Avoid scams online by learning how to get your money back from scam and being very careful when giving out personal information, especially passwords and PINS. Never give your passwords to strangers. Also, never give someone who you met on the internet access to your credit card or bank account details.
Crooks usually try to impersonate people or services you trust – like your bank, the government, a service or even a family member. Beware of messages that seem urgent and email attachments that promise popular items at very low prices.
Emails
In many workplaces, it’s necessary to communicate with large numbers of people via email. Emails sent with poor security practices can pose a risk to your security. When employees click on suspicious links or open attachments, they can become victims of cyber attacks. There are ways employers can avoid these scams.
Some scams are based on impersonating a person or company that you trust, in order to gain access your personal information and finances. These emails often include phishing links that download malware to your computer when clicked. They may also contain grammatical errors and other telltale signs that the email is not legitimate. Scammers may also use hashbusting – hiding blocks of text behind random symbols to confuse spam filters.
Other types of scams involve stealing your information and then using it to steal money from you. Someone can hack your email account to gain access to passwords, login credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive details. In some cases they can even remotely take control of your computer to steal your bank account and other financial information.
Another scam is the “grandparent’s scam”, where someone pretends to your grandchild, and asks for cash. They often claim to be in trouble, such as needing help paying urgent medical bills, and urge you to send them money. This type of scam can be difficult to spot, but it is important to always verify the legitimacy of a request for money before sending any funds.
Scammers may also be able to get your email by scraping off a website, or buying an email list. Once they have your address, they can send you email blasts that appear to come from various websites. They can also set up a bot that subscribes you to hundreds of websites’ email opt-in forms. Your inbox can quickly become flooded with spam emails you didn’t request.
Always check the website before downloading any software or clicking on links from any company that you communicate with online. You should never give out personal information to strangers on the phone or online, as they could use it to commit crimes. Share sensitive information such as your Social Security/Social Insurance numbers or birth date with people that you don’t trust.
Websites
Online scams can take many forms, including standalone websites, popups and unauthorized overlays (called clickjacking) on legitimate sites. The goal is the same, however: to trick internet users and get them to divulge their personal information. Scams use several emotional triggers to manipulate victims: anticipation (free gifts or a promised windfall), thrill (wild rewards in return for financial data), and fear (false viruses and account alerts).
When shopping online, be sure the website uses the “s” at the end of its URL (“https” rather than the standard “http”). This indicates a site with a secure network and is more likely legitimate. Check the privacy policies of websites before you submit any personal information. Legitimate companies will not share your information with third parties.
Beware of websites that request your credit card number in order to send you coupons, or to receive free items. Such requests are almost always a red flag. Scammers may monitor these sites for your card numbers and use them to make fraudulent transactions.
Scammers try to force their victims into impulsive actions. They may claim an offer is valid for a limited period of time or a product will soon be out of stock. This is an attempt at getting you to act without thinking about it or consulting your family, friends, or financial advisors. It’s better to resist this type of pressure and consider your options before making a final decision.
Never click links in unsolicited email, especially those from unknown sources. These links are usually illegitimate and can download malware to your computer, which may steal login identification, passwords, or credit card information. These links may also download software allowing scammers to remotely control your computer. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, report it to the proper authorities.
Messaging apps
Scammers are using messaging apps to trick people into handing over their money and personal information. These scams are also known as SMS phishing or smishing. They usually involve a message that includes a link and a request for money. These scams can be difficult to detect and stop. There are ways to avoid becoming a victim of a scam online.
Scams can be easily believed because they appear to come from a reliable source. They may claim to be a bank, a company, or even someone you know. They may also request personal information or money or warn you about a compromised account. If you receive an unsettling message, delete it immediately and contact the appropriate authorities.
It’s also important to use security software and update your passwords regularly. This will keep your financial information and personal data secure. You should also use two-factor verification whenever possible. Monitor your bank account, credit card and superannuation account closely. Scammers are increasingly using WhatsApp, LINE, Skype, Telegram, and other messaging apps to lure victims into close relationships, and then persuade them to invest in phony cryptocurrency platforms that they control.
Some apps include filters to block these messages, while others don’t. Signal, a messaging application that prioritizes privacy, can still be targeted. Apps that specialize in texting can offer better protection. Some have partnered device manufacturers to provide advanced security features. This includes artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities which can automatically identify and stop scams.
Gupshup is one of these texting apps. It has partnered several devices, such as Xiaomi and OnePlus, in order to add security functions that can identify scams and stop them. It can also categorize different types of messages to make sure that you’re only receiving legitimate information.
Social media
Many scams start on social media, where fraudsters can use fake profiles to impersonate friends or family members. These accounts can be used to send spam or links to phishing sites. Criminals can also sell counterfeit products or lure people into fraudulent contests. They can use fake account takesovers to gain access into victims’ accounts, steal their personal data or money.
While these scams are not new, cybercriminals have refined their techniques to target billions of social media users around the world. For example, cybercriminals can create a spoofed Instagram profile or TikTok to befriend and share malware-laden video that infects your devices. Social media users are advised to be cautious when clicking links in their feeds or wall posts.
A phishing attack is another popular social media scam. Criminals trick victims into giving their login information or sending money or cryptocurrency. These attacks begin with a request for access to an online account. They claim that there are legitimate reasons or security issues to do so. In some cases, scammers may even pose as trusted contacts or celebrities to convince victims that they are legitimate.
Social media fraudsters may also use the advertising tools of the platform to target specific types users. This helps them avoid wasting time and resources trying to target large audiences. These ads can be customized based on the user’s age, interests, or past purchases. They can also be targeted at a particular region or city. This makes it hard to detect fake ads on social media.
In addition, scammers can take advantage of the platform’s shortened URLs to hide their true locations and redirect customers to phishing or fake sites. Social media can be used to post ads leading to spoofed websites where they sell counterfeit products. Social media platforms also allow scammers to collect personal information about their victims through surveys and quizzes.
