Today, mobile phones have become an integral part of life. These devices help us stay connected to loved ones. However, that does not mean they cannot be a cause to worry. Sometimes, when one uses a phone to access the internet, one can become susceptible to online fraud without them knowing. Furthermore, scammers are now formulating new ways to fool people. Hence, some phone mistakes must be prevented to avoid online fraud. Some of them are:
Not updating the phone’s software
One of the worst phone mistakes that attract online fraud is the inability to update your cellphone. When one updates the phone, one can have the latest web browser, operating system, bug fixes, and security software at one’s fingertips. These can act as the best defenses against potential problems such as malware, viruses, and other types of online fraud.
So, to ensure the phone and its software work effectively, one must turn on automatic updates. This way, one can receive the latest updates and utilize them to keep safe at all times.
Keeping weak passwords
Some individuals use similar passwords everywhere. While this can make remembering the code or pin relatively easier, it can also make them more vulnerable to online fraud. Hence, using different or random characters as passwords are considered best. Such passwords can include symbols, alphabets – uppercase or lowercase, and numbers. Further, if one wishes to make things easier, one can adopt the alphabets and numbers that can be easily remembered.
Besides, one must use 6-digit pins instead of 4-digit ones for the lock screen. This is because the former can give one access to more possible combinations, making it difficult for hackers or fraudsters to sign in to your phone and other accounts.
Using public Wi-Fi that is not password protected
Although public Wi-Fi systems are advantageous, unfortunately, they are potentially dangerous. A study has concluded that 40% of people who use public Wi-Fi on the go had their data and personal information compromised. In such cases, it’s best to employ virtual private networks (VPNs) outside the house.
Typically these VPN services anonymize one’s data, thus keeping it untraceable through mediums like IP addresses, further aiding in keeping one’s data and personal information safe and even avoiding online fraud.
Clicking on malicious links from unknown sources
Modern-day fraudsters have become immensely capable of fooling scores of people. These wrongdoers track all the current affairs to take advantage of an individual’s financial situation. For example, some use fraudulent websites that can be used to trick certain users into disclosing personal information or login details in exchange for money.
Therefore, one must avoid opening unfamiliar attachments or clicking on unknown links. Then, one must forward such messages or emails to the Federal Trade Commission for further action.
Following unknown social media posts
Sometimes, during peak travel seasons such as summer, one can see seemingly innocent social media ads for flight ticket deals to well-known destinations where these deals come with an expiration date – before which interested candidates must make their choice.
While such posts seem similar to travel company campaigns, most may have extra fees hidden in the fine print. In such cases, when one uses a credit or debit card to pay for the fees, the card details eventually fall into the hands of the fraudster, thus making one prey to online fraud and losing a lot of money.
Using unsafe shopping websites or apps
When shopping online, it’s common to search for the best deals. While these deals can save you money, they can also be risky. Fraudsters often target online retailers that offer irresistible offers. They create fake websites or apps to trick people into making purchases. Unfortunately, after making a purchase, you may receive a delivery date that’s 3-4 weeks away. Worse, the scammer may take your money and never send the goods. It’s essential to be cautious when shopping online to avoid falling victim to these scams.
Hence, as a precaution, always check if the web address starts with “https.” Then, look out for the padlock symbol on the left side of the address bar. This guarantees that the opened website is secure for use.
In addition to the phone mistakes mentioned above, one must steer clear of strangers to avoid potential online fraud. This includes picking up calls from unknown numbers, not reading through the website or app’s privacy policies, and not using cybersecurity on phones.
At first, these mistakes can seem harmless, but they can cost a large sum of money in the long run. Further, one must never disclose personal information such as date of birth, passwords, and credit card details to anyone. If one has made their date of birth public on social media websites, one must change the setting to private. Additionally, avoid posting information like the mother’s maiden name, which can also be used to gain access to your bank or any other important accounts.
Scammers usually imply authority and instill fear to get prompt responses. So, asking yourself if an authoritative entity would ask you for personal information over the phone is important. Rely on your intuition to avoid making a hasty decision out of anxiety.
If you’ve ever heard of the Justice League, you’ll be surprised to find that there’s a league of Otterbox phone/tablet cases too. Unlike Justice League, who protect the world, these cases protect your device. If you’re someone who’s hyperactive or doesn’t think twice before performing daredevil stunts, you should definitely use tablet cases for maximum protection.
They are strong and sturdy, with durability factored into most of them. Protecting your device from all kinds of drops and shocks from impact is now a breeze. Your device will stay safe, secure, and happy.
Check out these four amazing series of Otterbox cases.
