The internet has opened limitless opportunities to everyone.
It's simple. It's convenient. It's awesome. You can shop, pay bills, watch
movies, get news, make reservations, work on the go plus so much more. As the
global population figures new ways to use the internet, cyber criminals are in
tow but rather than build, they seek to scam, swindle and steal. So, how do you
stay safe from online fraudsters?
Well, the answer is simple: get acquainted with common
online scams, specified by Max Bell, the Customer Success Manager of Semalt, and you won't become a victim.
Phishing email scam
This year (2017), the number of phishing emails sent was
155% more than it was last year. A phishing scam is based on communications
made over a social media network or via email. Here, the perpetrator tries to
persuade you into divulging your credit card number, bank details, login or any
other personal data. You may be promoted into clicking a link. This is a way of
spreading data-stealing malware in your system. With a good and updated
antivirus program, you should be able to keep off this scam.
Nigerian 419 scam
This scam typically involves a heart-wrenching email, text
message, letter or even a social media account message sent by a lady in
distress. She'd claim that she's a rich heiress, business lady or government
official begging you to help her retrieve the money after which you get a lump
sum. Here's the catch: you help pay some fee then in return you get a big
share.
Greeting card scam
In this scheme, you get a 'harmless' greeting card from a
friend. However, a link which if clicked installs a malware is inserted
somewhere in the greeting card. The malware could be anything from an obnoxious
program that launches pop-up ads or unexpected windows on the web browser. In
the worst case scenario, it could be ransomware - everybody's nightmare.
Credit card scam
When times get hard, people resort to different tactics to
get financial assistance. However, you may get an offer that's too good to be
true. Take this example: you're seated at the backseat of a cab on the way home
then you get a message that you've got a pre-approved loan with little
interest. Do not fall for this scam. Use common sense.
Lottery scam
Arguably, the oldest online scam. It comes via email. The
message is straightforward: you've won a cash prize in the lottery or charity
sweepstakes, but for you to claim your money, you have to pay processing fees
or something in that line. You'd be surprised by the number of winners who've
won without actually participating.
Hitman scam
This is outright extortion. The perpetrator threatens to
kill you if you don't pay up. They'd say that they've been hired to kill you in
the first place, but they (the hitmen) considered telling so that you pay them
to leave you in peace. What's scary is the fact that they can recount your life
activities.
Romance scam
It targets dating websites. The scheme may be executed for months
with precision and deceit. A potential partner slowly gains your trust by
giving you gifts. Then one day, they claim to be in an emergency. Often a
relative would be sick or their business has stalled for lack of cash. You are
then asked to send money which will be refunded.
Employment scam
Here you get news that you've landed a lucrative job with
perky remuneration. There is a catch though. In order to secure the job, you
must pay some fee.
Travel scam
Appears during holidays like in summer or in Christmas. Here
you're promised a good travel package at a very cheap cost. To avoid becoming a
victim, check a review of the said website. It could save you money.
Other scams
- The fake shopping website scam – copies global brands and preys on unsuspecting online shoppers looking to buy new stuff.
- Fake news scam – self-explanatory.
- Fake antivirus program scam.
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