafe or if a previously trustworthy site has been compromised or has unsafe elements.

If you drop an address into a URL checker and it shows that a site might not be secure, close the window and don't visit it again until another check shows that it's not dangerous.

4. Find the site's privacy policy

Have you ever navigated to a site that boasted about its security but you weren't sure exactly what that meant? There's an easy method for finding out if this website is legit and learning exactly what a site is doing to protect you and your data: read its privacy policy.

Most websites have privacy policies due to legal requirements, but it's also the fastest way to learn about what information a site can collect from you and how they use it. You can usually find the privacy policy linked in the footer at the bottom of the website or via a site search.
When you are reading a privacy policy, look for:

Clear language spelling out what information it collects from users and how it is collected

An overview of how the site protects your information

Language that defines who can access the information the site collects

Options for reviewing the information a site has collected

Options for opting out of data collection

Language that defines how long the site will hold onto your information

Contact information to see if the site is transparent about how to reach them

If a site doesn't have a privacy policy, it may mean that they don't collect any data, or it could mean that they don't want to let you know what information they are collecting.

5. Make sure the site is real

Hackers have several ways to try to steal your information using fake websites. Spoofing is when a scammer builds a site that looks almost identical to a real site in order to capture your logins and passwords.

Typosquatting is when someone buys a domain similar to a well-known site (gooogle.com, for example) in the hope that someone will accidentally mistype the URL and end up on this fake site where they may be exposed to malware.

If you receive a link from someone you don't know or a site you regularly visit is functioning differently than normal, check the URL to ensure you're on the right site. If you've stumbled onto one of these false domains, close the window and clear your history and browsing data to keep you from ending up there again.

6. Read reviews of the site

If you're checking out a new site and aren't sure how to tell if a website is secure or if it's safe to buy from it, reading reviews of the site can show you what other people think. Go to your favorite search engine, type in the site name, and add "reviews" at the end of your query.

When looking at reviews, pay close attention to:

Consistently bad reviews

Allegations of unsafe practices

Instances of fraud

Mentions of poor customer service

Too many overly positive reviews that sound the same (this could indicate that the reviews aren't real)

Reviews provide a pretty good picture of whether or not a website is safe, because people don't like being scammed or having their information shared without permission.

7. Search for contact information

Contact information on its own isn't a guarantee that a site is safe, but it is a signal that there is a person or a team of people who are ready to assist you if you have questions.

If a site feels a little sketchy, or if you want to make a purchase but don't want to trust your financial information to a company you don't know, reach out using the contact information. They may have other ways for you to make a purchase that you feel more comfortable with.

If a site doesn't have obvious contact information, it might be an oversight (especially if it's a newer site), or it could mean that whoever owns the domain doesn't want people contacting them because of potentially shady practices.

8. Keep an eye out for spelling errors and design problems

Sites that are riddled with design issues and spelling and grammatical errors could be a sign that a site isn't safe. Pharming attacks and spoofed sites are designed to trick you into providing your personal and financial information to what appears to be a site you already know and trust. However, scammers will often make mistakes when it comes to the text and functionality of these sites.

If you find that the elements on a page you've used before look different, or there are misspelled words or odd turns of phrase, it could mean you're on an unsafe site. Close the browser window, clear your history, cookies, and caches, then try going back to the site. If it looks normal, that likely means you were on a scam site.

9. There are too many pop-ups

Everyone has their definition of how many pop-ups are too many, but if a site has so many pop-ups that you can't actually navigate it, that means there are too many. If there are multiple pop-ups and none are related to the site you tried to visit, that's another sign that you may be on an unsafe website.
Pop-ups to avoid:

Any that ask for financial information

Cybersecurity warnings - this is called scareware, and it could mean that you end up downloading malware instead of protecting yourself from it

Those advertising unrelated products or services

Installing a pop-up blocker for your phone and computer can help suppress a lot of these dialog boxes before they ever become a problem.

10. Find out who owns the site

Before you spend money at an online store, you can verify who owns the site by running a Whois search. This search will tell you who owns a website so you can make a more informed decision about where you want to spend your money. If a site is owned by someone other than the purported owner (or you can't find a way to contact them), you're probably better off taking your business to a more reputable company.

11. Use web security tools

Using web security tools like Norton 360 Deluxe can help block hackers and protect against fake sites, helping to prevent your data from falling into the wrong hands. And with a built-in VPN and parental controls, safer browsing is available for you and your family. Not only can these security tools protect your financial and personal information, but they also help protect your devices from debilitating malware.

FAQs about how to know if a website is safe

Still have questions about how to check if a website is safe to buy from or visit? We've got you covered.

How do scam websites work?

There are several kinds of scam websites, and they each function differently. Phishing sites are designed to get you to reveal personal information about yourself that can help hackers and scammers get into your accounts. Hackers build spoof sites to look like sites you already know and trust in order to steal your account information and passwords directly.

How can I check if a link is safe?

