Legal

How to Avoid Falling Victim to Online Scams

It’s important to be aware of online scams, as they can have serious financial and personal implications.

With more and more of our daily activities happening online, we must take the necessary steps to protect ourselves from falling victim to these scams, whether you’re shopping online, doing business transactions, or just browsing the web.

We will walk you through ten tips for recognizing and avoiding online scams. With these tips, you’ll be able to spot a scam before it has a chance to do any damage.

Let’s get started!

1) Don’t Click on Suspicious Links

It’s easy to be fooled by a link that appears to lead somewhere legitimate. Unfortunately, clicking on suspicious links can often lead to malicious software being installed on your computer or personal information being stolen.

To avoid falling victim to this scam, be wary of suspicious links.

Check for URL typos or unexpected pop-up messages before you click. If unsure, contact the website or company to verify the link’s legitimacy.

You should also keep an eye out for unsolicited emails from unknown senders that contain links; these are usually attempts to phish for personal information and should be avoided at all costs.

2) Don’t Give Out Personal Information

Be extremely careful when giving out personal information online. This includes your home address, phone number, banking details, social security number, and more. While it may seem harmless to sign up for a newsletter or download an app, it can easily open the door for criminals to access your information.

When you come across websites or apps that require personal information, ask yourself whether you trust the source.

If it’s not a site or app you know and trust, it’s best to avoid sharing private information. Additionally, look for privacy policies, so you know exactly how they will use your data before providing any of your details.

It’s also important to watch out for phishing scams. Criminals can attempt to gain access to your personal information by pretending to be a legitimate business or organization.

3) Be Wary of Free Offers

It’s always nice to receive something for free; however, online scammers may be taking advantage of your kindness.

Scammers often offer free items or services, such as tickets or holiday packages. If the person offering the freebies calls you, run their phone number through PhoneHistory to uncover their identity.

Although it sounds tempting, beware of clicking on the links they send. These links may be malicious and can infect your computer with viruses, malware, and spyware.

Before clicking on any links, take some time to research if the offer is legitimate. Check out customer reviews and learn more about the company behind the offer. If in doubt, don’t click!

4) Check the URL Before You Enter Personal Information

One of the most effective ways to protect your personal information is by checking the URL before you enter any personal details. By checking the URL, you can determine whether or not the website is secure and legitimate.

When looking at a URL, check for signs that the website is secure. Look for “https” at the beginning of the URL, as this indicates that the website is secure and uses encryption technology to protect your data.

Also, look out for the small padlock icon in the address bar, indicating that the site is secure.

Additionally, it’s important to look at the domain name to ensure that it matches the company or service you expect. If there are discrepancies, it’s best to avoid using the website altogether.

Make sure to double-check any web addresses that you click on from emails or other websites.

Sometimes malicious websites create links similar to a legitimate website but with a slightly different URL. Double-checking the URL can help ensure that you are on a legitimate website, not a scam.

5) Don’t Download Email Attachments from Unknown Senders

When you get an email with an attachment, check the sender first. Don’t download the attachment if it’s from someone you don’t know. It could be malicious software, like a virus or malware, that can cause serious damage to your computer. It’s best to delete the email and move on.

In addition, even if the sender is someone you know, be cautious of any attachments they send you.

It could be that their account was hacked, and they don’t even know they sent you anything. Double-check with them that they sent you something before downloading it.

Finally, always make sure your anti-virus software is up-to-date so it can detect any malicious software hidden in an email attachment. This will help protect your computer from potential viruses or other cyber threats.

6) Use Anti-Virus Software

Anti-virus software can be helpful in detecting malicious links and protecting your computer from potentially harmful websites. It can also scan for malware and remove it from your system if found.

It’s important to keep this software up-to-date to ensure your computer is as secure as possible. Additionally, run regular scans to make sure that no suspicious or malicious activity has been detected.

7) Keep Your Software Up-to-Date

Regular updates protect your devices from the latest threats, bugs, and vulnerabilities. Additionally, updating your operating system, web browsers, and other programs allows you to take advantage of new features and improved performance.

It’s easy to fall behind on software updates, but luckily there are automated options that can help keep you on top of them. Check the settings in your computer and mobile device to enable automatic updates.

8) Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are an important part of keeping yourself safe online. A strong password has a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers and is at least eight characters long. This can help protect you from hackers and cyber criminals trying to gain access to your accounts.

If you’re having trouble coming up with strong passwords, consider using a password manager, which can help you create and store strong passwords for all of your accounts.

9) Don’t Reuse Passwords

Using the same password for all of your online accounts can be a dangerous practice.

If a hacker were to gain access to one of your accounts, they would have access to all your other accounts. As such, it’s critical never to reuse passwords when creating new accounts.

Instead, take the time to develop unique and complex passwords for each account you create.

Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of them all. This way, you can generate secure passwords and store them all in one secure place.

10) Be Careful About What You Post Online

No matter how private you think your accounts are, it’s crucial to remember that anyone can see anything you post online.

Whether it’s a tweet, a photo, or even just a status update, the information you post can be used by scammers to access your accounts and steal your identity.

When posting online, ensure you never reveal personal information such as your address, phone number, or bank account details.

It’s also important to think twice before posting photos of yourself or your family. Scammers can use these images to create false identities or pose as you online.

In addition to being careful about what you post online, you should also pay close attention to who you share information with. Be wary of people you don’t know, and never give out your personal information or financial details to strangers.

Remember, scammers always look for ways to access your accounts and personal information. Exercising caution when posting online can help protect you from becoming a victim of online scams.

Conclusion

Staying safe online is becoming increasingly important as cybercriminals are developing more sophisticated methods for stealing your personal information.

Always be wary of suspicious links and offers, check the URL before entering any personal information, don’t download email attachments from unknown senders, use strong passwords and don’t reuse them, and be careful about what you post online.

Following these tips can help protect you and your information from online scams.

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Legal

Thai Court Amends Law to Allows Wives to Sue Husband’s Lovers

Thailand's Constitutional Court Allows Wives to Sue Husband's Lovers

Angry Thai Wife: File Image

Thailand’s Constitutional Court has changed the Civil Code will allow women to sue their husbands’ lovers, male or female. The Constitutional Court found on Tuesday that Section 1523 of the Civil Code breached Section 27 of the constitution, which safeguards Thais’ rights and liberties regardless of gender.

The court directed that the verdict be enforced within 360 days.

Section 1523 of the Civil Code states that husbands can sue their wives’ lovers, and wives can sue other women who publicly display an adulterous connection with their husband.

Keirov Kritteeranon, secretary-general of the Office of the Ombudsman, stated that the Ombudsman had previously urged the court to rule on the legality of Section 1523, which allowed wives to suit only female lovers.

Husbands can now sue their wives’ boyfriends regardless of gender, and there was no requirement for any public declaration of an adulterous connection, he claimed.

Once enforced, Tuesday’s Constitutional Court order, according to the Ombudsman, will correct this imbalance.

Thailand Amends Marriage Law

Meanwhile, Thailand is set to become the first Southeast Asian country to recognise same-sex marriage, after its marriage equality law was passed in the Upper House on Tuesday and is now on its approach to being promulgated before going into effect in the coming months.

LGBTQ+ advocates rejoiced as the Senate voted 130-4 to pass the bill on its final reading, with 18 abstentions. They hailed the development as a win in their long struggle for equal rights.

When the advocates who had gathered at parliament on Tuesday to witness the Senate’s final reading and vote on the measure heard the outcome, they burst out in cheers.

They next went to authorities House, where the authorities had planned a celebratory reception for them later in the day. They then went to the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, where the party lasted until late at night.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who is on sick leave due to Covid-19, congratulated them via Zoom call from Government House.

The new law will allow any two people aged 18 or older to register their marriage and obtain the same advantages and rights as heterosexual couples. The bill refers to married couples as “two individuals” rather than “a man and a woman,” and changes their legal status from “husband and wife” to “spouses.”

LGBTQ+ people from any country can legally marry in Thailand. When the bill goes into force, foreign same-sex married partners will be eligible for a spousal visa.

The law will be sent to the government for approval before being presented to the monarch.

It will take effect within 120 days of its publication in the Royal Gazette, making Thailand the third Asian country to accept same-sex marriages after Nepal and Taiwan.

Senator Kamnoon Sidhisamarn, spokesman for the Senate’s special committee evaluating the proposed law, called it a victory for equal rights campaigners.

