Online scams are becoming more and more common. It’s important to watch out for these scams and be aware of their potential consequences. Scammers use many different methods to trick people into giving away their information or money, but if you know how to spot them, then you can avoid them. This guide will explain to you the top 8 online scams and we also mentioned how to avoid them in order to help you stay safe from scams. Read on to learn more!
Scams and spam online are a nuisance to almost every internet user. There is no one that hasn’t been bombarded with them at some point. Scams can be anything from phishing to online stores. They come in all shapes and sizes and it seems like the scammers are never going to stop coming up with new ways to take advantage of your vulnerability.
However, there are certain things you can do to avoid them. If you know what scams are out there, then you know how to avoid them. Here are the top 8 scams that everyone should know about!
Most Common Online Scams Today
Scammers are everywhere. They follow you around, begging to steal your information and potentially take over your account. It’s important to be aware of these scams so you can avoid falling victim. Scammers use social media and other sources to reach out to people by posting fake ads, luring them into downloading malicious software or asking for personal information that can then be used in identity theft.
With the right education, you can avoid falling victim to these scams and keep your personal account safe. Here are some common types of scams you need to know about.
1. Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are nothing new. You might be familiar with them because they’ve been around for quite some time.Phishing scams occur when someone sends you an email that is disguised to look like they’re from a legitimate company, but they’re actually not. They ask you to provide personal information or login information in the email.
You can usually spot phishing scams because the sender’s address will be different than what you would expect it to be. For example, if you receive an email from “PayPal” but the sender is actually “paypalllllllll@yahooo.com,” then it’s probably a scam.
2. Fake News
Fake news is one of the most popular scams out there. Fake news scams are designed to fool people into believing that they are viewing a legitimate article. Scammers will create a post that looks like it’s from a reputable news source and then attach an enticing headline to it. The goal is to get viewers hooked on the story, so they’ll click through to the site where the advertisement resides.
However, once you click through, you’ll be redirected to another page with an ad. This could either be for something completely unrelated or something actually related but has been hijacked by scammers and infected with malware or other malicious software.
3. Cryptocurrency Scams
Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise and are predicted to be one of the most common scams of 2022. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Litecoin were created for people with a strong interest in possessing them as they do not have any intrinsic value. They are only worth what someone is willing to pay for them at any given time.
This makes it an attractive opportunity for scammers looking to take advantage. These scammers will often send you a message with a link that directs you to a fake cryptocurrency website where you will be asked to enter your personal information, banking information, or credit card details. The scammer will then steal your funds before you can notice anything wrong.
4. An Open Wi-Fi Network
It’s not uncommon to see people open up their Wi-Fi networks for anyone to use. This is the easiest way for scammers to get your personal information and steal your identity.
When you connect to a Wi-Fi network that isn’t secure, you’re opening yourself up to attacks on your phone and laptop and all of the information they contain. Take precautions when connecting to an open network by turning off all apps that collect data about you or are running in the background.
You should also change any passwords you have saved on your device for websites or apps because if someone does breach the security of the Wi-Fi network, they will have access to any passwords or login credentials stored on your device. You’ll want all of your passwords changed before connecting again to any unknown network.
5. Fake Government Agency Scams
The scammers will trick people into thinking that they’re a government agency in the form of a website, email, or phone call. They’ll ask you to pay their fees for something and then they’ll vanish. If you get an email from someone claiming to be with the government, question their authority before you do anything else. The same goes for any forms that say that you owe them money.
6. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are the most common scam. These scams are usually done through an email or phone call where a person pretends to be from Microsoft, Apple, or some other reputable company.
In the emails, they say that you have a virus on your computer and need to install updates immediately. In reality, these viruses don’t exist and the email is only to get your personal information so they can hack into your computer.
In other ways, they’ll show you that a virus has been detected on your computer and needs to be fixed immediately. They’ll then ask for your credit card information or to have you download software into your computer that will allow them access into your system to “fix” the problem.
7. Fake Online Stores
While there are many scams out there, the most common one is fake online stores. These fake websites make it seem like they are selling authentic products but in reality, everything is fake. The website may sell the same exact product for an extremely overpriced price or they might send you a completely different product than what you ordered.
8. Social Media Scams
Social media “free” offers are one of the most common scams on the internet. If you follow a link to a special offer, you might not be able to tell that it’s not actually an offer. Instead, you could end up with malware or another serious problem. The same “free” offer could look completely different on your phone than it does on your computer. It is important to always make sure you are looking at the right site before entering any information into it.
Do not click any links that say they are free or have a great deal, just because they say so. Websites will often use tricks like these to get people onto their sites. Always check what kind of website is being linked to before you follow it!
How to Avoid online scams and protect yourself from Scammers
Online scams are increasing in number by the day, and it’s important to be aware of them. These types of scams will try to steal your personal information or money. The best way to avoid these types of scams is by taking precautions. Here are some ways you can minimize your risk of getting scammed online.
1. Double check before you click any link on the Internet
Before clicking a link on the internet, double check to make sure that the website is legitimate. The best way to do this is to first search for the website on a search engine and then review it on Google or another trusted site. If the site is new, it’s best to avoid it as you may run into more of a risk of being scammed.
However, if you do want to go ahead and click the link, make sure that you are always aware of what information you are giving away. When filling out forms or entering credit card information, make sure you don’t enter your information into anything that isn’t secure.
2. Beware of Fake Deals and Sales on Social Media
One common online scam is fake deals and sales on social media. If you see any offers that seem too good to be true, they probably are. Fake deals and sales will entice you to buy a product you don’t want, by promising a discount or deal that never delivers. You should always do your research before buying anything from a company. Find out what other people have said about the company and its products before making a purchase.
3. Be Cautious when using public Wi-Fi
Many people use public Wi-Fi at hotels and restaurants, but it’s important to be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. People can access the internet through public Wi-Fi without a password just by being in the vicinity of it. You should never use this type of connection for anything that involves personal information. There have been cases where someone was hacking into a victim’s device while they were connected to a public Wi-Fi and stole all of their personal information.
4. Beware of misleading ads
If you get an ad on any website that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often post ads that look like they’re from a trusted company in order to lure you in and steal your information. For example, a scammer might post an ad about a giveaway for a free iPhone X.
The scammer has no intention of giving away anything; they just want your personal information or money. To avoid this type of scam, make sure you know the source of any offers you come across online. If the offer sounds fishy, it probably is.
Another way to avoid scams online is not clicking on any links in posts. These links can lead to fraudulent websites that can infect your computer with malware or give scammers access to your personal information.
Final Verdict
So now you’ve an idea about some of the most common online scams which are happening more today. Online scams are a real threat to your social media presence. So it’s important to keep your personal account safe. Avoid falling victim by being aware of common scams and educating yourself on what they look like. If you like the article then do share with your friends and relatives. Thanks for reading!