If you're using a computer, you can hover over the link with your cursor. If it shows a different domain than what you expected, it may be unsafe. You can copy it and check it out with a URL safety check site. If a link doesn't look safe (or you just aren't sure), it's best to not click it. Instead, go directly to the site by typing the URL into your browser to avoid exposing your information to scammers.

Does clearing my cache get rid of viruses?

It depends. Some viruses and malware may be designed to hang out in your cache, and clearing it could delete them. However, it won't help if the malware was already deployed.

How do I know if a link is phishing?

If the message or site has grammatical and spelling errors and poor design functionality, it might be a sign that it's trying to phish you. If the site asks for information that could be used to identify you or reveal your passwords or other sensitive information, it could be a phishing link. If a link came from an unknown sender or it looks suspicious, it's best not to click on it.

Ellie Farrier is a Prague-based cybersecurity writer interested in how technology and society overlap, especially the impacts of device security. Previously, she worked as a technical writer, diving into product troubleshooting, how-to guides, and tech usability.

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How to check if a website is safe: an 11-step guide - Norton

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Learn how to tell if a website is safe with our guide. By understanding what to look out for, you can protect your personal information and browse securely.

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5 Ways YOU Can Check if it's a Safe Website

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With the increase in online use, the number of scams has tippled over the years. Most people only think that the elderly get targeted but anyone can be affected.

Things to be aware of.

Bank information - no bank will ask for you to log in via a text or ask you to pay a bill though text. Most cards start with the same 4 digits therefore even if it matches it probably isn't your card. If you are worried try contacting your bank over the phone or in person before following through.

DO NOT CLICK UNKNOWN LINKS - most of the time links will send you to fake websites that look real always use google search instead of links. On Instagram clicking a link can cause you to get your account stolen.

Spelling mistakes - Any spelling mistakes it is most likely fake.

Online calls - when talking online with a bank or anything that needs information do not use the links they send you use the google links provided by your search, not the keywords they give you.

AI voices- now scammers can use the voice of your family members if you get a call from anyone you know asking for money hang up and call them back with the given number from your contacts.

Overall, always trust your gut if it is too good to be true do not give information.

Example

You get an email saying you owe 12$ in late fees on your credit card click this link to resolve fees. While the amount is so little most people will click and pay but this. The email is from a bank user email that only says bank customer. After paying the fee your card gets random charges. Instead. you should have called your bank instead of protecting your information.

AI voice scanners

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/24/how-to-protect-yourself-against-ai-voice-cloning-scams.html#:~:text=In%20March%2C%20the%20Federal%20Trade,to%20send%20the%20scammers%20money.

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How to check if a website is real or fake | NordVPN

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AI scams on the rise, robocalls impersonate loved one's voice

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While having friends online can be fun just because you do not see them in person does not mean that you can say whatever you want.

When online remember...

Words can hurt

It will be online forever even if you delete it

Everyone deserves respect

Online activity can be tracked and held against you

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Chrissy Teigen has been forced to apologise after old tweets surfaced, but she's not the only star whose tweets have come back to haunt them

Chrissy Teigen has been forced to apologise after old tweets surfaced in which she told Courtney Stodden to take their own life.

She said she had been an "insecure, attention seeking troll" and is "ashamed and completely embarrassed" about what she did to Courtney, who was just 16-years-old at the time.

The scandal follows a trend of celebrities' offensive old tweets coming back to haunt them after their careers have skyrocketed.

From Zoella's shocking comments about gay people and "chavs", to Iggy Azaelea's bigoted jibes at Asian people, social media users are holding famous faces to account for their old prejudices.

Chrissy Teigen

Chrissy told Courtney in 2011: "My friday fantasy: you. dirt nap. mmmmmm baby."

In another tweet, Chrissy told Courtney to "go. to sleep. forever."

Courtney said this week: "[Chrissy] wouldn't just publicly tweet about wanting me to take 'a dirt nap' but would privately DM me and tell me to kill myself. Things like, 'I can't wait for you to die.'

Amid a huge backlash, Chrissy has now apologised to Courtney, saying: "I was an insecure, attention seeking troll. I am ashamed and completely embarrassed at my behaviour but that is nothing compared to how I made Courtney feel."

She added: "I have tried to connect with Courtney privately but since I publicly fueled all this, I want to also publicly apologize. I'm so sorry, Courtney. I hope you can heal now knowing how deeply sorry I am."

Chrissy has made mean comments about a number of celebrities on Twitter, including then nine-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis, who she called "cocky", and making fun of Mariah Carey's weight.

Zoella

YouTuber Zoe Sugg, aka Zoella, is another star who was forced to apologise when her old tweets came back to haunt her.

She tweeted in one post: "I find it funny when gay men spit... it's like they're trying to be a bit macho."

"How many straight men do you know, who whip out a compact mirror to do their hair before an abseil?" she wrote in another.

Zoella said in another tweet: "Who do these parents insist on beefing up their obese children, just give them water and some veg and tell them that's all they're getting."

She also used the words "fat chav" and "skank" in other posts.

