What precautions should expats take to avoid online scams related to personal information?

Another very common scam that everyone should be aware of...

1. Someone (could be family, friend, acquaintance) in your Facebook Friend List had their account hijacked by scammer.

2. Your "family/friend/acquaintance" (scammer who took over their account) messages you to ask for your mobile number or email address, to join a lucky draw which both of you could win big prizes.

3. The scammer then uses your mobile number or email address on the "Forgot Password" facility on Facebook, Gmail, Lazada, mobile phone company website or other online account.

4. Your "family/friend/acquaintance" then asks for the code sent to your mobile or email to confirm entry into the lucky draw.

5. Because it is a trusted person asking, you didn't think twice about sending the code to them.

6. Oooops... you have just let the scammer logged in to your account. They will immediately change the mobile number, recovery email address and password so they have complete control of your Facebook, Gmail, Lazada, mobile phone number or other online account.

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Moral of the Story:

Never give ANYONE the code sent to your phone or email.

It does not matter if they claim to be the police, tax department, government, family member or a trusted friend.

The person asking is 100% a scammer.

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Trust no one

Out of interest what was the drivers licence number again? Asking for a friend

Did they hack your relative or just make a copy profile with the same picture and information? That's very common. Happened to one of the moderators last week.