Top 5 Common Online Scams and How to Protect Yourself

Common Online Scams and Simple Ways to Stay Safe

Whether you are shopping online, scrolling on social media, or searching for love on dating apps, online scams are everywhere. Scammers try to trick you into giving up your money, personal data, and even your identity.

Online scams have been around since the internet started, but they’re becoming more common. A report by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) shows that scams have increased by 87% since 2015. But don’t worry! There are easy ways to protect yourself from falling into these traps.

5 most common online scams and how to avoid them.

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing is the most popular type of online scam. In phishing scams, scammers contact you by email, text, or social media. They pretend to be someone you trust, like a family member or a company you know. They ask you for personal information or make you click on a link or download a file. For example, they might say your account has been hacked or your personal information is at risk.

How to avoid it:

Do not click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. If you receive a message asking for your details, delete it. Always check with the official source before giving any information.

2. Online Shopping Scams

These scams are very common. Scammers create fake websites or ads on social media to sell products that are either fake or don’t exist. They often offer huge discounts on luxury items like clothes or electronics. It seems like a great deal, but it’s not real.

A report by the BBB found that 71% of people who encounter these scams lose money.

How to avoid it:
Always shop from trusted websites. Look for customer reviews and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.

3. Banking Scams

In banking scams, scammers try to get access to your bank account. They can do this by phishing or by using other tricks, such as:

• Brute force attacks: Scammers guess your password using technology that tries billions of combinations.
• Malware attacks: They send you a link or attachment. If you click it, malware is installed on your device, which can steal your data.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: When you use public Wi-Fi, scammers can intercept your banking information.

How to avoid it:
Use strong passwords, avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking, and never click on suspicious links.

4. Impersonation Scams

Scammers might pretend to be someone you know—like a family member or a coworker. They create fake accounts or take over real ones. They often ask for money, saying they are in trouble or need help.

How to avoid it:
If you get a message that seems suspicious, double-check with the person through another method, like a phone call.

5. Romance Scams

In romance scams, scammers create fake profiles on dating apps or websites. They pretend to fall in love with you. Once they gain your trust, they ask for money or personal information. Sometimes, they ask for help paying for medical bills or plane tickets.

How to avoid it:
Be cautious of people who ask for money or personal information quickly. Always verify someone’s identity before trusting them.

How to Spot an Online Scam

Here are some common signs of online scams:

• Too good to be true offers: If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Requests for personal information: Legit companies won’t ask for your password or other personal details through email or text.
• Unusual payment methods: If someone asks for money through gift cards or cryptocurrency, be suspicious.
• Poor grammar: Many scam emails or messages have bad grammar and spelling mistakes.
• Suspicious email addresses: If the email address or website seems off (for example, using .net instead of .com), it could be a scam.

What to Do If You’re Being Scammed

If you think you’re being scammed, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you gave any personal details or money to a scammer, contact your bank and report identity theft.

Tips to Avoid Online Scams

You can protect yourself by following these steps:

• Do your research: Before you make a purchase or give information, check if the website or person is real. Search for reviews and use trusted sources.
• Pay safely: Use credit or debit cards for payments. Make sure the website has a secure connection (it should start with https://).
• Don’t click: Avoid clicking on links or attachments from unknown sources. Stick to trusted websites for browsing and shopping.
• Say no to remote access: If someone calls you asking to control your computer remotely, don’t let them. This is often a trick to install malware.

Online scams are tricky, but by staying alert and following these tips, you can keep your money and personal information safe. Remember, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and double-check before taking any action.

ALSO READ: How to Check Screen Time on Android Phones: A Simple Guide