Common online scams


Online scams have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with scammers using a variety of tactics to trick unsuspecting victims into giving away their personal information or money.

Here are some of the most common online scams and tips on how to spot them.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams involve sending fraudulent emails or messages that appear to be from a legitimate source, such as a bank or other financial institution. The message may ask you to click on a link or provide personal information such as your login details or credit card number. These types of scams can be difficult to spot, as the messages often appear very convincing.

How to spot a phishing scam:

  • Check the sender’s email address – legitimate emails will come from an official domain, not a personal email account
  • Look for spelling or grammar errors in the message
  • Be wary of urgent or threatening messages that ask you to take immediate action
  • Hover over any links to see the destination URL before clicking on them
  • If in doubt, contact the company directly to verify the message’s authenticity

Online Auction Scams

Online auction scams typically involve a seller offering a high-value item for sale at a low price. Once the victim sends payment, the seller disappears and the item is never delivered. These scams can also involve fake escrow services that promise to hold the payment until the item is received, but in reality, the escrow service is controlled by the scammer.

How to spot an online auction scam:

  • Be wary of items that are priced significantly lower than their market value
  • Check the seller’s feedback and ratings before making a purchase
  • Only use reputable auction sites that offer buyer protection
  • Never wire money to a seller – use a secure payment method that offers buyer protection
  • Don’t rely on escrow services – if in doubt, use a reputable third-party payment service instead

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams involve scammers posing as tech support representatives from well-known companies, such as Microsoft or Apple. They may contact you via phone or email, claiming that there is a problem with your computer that they can fix for a fee. Once they gain access to your computer, they may install malware or steal personal information.

How to spot a tech support scam:

  • Legitimate tech support companies will not contact you unsolicited
  • Be wary of urgent or threatening messages that claim your computer is infected
  • Never give remote access to your computer to a stranger
  • If in doubt, contact the company directly to verify the message’s authenticity

Social Media Scams

Social media scams can take many forms, from fake giveaways to phishing links that steal your login details. Scammers may also create fake profiles and send friend requests to trick you into providing personal information or money.

How to spot a social media scam:

  • Be wary of unsolicited friend requests or messages
  • Check the profile’s activity and content to see if it seems genuine
  • Don’t click on links from unfamiliar sources
  • Be suspicious of giveaways or offers that seem too good to be true
  • Use privacy settings to control who can see your information and posts

In conclusion, online scams can be difficult to spot, but by being aware of the common tactics used by scammers and following the tips outlined above, you can protect yourself and your personal information. Remember, if in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not engage with any suspicious messages or offers.