“There is no reason for the Upper House to disagree with the judgement made by the House of Representatives,” he told reporters. He was referring to the legislation’s passage in the Lower House prior to its submission to the Senate for approval.

The battle for same-sex marriage legislation began 23 years ago. Tunyawaj Kamolwongwat, a Move Forward Party list-MP, said that the law’s passage on Tuesday signified the beginning of a new chapter in Thai history.

Source: Bangkok Post

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Legal

Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Marriage Equity Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage

Thailand’s Senate has approved a long awaited marriage equality bill on Tuesday, making the country the third Asian country to accept same-sex couples. The Senate approved the law 130-4 with 18 abstentions.

The marriage equality bill will be sent the palace for royal clearance. The marriage equality law takes 120 days to take effect after Royal Gazette publication.

LGBTQ+ advocates welcomed the proposal a “monumental step forward” because Thailand would be the first Southeast Asian country to legalise marriage equality. Thailand is popular with travellers due to its LGBTQ+ culture and tolerance.

“This would underscore Thailand’s leadership in the region in promoting human rights and gender equality,” the Civil Society Commission of marriage equality, activists, and LGBTI+ couples said.

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, who wore a rainbow shirt to commemorate Pride Month, joined thousands of LGBTQ+ revellers and activists in a Bangkok parade at the start of June.

The prime minister will open Government House to commemorate the bill’s passage. Pride supporters will march from Parliament to the prime minister’s office. Mr. Srettha, who has Covid-19, will join them online after taking several days off.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai anticipates June’s Pride Month to create approximately 4.5 billion baht in economic cash flow.

Marriage Equity Bill

Pride Month in Thailand

On Saturday, Mr. Phumtham said the government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is encouraging sexual diversity and working with the commercial sector to plan more Pride Month festivities to attract LGBTQ+ tourists.

He claimed it will increase the country’s trade potential by giving SMEs business expansion chances and adding soft power value.

Mr. Phumtham claimed Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office, told him Pride Month celebrations will make Thailand a “pride-friendly destination” for LGBTQ+ Thai and global consumers.

This would help the country become a regional tourism hub under the government’s “Ignite Tourism Thailand” initiative to enhance tourism in 55 “worth visiting” provinces.

He added that such festivals will support downstream industries like event planners, food and beverage companies, hotels, and transport services and disperse cash to local areas. Mr. Phumtham stated Thailand’s Pride Month began in 1999. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Chon Buri host parades, festivities, and campaigns.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects approximately 860,000 people to attend this year’s festival and contribute at least 4.5 billion baht for the economy. LGBT Capital estimates that the world’s LGBTQ+ population has US$4.7 trillion in purchasing power and Thailand’s sexually varied population has US$26 billion.

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving, but there’s still much to do. The LGBTQ+ community in Thailand is notably strong in Bangkok and Pattaya.

Strong legal recognition allows transgender people to change their names and titles. Many LGBTQ+ couples lack legal rights since same-sex marriage is banned.

Marriage Equity Bill

LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand

Thailand is becoming more accepting despite these difficulties. LGBTQ+ rights are gaining favour. Activists want legal changes to guarantee equality.

Pride parades are becoming increasingly visible, demonstrating diverse acceptance. While challenges remain, LGBTQ+ rights in Thailand are improving as awareness and acceptance expand.

Legal

Protecting Your Designs: Intellectual Property Rights in the Jewelry Manufacturing Industry

Intellectual Property jewellery

The jewelry manufacturing industry is a vibrant and highly competitive sector where creativity and innovation are paramount. Designers invest significant time, effort, and resources into crafting unique pieces that appeal to consumers’ tastes and preferences. However, this industry faces a persistent challenge: the protection of original designs from imitation and unauthorized use.

Intellectual property rights (IPR) play a crucial role in safeguarding jewellery designs, ensuring that creators receive recognition and financial benefits from their work. This article delves into the various forms of intellectual property rights pertinent to the jewelry manufacturing industry and offers insights on how designers can protect their creations.

Understanding Intellectual Property Rights

Intellectual property rights are legal mechanisms that grant creators exclusive rights to their inventions, designs, and artistic works. These rights encourage innovation by providing creators with the means to control the use of their creations and to benefit financially from them. In the context of jewelry design, the most relevant forms of IPR are copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights.

