How to Avoid Common Online Scams

Internet access allows for infinite communication, shopping, studying, and more. It’s also a playground for fraudsters that try to get your money or personal information. Every day, internet frauds like phishing emails, bogus websites, and social media fraud becoming increasingly complex.

Below are some of the most popular internet frauds and easy ways to prevent them.

1. Email Phishing: The Trap

Phishing, one of the most popular internet frauds, involves false emails from reputable sources including banks, online retailers, and government agencies. The email usually requests a link or attachment. Once you do, hackers have your usernames, passwords, and financial info.

How to Avoid Phishing:

Verify sender: Email sender addresses should be checked. Hackers utilize fake addresses with slight changes.
Do not click strange links: Check the link’s legitimacy by hovering over it.
Check for red flags: Phishing often uses “immediate action required” or “your account will be locked” scare tactics.

2. Tech Support Scams: They promise IT salvation.

This fraud involves a pop-up or phone call from a tech support representative like Microsoft or Apple. They may claim your computer has a virus and request remote access. Once inside, fraudsters may steal your data or bill you for fraudulent services.

Avoiding Tech Support Scams:

Never provide remote access: Tech businesses won’t phone you unexpectedly for assistance.
Just call customer service: If you get an unexpected call, hang up and call the company’s customer support hotline.
Avoid uninvited pop-ups: Close tech help and virus check pop-ups.

3. Online Shopping Scams: Fake Marketplace

Online purchasing frauds abound. From bogus websites advertising premium things at unbelievable cheap costs to social media advertisements selling non-existent products, these frauds may fool even the smartest shoppers. After buying, the things never come or are poor knockoffs.

How to Avoid Online Shopping Scams:

Check for HTTPS: Secure websites have “HTTPS” in their URLs.
Research the seller: Check consumer reviews and ratings. If the site has no reviews, beware.
Use reliable payment methods: Credit and PayPal provide further security in case of trouble.

4. Prize or Lottery Scams: You Won, But Pay First

You get an email or message saying you won a lot of money or a significant reward in lottery or prize scams. The catch? Before collecting your “winnings,” you must pay taxes, fees, or shipping. Scammers often take from unsuspecting victims this way.

Avoiding Lottery Scams:

Legitimate lotteries and sweepstakes never require money before awarding a reward.
Be wary of unwanted messages: You probably didn’t win a lottery or contest.
Check sender info: A respectable company will never request gift cards or wire payments.

5. Love scams: First-Click Love

Romance frauds use emotions. Scammers typically start relationships on dating sites or social media before asking for money for a medical emergency, vacation, or investment. Unfortunately, many fraudsters are persuasive and might make you feel bad for not helping.

Avoiding Romance Scams:

Never transfer money to a stranger: Asking for money after extended online talks is a red sign.
Slow down: If someone rushes a relationship or refuses to meet, be wary.
Check for discrepancies: Scammers frequently lie or withhold personal information.

6. Investment Scams: Promised Fast Returns

Investment scams offer great profits with less risk. Cryptocurrency, high-yield investment schemes, and stock market “insider knowledge” are common frauds. The fraudster will ask for money to invest, but you’ll discover it’s false.

How to Avoid Investment Fraud:

Do research: Trust no one promising instant rewards. Check investment prospects before investing.
Don’t rush: Real investment opportunities give you time to think—scammers encourage you to respond immediately.
Use licensed brokers: Only hire licensed financial counselors or brokers and verify their qualifications.

7. Donating to a Fraudulent Charity

After a natural catastrophe or high-profile incident, phony charity frauds develop. These frauds request contributions by email, phone, or social media. Scammers develop realistic-looking charity websites to take your money.

How to Avoid Charity Scams:

Charity verification: Search the charity online for valid contact information.
Direct donations to recognized organizations: Instead than clicking on unsolicited contribution links, visit the charity’s website.
Look for a tax ID: Tax-exempt nonprofits must supply their tax ID number for verification.