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CYBER & INFOSEC

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How to avoid lottery scams and keep your personal details safe

Keeping your personal details safe online is imperative, no matter what you're trying to do - but when you're playing the lottery, this can be more important than ever. It's easy to get swept up in the fantasy of winning all the money you could ever want in your wildest dreams so you need to be careful so that you don't lose all your own cash as well.


Check providers are licensed


You should only play the lottery on reputable sites and so it's important to check that they're officially endorsed. There are various rules and regulations that lottery websites must adhere to, which may vary depending on your country. However, it's relatively easy to check whether a website is legitimate. For example, a licensed lottery provider like this one will often go out of its way to reassure you in their "about" section.


Do your research


While reading the website that you hope to use carefully is advisable for your peace of mind, other research needs to be done, too. Websites such as Trust Pilot can help you easily identify which sites are legitimate based on other users' experiences and which are not. You can also read reviews of many lottery websites these days, which can help you get a feel in your mind for what's what. Never give over your card details to a website you're not sure of, no matter how tempting the alleged rewards may be.

Be aware of scam emails or "phishing"





A good lottery website will never email you asking for you to reply with your password or credit card details. Be careful to check the sender details carefully when opening things because they may seem to be from a very similar email address to the one you've signed up with - but the reality is that they're fake! "Phishing" is where people are tricked into revealing sensitive data so that scammers can get into your accounts. This is especially dangerous where financial information is concerned. Make sure all your passwords are different and changed often - and, if you are a victim, change passwords again and inform any financial providers immediately.


Help elderly relatives


Elderly relatives often have a lot of time on their hands in addition to disposable income but they may not fully understand the complexities of the internet or how vulnerable users often are. Explain to them how important it is not to part with financial information, unless they can be sure sites are secure and legitimate. Always be open to answering any questions they have - it's better to be giving them advice now rather than later down the line where things could look serious indeed. Unfortunately, people specifically target the elderly to take their money from them, and you might find that such vulnerable people would be too embarrassed to tell you later down the line. Ensure the lines are open for honest and informed communication.





Playing the lottery online can be incredibly fun, however, it's important that you exercise caution to get the most out of the game.

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