Watch Out for These 6 Common Online Scams to Stay Secure

The internet is a fantastic tool that has made our lives much easier in so many ways. But, like anything, there are those malicious actors who see it as an opportunity to take advantage of people and scam them. Unfortunately, these fraudsters have become incredibly inventive in how they trick people into stealing their valuable data and money. It used to be an odd phishing email that ended up in your junk box, but nowadays, they're much more sophisticated with the way they approach things. For your online security, we've outlined the 6 most prevalent scams you should watch for.

Lottery Scams

Anyone who's used the internet before will know all too well about the random pop-up on your screen claiming you've won a truckload of cash. That message telling you all you need to do is hand over your personal details to claim it does sound pretty enticing, right? As tempting as it sounds, you know you haven't entered any of these types of contests, so it's best to steer clear. If you provide your information, you're opening yourself up to potential risks. It's always smarter to ignore these kinds of notifications and avoid falling into their trap.

False Antivirus Software Scams

False antivirus software scams are very common. Usually, it starts with a notification randomly showing up on your computer screen from a random company to alarm you that your laptop has a virus on it. The only way to get rid of it is by downloading their software that will 'fix everything,' but if you do, the file may contain malware that will destroy your device In some cases, scammers might also use affiliate links to try to make money from you through reputable antivirus services like Norton, Bitdefender, or Avast. Similar to the other method, you'll receive a notification offering your antivirus software on your screen, only you'll land on these companies' actual websites when you click it. If you buy something, the scammer will make money off of your purchase.

Romance Scams

Love is blind, and that's even more true when it comes to scamming. Romance scams prey on those searching for love, often starting through dating apps online or sometimes social media platforms. Over time, the scammer will build a relationship with the victim virtually until they feel they can be trusted. But eventually, the request for money slips into the conversation. And when you're in love, saying 'no' can feel impossible. Sadly, once the money’s sent, the scammer might disappear as quickly as they came, or worse, they’ll keep the romance alive, taking more each time.

Fake Facebook Marketplace Ads

If you're a Facebook user, the chances are you've used Marketplace in the past to buy something. But, in recent times, this feature of the world's most popular social media platform has become a hunting ground for grifters.One of their common tactics is posting a fake ad for a popular product at an attractive price. When someone shows interest in the ad, a real person, through a somewhat legit-looking Facebook account, will message them back. But when it’s time to buy, the seller will insist on online payment upfront, promising quick delivery, much like transactions on sites like eBay, rather than the old-school, in-person cash exchange. And, as you might expect, the buyer won’t be seeing their purchase anytime soon.

Phishing Emails

Phishing is an online scam that most of us have encountered at one point or another. You get an email from a company you trust, maybe your bank or mobile provider, urging you to act fast, often claiming that your account details have been compromised. The email directs you to a website that looks almost identical to the real one, where you're prompted to enter your password. But the moment you do, you’ve unknowingly handed your actual login information to the scammers, giving them full access to your account. They just need to lock you out, and then they can do whatever they want with your account. Don't forget to take note of the sender's address if you're asked for sensitive information. If something seems off, ignore the message and report it to your provider so they can alert other customers.

Cryptocurrency Scams

Crypto might be the latest trend, but swindlers are taking advantage of the buzz to cash in on the curious. These scams come in many forms, but one of the most common happens on social media, where influencers promise to multiply your investments if you let them 'help.' They’ll ask for a fee or urge you to transfer your crypto to them, claiming it’s an unmissable opportunity to see big returns. But once you send it over, it’s gone for good.

Smart Tips for Protecting Yourself From Online Scams

• Never provide your personal details to someone you don't know.

• If you get any files or attachments sent to you, don't download them.

• Use a safe method of payment instead of sending someone money directly for a service.

• For any account you set up online, make sure all of your passwords are strong. Additionally, use different passwords for different platforms, so if your information is compromised, at least it's limited to one account.

• In any situation where you think you might have been exposed to a scam, report it straight away.

• Ask yourself if it's too good to be true.

• Invest in legitimate antivirus software for protection.

• Never click on a link from someone that you don't know.

• Download a VPN for using the internet.

Stay Clear of These 6 Scams on the Web!

With the level of detail scammers use these days, nearly anyone can fall for their tricks, including you, if you're not careful. Remember, knowledge is one of the best ways you can stay clear of scams. While we haven’t covered every scam out there, we’ve highlighted some of the most common ones people encounter in this article. From now on, you’ll be better equipped to protect yourself moving forward from the sneaky con artists.