The online world is awash with amazing offers, but how do you know which ones you can trust and which are too good to be true? If you want to save money and get access to the best offers, you need to know a few tips to keep you safe from fake promotions and phishing scams.
From ensuring you’re using a reputable brand to logging on through a VPN, there are various tactics you can use to stay safe when claiming offers.
Make Sure You’re Using a Reputable Brand
The first thing you should do before claiming an offer is some due diligence on the company that’s offering it. Make sure you’re clicking on the brand’s official website for a start. Cybercriminals are so clever these days that they’ll sometimes copy an official web address almost exactly, so it’s best to always double-check.
Brands in certain industries need to be fully regulated, meaning that you can check whether they have licenses in place. This is true when you claim a casino bonus, such as a deposit match or free spins. If the online casino is trustworthy, it will have a license clearly stated – usually at the bottom of the page. If this is there, you know it’s safe to claim the offer. For example, the Hippodrome Online Casino is fully regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. It also has its awards clearly displayed to give players an extra level of trust.
It’s always wise to read the terms and conditions before you claim an offer too. That way, you know exactly what you’re signing up for. A good sign that you’re using a reputable brand is if they have clear rules in place that you can easily access.
Use a Secure Email for Signups
If you’ve ever wondered where all those spam phishing emails come from, it’s usually because you’ve entered your email address on a website that isn’t secure. Some of the less reputable promotions out there online are simply designed to collect email addresses, and these can then be used for spam marketing or phishing.
The best way to protect yourself against this is to always use a different email address from your main one to sign up to things. Think of it like a burner email, one that you can easily discard if it gets cluttered up with junk. You can even opt for temporary email services for one-time signups. This practice is best if you’re unable to verify the legitimacy of an offer.
Protect Your Data with a VPN
It’s good practice to always access the internet through a VPN, but especially so when you’re claiming online offers. The technology keeps your IP address hidden from advertisers and cybercriminals, and also prevents tracking when you’re browsing different store websites. Using a VPN to change location can also sometimes give you access to different offers, as these may change based on the region people log on from.
There’s no doubt that online offers are a great way to save money, but some may not be designed to benefit you. It’s always wise to approach these promotions with caution, and use a few techniques to ensure that your data is secure.