Copyrights

Copyright protection extends to original works of authorship, including artistic creations such as jewelry designs. Under copyright law, the designer of a piece of jewelry automatically acquires the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display the design upon its creation. This protection does not require registration, although registering the copyright with the appropriate governmental body, such as the U.S. Copyright Office, can provide additional legal benefits and evidence of ownership.

For jewelry designers, copyright protects the aesthetic aspects of a piece, such as the specific design, patterns, and artistic expressions. However, it does not cover the functional elements or the materials used. The duration of copyright protection varies by country, but it typically lasts for the life of the creator plus an additional 50 to 70 years.

Trademarks

Trademarks protect symbols, names, logos, and slogans that distinguish goods and services in the marketplace. For jewelry manufacturers, a trademark can cover the brand name, logo, or even a unique product line name.

Registering a trademark with the appropriate authority, such as the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), provides nationwide protection and the exclusive right to use the mark in connection with the specified goods or services.

A strong trademark helps consumers identify and differentiate a brand’s products from those of competitors, fostering brand loyalty and reducing the risk of confusion in the marketplace. It also provides legal recourse against counterfeiting and unauthorised use of the brand’s identity.

Patents

Patents protect new inventions and technical innovations. In the jewelry industry, this could include innovative manufacturing processes, unique mechanisms for adjustable or interchangeable jewelry, or novel materials and techniques. A patent grants the inventor the exclusive right to use, make, and sell the invention for a limited period, usually 20 years from the filing date of the patent application.

Obtaining a patent involves a rigorous process of proving that the invention is novel, non-obvious, and useful. For jewelry designers, the primary benefit of patent protection lies in safeguarding their innovative techniques and mechanical features, which can provide a competitive edge in the market.

Design Rights

Design rights specifically protect the visual appearance of a product, including its shape, configuration, pattern, and ornamentation. These rights are particularly relevant to the jewelry industry, where the aesthetic appeal of a product is a key selling point. In many jurisdictions, design rights must be registered to be enforceable, though some countries offer unregistered design rights that provide limited protection.

Registering a design right involves submitting detailed representations of the design to the relevant authority, such as the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for protection within the EU. Registered design rights typically offer protection for up to 25 years, subject to renewal fees.

Steps to Protect Jewelry Designs

Document Your Designs: Maintain detailed records of your design process, including sketches, prototypes, and finished pieces. This documentation can serve as evidence of originality and ownership in case of disputes.
Conduct Searches: Before launching a new design, conduct thorough searches to ensure it does not infringe on existing intellectual property. This can prevent legal issues and costly disputes.
Register Your IP: Where applicable, register your copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights with the appropriate authorities. Registration enhances protection and provides legal advantages in enforcing your rights.
Use NDAs and Contracts: When working with manufacturers, suppliers, and collaborators, use non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and detailed contracts to protect your designs and outline the terms of use. ( Check out EJ: A Jewelry Manufacturer with NDA’s.
Monitor the Market: Regularly monitor the market for potential infringements. This can involve online searches, attending trade shows, and staying informed about competitors’ activities.
Take Legal Action if Necessary: If you discover an infringement, take prompt legal action to enforce your rights. This may involve sending cease-and-desist letters, pursuing litigation, or seeking alternative dispute resolution methods.

Challenges and Considerations

While intellectual property rights offer significant protection, there are challenges and limitations to consider. The cost and complexity of obtaining and enforcing IPR can be prohibitive, especially for small designers and startups. Additionally, the global nature of the jewelry market means that protections obtained in one jurisdiction may not be recognized elsewhere, necessitating international strategies for comprehensive protection.

Moreover, the fast-paced nature of fashion and jewelry trends can make lengthy registration processes impractical for certain designs. In such cases, relying on unregistered design rights or focusing on brand protection through trademarks may be more viable strategies.

Conclusion

Intellectual property rights are a vital tool for protecting the creativity and innovation that drive the jewelry manufacturing industry. By understanding and strategically utilizing copyrights, trademarks, patents, and design rights, designers can safeguard their creations, enhance their competitive edge, and ensure they reap the financial rewards of their ingenuity. As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about IPR and adapting to emerging challenges will be crucial for sustaining success in the dynamic world of jewelry design.