Online abuse is no joke, and it can take many forms, some of which leave scars on the victims that affect their lives for a long time. That is why it is crucial to be savvy about your online presence as possible. Something you can find out more about how to do in the post below.

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Do check the small print.

While it’s common to think that an individual could be a threat to your online safety, what we often forget is that the big corporations running social media and other online services can also be problematic.

In fact, only recently have the social media giant Facebook found themselves part of another criminal investigation over sharing users information and detail without permission. It’s also a well-known fact that such companies ask you to sign your rights to any images you display over when you apply.

To that end, it is well worth reading the small print and terms and conditions or at least doing a cursory Google to check if anyone else has had privacy issues before you sign up. Otherwise, you could be signing away access to all sorts of things that you are unaware of.

Don’t post private details.

Of course, it not just about ensuring that corporations safely handle your data, you have to do your part as well, and that means being aware of what you are posting online. In particular posting, anything to do with your financial affairs including bank stamens, or debit and credit cards should be avoided. It’s even important that you check such things are in the background of any photos you take, as people can zoom in and get this information with little effort.

Additionally, both on social media and when blogging writing about your current location, or the place that you plan to be in the future is a bad idea. The reason being that anyone stalking you can easily get this information and turn up to public places, something that could put you and your family at risk.

In fact, there is evidence suggesting that limiting the amount of even basic personal information that is accessible online is wise. After all, it’s unlikely that really want all of your followers to know intimate details about yourself and your family, something that could end up posing a safety risk to both you and them.  

Do up your online security.

Next, when it comes to avoiding abuse online, it’s crucial that you boost your security measures. What this means is that not only do you keep your social media accounts private, but you also choose to use a virtual private network or VPN, something that will block you physically and IP address from spying eyes.

Of course, you may not think that this is much of problem but with the recent trend towards doxxing finding a good VPN provider can prevent unscrupulous individuals from posting your home address and phone number details online.

Luckily, you can find one of the best free VPN services just by clicking the link. Then by using such a service, you will not only have the protection you need, but the peace of mind to continue using your online accounts without worrying.

Don’t fall for scams.

Scams, the online world is full of them, and any of us can fall prey to unscrupulous people that are looking to separate us from our money. In fact, the worst example of this is identity theft where an individual’s identity is assumed by another and is then used to run up large bills and even commit other crimes.

Luckily, it is possible to protect yourself from this specific type of abuse online. One way to do this is never to enter details onto a web page that you have reached by following a link in an email, as this is often a phishing scam in disguise. Additionally, using secure and different passwords for each account you have online can vastly reduce the likelihood of your accounts being hacked.

It is also wise to regularly check your credits reports and report any unauthorised activity as soon as possible. Oh, and don’t forget that giving your card to the server in a restaurant so they can take it to a pay terminal is a bad idea.

In fact, it is this behaviour that leaves your open to a practice called skimming where they capture your card information and passcode and then go on to use it elsewhere. To that end, always insisted that card reader is brought to your table or follow the server to the terminal. Otherwise, you may be opening yourself up to online abuse.