SCARS Institute’s Encyclopedia of Scams™ Published Continuously for 25 Years
You have to be as smart as the Cybercriminals!
Use additional disposable email addresses for your own safety!
The scammers do this easily and you should too!
Originally published February 4, 2015
Using Additional Email Addresses As Protection
On Today’s Internet, you have to be as Smart as the Scammers & Cybercriminals
And one of the strategies that can be very helpful is the use of multiple email addresses!
Don’t Give Out Your Real Email Address Anymore!
The basic idea:
Have a single email address that you protect at all costs for your real financial and critical accounts, such as banking, social security, etc.
On that account set a very strong password and enable two-factor authentication (TFA or 2FA). But never use that email address for none-critical or transitory accounts.
Examples of non-critical accounts:
- Dating websites
- Social media
- Web subscriptions
- Anything advertising or marketing related
- Anywhere that you do not know who the company is
None of these non-critical accounts can be trusted with your core lifelong critical account email address. None of them can be counted on to protect your information or care about your identity.
It is true that your critical email address has (most likely) already been compromised. Chrome and Edge browsers will tell you if they find your email address on the dark web. This is why you have to use a very strong NEW password and set up two-factor authentication – using your phone for example.
Two Factor Authentication
We strongly recommend the Microsoft Authenticator as your TFA application instead of the Google App.
Microsoft has proven itself More trustworthy than Google. And it is available on both Android and Apple devices. It is easy to use and rock-solid (so far – knock on wood!) — Click Here to learn more about the Microsoft Authenticator!
Free Email Services
Create a new one of these for your non-critical accounts and treat it as important, but potentially disposable.
But with all accounts that may have value, use TWO FACTOR AUTHENTICATION always if available.
Free Email Services:
There are many more, but these are all you need. Always create a solid password, enable TFA, and if possible turn on forwarding to your critical email account so it is easier to monitor (everything shows up in your one inbox).
That’s really all there is to it. This is a simple concept, but it helps keep you safer!
TAGS: SCARS, Information About Scams, Anti-Scam, Scams, Scammers, Fraudsters, Cybercrime, Crybercriminals, Romance Scams, Scam Victims, Online Fraud, Online Crime Is Real Crime, Scam Avoidance, Staying Safe Online, Free Email, Email Services, Strong Passwords, Two Factor Authorication
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THE NEXT VICTIM MIGHT BE YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBER OR BEST FRIEND!
By the SCARS™ Editorial Team
Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.
A Worldwide Crime Victims Assistance & Crime Prevention Nonprofit Organization Headquartered In Miami Florida USA & Monterrey NL Mexico, with Partners In More Than 60 Countries
To Learn More, Volunteer, or Donate Visit: www.AgainstScams.org
Contact Us: Contact@AgainstScams.org
To Understand All Scams, Read This:
The SCARS Institute Relationship Scams Formula Checklist
This is the Formula that all Relationship Scams Follow
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Table of Contents
Rapid Report Scammers
In the U.S. & Canada
U.S. & Canada Suicide Lifeline 988
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ARTICLE META
Important Information for New Scam Victims
- Please visit www.ScamVictimsSupport.org – a SCARS Website for New Scam Victims & Sextortion Victims
- Enroll in FREE SCARS Scam Survivor’s School now at www.SCARSeducation.org
- Please visit www.ScamPsychology.org – to more fully understand the psychological concepts involved in scams and scam victim recovery
If you are looking for local trauma counselors please visit counseling.AgainstScams.org or join SCARS for our counseling/therapy benefit: membership.AgainstScams.org
If you need to speak with someone now, you can dial 988 or find phone numbers for crisis hotlines all around the world here: www.opencounseling.com/suicide-hotlines
A Note About Labeling!
We often use the term ‘scam victim’ in our articles, but this is a convenience to help those searching for information in search engines like Google. It is just a convenience and has no deeper meaning. If you have come through such an experience, YOU are a Survivor! It was not your fault. You are not alone! Axios!
A Question of Trust
At the SCARS Institute, we invite you to do your own research on the topics we speak about and publish, Our team investigates the subject being discussed, especially when it comes to understanding the scam victims-survivors experience. You can do Google searches but in many cases, you will have to wade through scientific papers and studies. However, remember that biases and perspectives matter and influence the outcome. Regardless, we encourage you to explore these topics as thoroughly as you can for your own awareness.
Statement About Victim Blaming
SCARS Institute articles examine different aspects of the scam victim experience, as well as those who may have been secondary victims. This work focuses on understanding victimization through the science of victimology, including common psychological and behavioral responses. The purpose is to help victims and survivors understand why these crimes occurred, reduce shame and self-blame, strengthen recovery programs and victim opportunities, and lower the risk of future victimization.
At times, these discussions may sound uncomfortable, overwhelming, or may be mistaken for blame. They are not. Scam victims are never blamed. Our goal is to explain the mechanisms of deception and the human responses that scammers exploit, and the processes that occur after the scam ends, so victims can better understand what happened to them and why it felt convincing at the time, and what the path looks like going forward.
Articles that address the psychology, neurology, physiology, and other characteristics of scams and the victim experience recognize that all people share cognitive and emotional traits that can be manipulated under the right conditions. These characteristics are not flaws. They are normal human functions that criminals deliberately exploit. Victims typically have little awareness of these mechanisms while a scam is unfolding and a very limited ability to control them. Awareness often comes only after the harm has occurred.
By explaining these processes, these articles help victims make sense of their experiences, understand common post-scam reactions, and identify ways to protect themselves moving forward. This knowledge supports recovery by replacing confusion and self-blame with clarity, context, and self-compassion.
Additional educational material on these topics is available at ScamPsychology.org – ScamsNOW.com and other SCARS Institute websites.
Psychology Disclaimer:
All articles about psychology and the human brain on this website are for information & education only
The information provided in this article is intended for educational and self-help purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for professional therapy or counseling.
While any self-help techniques outlined herein may be beneficial for scam victims seeking to recover from their experience and move towards recovery, it is important to consult with a qualified mental health professional before initiating any course of action. Each individual’s experience and needs are unique, and what works for one person may not be suitable for another.
Additionally, any approach may not be appropriate for individuals with certain pre-existing mental health conditions or trauma histories. It is advisable to seek guidance from a licensed therapist or counselor who can provide personalized support, guidance, and treatment tailored to your specific needs.
If you are experiencing significant distress or emotional difficulties related to a scam or other traumatic event, please consult your doctor or mental health provider for appropriate care and support.
Also read our SCARS Institute Statement about Professional Care for Scam Victims – click here to go to our ScamsNOW.com website.
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