Five Tips to Secure Your eBay Account from Frauds
Most people know it, very few cares it – Internet security is a serious threat not because of the activity of fraudsters, but mainly because of the inactivity of people who are happy till they are faced with a serious issue of identity theft or unauthorized withdrawal or thousands of dollars from their credit card or paypal account. You have seen and read hundreds of online security tips, appreciated them and conveniently forgot to implement at least one of the tip – even for the sake of your own safety.
Again, listed below are five tips to keep your eBay and paypal account safe – from the hands of a fraud.
Choose a strong password
Too simple! Most people overlook simple things. When was the last time you changed your password? Does your password has numbers AND letters? Or is it a minimum of eight-character long? A strong, hard to guess password secures your account big time. EBay provides some tips on choosing a secure password.
Don’t follow links to reach eBay
Sounds stupid, but it is a good way to ensure you safeguard yourself. Whenever you enter paypal information, make sure you first go to the homepage of paypal by typing paypal.com in the address bar and entering your login information there. Spoofing websites mimic original websites in look and feel, but may or may not have some notable differences in the address bar. Don’t click on links from other websites or the emails you get in ‘Bulk’ or ‘Inbox’ to ensure maximum safety for your account. More eBay tips to prevent account theft.
Use eBay Toolbar
Like it or not, you will get emails claiming to be from eBay or other sellers, giving you a link to follow and asking you to enter your eBay username and id. Such emails, that you think from eBay, but really are from some frauds are called phishing mails. The senders of such mails need to rip off your eBay identity by cheating you into giving your username and password. EBay toolbar, the free download from eBay can alert you of such fraudulent websites.
Update Antivirus Software
Antivirus programs that can bust Trojans and similar spywares are most welcome to your desktop or laptop. There is no appeal here, such malicious programs can send the finger impressions on the keys in your keyboard to places you never know existed. They are serious problems and you need a decent antivirus, anti-spyware program and better still a good firewall to ensure peace of mind.
Monitor you account regularly
You can easily overlook this facility. All you will need is to check your account details for any suspicious activity or changes in preferences. A red bulb must flash whenever you find a minute aberration from your settings.