The internet celebrity said sorry for the posts in 2017, posting: "I've seen a few of my old tweets from 7/8 years ago floating around (which I have now deleted) using words like 'chav', 'skank' and other words I wouldn't use now as part of my language.

"Obviously that is not who I am today and I'd like to think I'm a little older and wiser! I'm not perfect and I've never claimed to be, I'm only human!"

Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea has become known for her controversial tweets.

In 2015 she pulled out of a performance at Pittsburgh Pride festival in the US after her old tweets resurfaced.

She had tweeted: "Just saw 5 black men get arrested out the front of popeyes. #damn #stereotypes."

"When guys whisper in each others ears I always think its kinda homo," she said in another post.

She also said: that"b**ches in LA be stick skinny. To the bone. White, black, Mexican... okay so maybe not Mexican."

The rapper also made a racist tweet about Asian people pretending not to speak English.

Iggy said in a statement at the time: "I am a firm believer in equality. Unfortunately in the past as a young person, I used words I should not have.

"The last thing I want is for something so carelessly said to be interpreted as reflective of my character. I meant no harm and deeply regret ever uttering those words."

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart stepped down as the host of the 2019 Oscars after his old offensive tweets resurfaced.

He had made a number of homophobic posts, including telling one Twitter user their profile picture looked like "a gay bill board [sic] for AIDS."

The comedian tweeted in 2011: "Yo if my son comes home & try's 2 play with my daughters doll house I'm going 2 break it over his head & say n my voice 'stop that's gay.'"

Hart issued an apology and confirmed he wouldn't be hosting the Oscars, saying: "I have made the choice to step down from hosting this year's Oscar's.... this is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists.

"I sincerely apologise to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past ... I am evolving and want to continue to do so. My goal is to bring people together not tear us apart."

Azealia Banks

Azealia Banks has become better known for her controversial tweets than she was for her music career.

She once sent a racist tweet that Zayn Malik, calling him a "sand n*****" and a "curry scented b***h", before saying that he "looks like he used to be a girl".

The rapper did apologise for this five months later, saying she is "committed to becoming a better person."

Azealia has also made a string of homophobic comments about gay people, including saying she didn't care if she was being called a homophobe.

She also tweeted abuse to child actor Skai Jackson.

In 2020 she tweeted her prediction that Meghan Markle would die in a car crash next year.

At the start of the year she claimed she dug up her dead pet cat and cooked his body, posting a vile video of the act on her account.

Jack Maynard

Jack Maynard appeared to be finally stepping out of his brother's shadow when he got a coveted spot on the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2017 line-up.

But the YouTuber, whose elder brother is Conor Maynard, lasted just three days in the jungle before she was forced to leave due to his controversial old tweets.

He also faced claims he sent pestering messages to a teenage girl on Facebook about pictures of her in a bra back in 2011 - and called her an 'ugly freak' when she refused to send them, when he'd just turned 17.

She was 14 at the time, though there is no suggestion that Maynard was aware of her age at that stage.

"If you get me to 1500 followers by tomorrow... I will kiss you....... Most likely rape you though," a tweet posted in 2011 read.

Another Tweet from the same year said: "I raped her... haha" in response to a fan.

Jack apologised for his actions, tweeting: "I have taken some time to reflect on the comments, tweets and ultimately my behaviour in the past, including a tweet sent in 2011 that is the subject of a story today...

"I was young, naive and stupid - but as I said previously, age is no excuse. My immaturity meant that I didn't stop for a second to think whether these comments would hurt or harm anyone - something I have learnt is entirely wrong."

He added: "I take full responsibility and regret my mistakes. As an adult, I understand the effect my words have on people, whether I have a big or small platform to speak from. Again, I am so sorry to anyone I have offended or disappointed."

Amanda Bynes

After a successful career as a child star and roles in popular teen comedies, Amanda Bynes began posting bizarre and offensive tweets.

In 2013, she posted: "I want Drake to murder my vagina."

But she later called him, and string of other celebrities including Barack and Michelle Obama, "ugly", while also insulting Drake's mum.

She also sent nasty tweets to Rihanna, saying: "@rihanna you look so ugly tryin (sic) to be white."

"Chris Brown beat you because you're not pretty enough," she said in another post.

Amanda later apologised for her online tirades in 2018.

She told Paper Magazine.: "I'm really ashamed and embarrassed with the things I said. I can't turn back time but if I could, I would. And I'm so sorry to whoever I hurt and whoever I lied about because it truly eats away at me.

"It makes me feel so horrible and sick to my stomach and sad. Everything I worked my whole life to achieve, I kind of ruined it all through Twitter."

"It's definitely not Twitter's fault - it's my own fault," she added.

*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch

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Celebs whose old tweets came back to haunt them including Chrissy Teigen

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Chrissy Teigen has been forced to apologise after old tweets surfaced, but she's not the only star whose tweets have come back to haunt them Chrissy Teigen has been forced to apologise after old tweets surfaced in which she told Courtney Stodden to take their own life.