When’s the last time you picked up a phone call from a number you didn’t recognize, only to find that you have absolutely no interest in what the solicitor has to say but that, even worse, you provided absolutely no consent to warrant their call in the first place? But how can you stop scamers from getting your number? How to stop yourself from getting into a software scam?
If this sounds like a familiar experience, it’s likely for one of three reasons.
- You purchased something from a morally questionable website online.
- A cold caller targeted phone numbers from a certain area code and yours happened to be one of them.
- You voluntarily provided your information to a website online in hopes of receiving more details on their service, a quote on a project you need handled or more specifically, a software development task.
We’re sorry to be the ones to tell you this (you may have suspected it already) but if Sally from Super SEO Mega Wonderful Services called yesterday because unbeknownst to you, you were “on her list,” it’s likely due to a recent transaction you made with an unsecured development company like a computer development scam.
Instances such as these are far too common; you’re attempting to find competent, reliable and trustworthy contractors to get your work done and instead you’ve written your business number on the inside of a dirty virtual bathroom stall.
Information, after all, is a commodity.
When software development companies are not getting enough business, they may sell the information they have to make money. This can include email addresses, phone numbers, general demographics, or even physical addresses. This is illegal, but it can be difficult to regulate. Some companies even falsify written consent.
Companies may sell this information to marketing companies, who then use it to target people with advertising. This can be annoying and intrusive, and it can also be harmful if the information is used to discriminate against people. For example, if a company knows that you are interested in buying a new car, they may send you ads for cars even if you have already bought one. Or, if a company knows that you are a certain race or religion, they may charge you more for a product or service.
It is important to be aware of the risks of sharing your personal information online. If you are not comfortable with a company having your information, you should not give it to them. You should also be careful about what information you share on social media, as this can also be used to track you and target you with advertising.
If you believe that a company has violated your privacy, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. You can also contact the company directly and ask them to stop scamers from selling your information.
The world of online software development services is full of companies that are more interested in making a quick buck than providing quality work. When a site claims to be providing you with a quote or consultation, be wary of their intentions. They may know that their chances of getting your business are low due to their shoddy work and half-assed communication, so they may try to commoditize whatever they can get out of you. This means that they may try to sell you a low-quality product or service at a high price, or they may try to get you to sign up for a long-term contract that you don’t need.
It’s important to do your research and only work with reputable companies when it comes to online software development services. Here are a few tips for finding a reputable company:
- Read online reviews.
- Ask for referrals from friends or colleagues.
- Check the company’s website for information about its experience and qualifications.
- Get everything in writing, including the scope of work, the timeline, and the price.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if you’re not comfortable with a company.
By following these tips, you can avoid being scammed and get the quality software development services you need.
Also Read: https://vteams.com/blog/a-little-wordpress-plugin-causes-problems-for-us-to-solve/
How can I avoid this?
As you likely are not and will never be interested in Sally’s services (sorry, Sally) you can take steps to ensure you never end up on her list in the first place as well as stop scamers.
1. It is important to read the terms of use before agreeing to them. These terms can have a significant impact on your rights and responsibilities, and it is important to understand them before you agree to them. Some of the things you may find in the terms of use include:
- What information the company will collect about you and how they will use it.
- What rights you have to access and control your data.
- What the company’s obligations are to you.
- What happens if you violate the terms of use.
It is important to read the terms of use carefully and ask questions if you are unsure about anything. If you do not agree to the terms of use, you should not use the company’s services.
Here are some tips for reading the terms of use:
- Take your time. Don’t rush through the terms of use.
- Read carefully. Don’t skim over the text.
- Look for important terms and conditions. These may be highlighted or in bold.
- Ask questions. If you are unsure about anything, ask the company for clarification.
- Don’t agree to anything you don’t understand or agree with.
By following these tips, you can help protect yourself and your rights when you use online services.
2. When it comes to determining the trustworthiness of a website, relying on your gut instincts can be a helpful initial indicator. Our instincts are often shaped by our subconscious ability to recognize patterns and detect potential threats. If a website gives you an uneasy feeling or appears suspicious, it’s worth investigating further before engaging with it or providing any personal information. However, it’s important to complement your intuition with a more comprehensive assessment to make an informed judgment.
While trusting your instincts is valuable, it’s crucial to combine them with objective analysis. Perform a thorough background check on the website by searching for reviews, ratings, or any negative feedback from other users. Verify the legitimacy of the company or organization behind the website by researching their reputation, history, and presence in reputable directories or online platforms.
Remember, even if a website doesn’t immediately appear sketchy, it’s still important to exercise caution online. Implementing security measures like using strong and unique passwords, keeping your devices and software up to date, and being mindful of the information you share online can help protect you from potential scams or fraudulent activities.
3. Speak to someone first; our own Atlantic Team, located in Tolland, Connecticut, is available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST daily. The reason for this is twofold: so that both existing and potential clients know we hold ourselves accountable for their information, and that they have a consistent, solid human being to speak to when they need help or peace of mind.
Information is a commodity. You know what else is a commodity? Your time.
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