Otterbox Defender Series
Featuring a triple layered defense with an inner shell protection, an outer cover, and screen protection, the Otterbox Defender series will defend your device till the death.
It comes bundled with port covers that offers protection to USB and charging ports from dust, dirt and any form of residue entering through tiny gaps.
The Otterbox Defender series comes equipped with a holster which acts as a kickstand. It functions as a hands-free option for viewing videos. It also protects the camera lens from scrapes, scratches, and scuffs.
Otterbox Commuter Series
The Otterbox Commuter series is for those who love going on adventures and want their device to have adequate protection. The soft inner layers absorbs shocks and the outer hard layers absorbs external forms of impact. The port covers included protect against pocket lint too. If you’re planning to take your device into the wildlife for an adventure, make sure it has a case from this series.
Otterbox Symmetry Series
If beauty is your concern, the Otterbox Symmetry Series will provide the justice your device deserves. Ultraslim, ultralight, and ultra protective, it gives ultimate protection to your device with awesome designs.
It comes in solid color choices with a sleek design. It will make your phone or tablet stand out in the crowd. The sleek design lets your device slide in and out of your pocket without extra effort.
Otterbox Strada Series
Leather cases made of premium leather, the Otterbox Strada Series adds poshness and luxury to your device. With very stylish, soft and slim profiles, these cases are easy to attach to your device. These cases come with metallic accents and Otterbox Certified Drop+ Protection. The myriad leather patterns and cases are intricately stitched to perfection.
Otterbox uniVERSE Case
One case, endless possibilities is the tagline for this product. The case is modular in nature. It lets you swap out a piece and plug in different modules. Take professional photographs with a camera module. Charge your device with a battery pack. Increase the memory with an expandable memory module. This case maximises the phone’s protection and at the same time increases its functionality too.
Appliances form an important part of any household. The range varies from kitchen appliances to lighting products, irons, and a range of home and office appliances. A large number of players are available in the market, and Black+Decker appliances have been able to create a niche in the market.
Black+decker appliances manufacturers have also taken care to ensure that they remain connected with their customers. To maintain this bond, their entire product range comes with a limited lifetime warranty. The same applies to its cookware range of products and they come with limited lifetime warranty, ensuring that the products can be used for a longer duration.
Pick any of the products from the abovementioned list and complete your kitchen collection.
Leukemia means cancer that affects blood cells. Leukemia begins inside the bone marrow, where blood cell production takes place. There are different types of blood cells but leukemia usually targets white blood cells. These white blood cells fight infections. When these cells begin to grow abnormally, it impairs their infection-fighting function.
Leukemia can be chronic or acute. Chronic leukemia develops at a slower pace than acute leukemia. Further classification of leukemia is based on the type of blood cells affected by the disease. The leukemia that targets white blood cells (lymphocytes) is called lymphocytic leukemia. Myelogenous leukemia targets red blood cells, granulocytes or platelets.
Types of Leukemia
Based on different classifications of the disease, there are several types of leukemia.
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) This is the most commonly-occurring leukemia. It mostly occurs in children but can affect anyone.
• Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) This type of leukemia can affect people of all groups but most commonly is seen in adults.
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) It can develop in adults without manifesting any signs of the disease for long periods of time.
• Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) The symptoms may not show for years but then escalate quickly.
• Others Hairy cell leukemia is a rare type of leukemia. Others can be myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders or an AML subtype known as acute promyelocytic leukemia.
Causes: There is no known cause of leukemia. It can occur due to environmental or genetic reasons. The former can include exposure to a chemical like benzene or radiation.
Symptoms: The symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type and classification of the disease. But common symptoms are
• Pain in bones, belly ache
• Fever, chills, night sweats
• Lumps in the groin area, swelling in the lymph nodes
• Extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, poor appetite
• Recurring infections, frequent occurrence of bleeding (from nose, gums or rectum) and easy bruising
Diagnosis: The diagnosis of leukemia can involve blood tests and a physical examination to check for lumps and swellings in the body. Depending on the blood test results, the doctor may order a biopsy of the bone marrow to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment: Timely treatment and family support is crucial to help patients cope with this devastating type of cancer. Treatment for leukemia can depend on the type and stage of the cancer as well as the patient’s health.
• Chemotherapy This is the major treatment option for all types of leukemia. The drugs can be administered in pill form or through injections.
• Targeted therapy This involves use of drugs to stop the abnormal growth of blood cells by targeting specific problems inside the cells.
• Radiation Special beams or X-rays target cancerous cells to prevent them from multiplying.
• Biological therapy A process that aids immune system to kill cancerous cells.
• Stem cell transplant This is a complex procedure to replace the diseased bone marrow. This process helps with the production of new and healthy blood cells.