Internet scams are always changing. The FBI has recorded more than $10.2 billion in cybercrimes in 2022. Now, criminals all over the world may be targeting a computer or mobile device near you.
Here's an overview of the most common internet scams and what you can do to protect your personal information and your wallet. Ever since the Internet has existed, malicious people have used it to scam others. Between scam sites, emails, and other types of scams, billions of dollars have been lost to online fraud and scams.
Let's take a look at some of the worst examples of online scams and scams that many people still love. By telling them, you will know the worst cases to save you and your loved ones.
List of Top 10 Internet Fraud and Scams of All Time
1. Tech Support Scams
2. Online Dating Scams
3. Nigerian 419 Email Scams
4. Social Media Fraud
5. Buying and Selling Scams
6. Fake Virus Warnings
7. Fake Charities, Sweepstakes,
and Others
8. Fake Shopping Websites and
Formjacking
9. Travel Scams
10. Disaster Relief Scams
11. Phishing Scams
12. Debt Relief and Credit Repair
Scams
13. Lottery Scams
14. Fake Check or Money Transfer
Scams
15. Include yours
Let's study carefully
1. Tech Support Scams
One of the most common internet fraud issues in recent years is the onslaught of tech support scams. In this scheme, someone calls you and pretends to be Microsoft or a computer security company. They make you believe that your computer has some kind of malware and trick you into allowing them to take control of your machine directly.
From there, they can compromise your system by stealing your data or installing ransomware. They will try to sell you useless safes or ask to be paid for their services, getting angry if you refuse. It is easy to fall for this scam if you fall for the lies of the caller. But by knowing this, you can know what to do against tech support scams if they contact you.
2. Online Dating Scams
Although online dating has many benefits, it is also a place for online scams. Criminals use online dating to make money from legitimate users by creating fake profiles and trying to trick others into falling in love with them.
Often, online dating scammers have short profiles with a few photos and little other information. They often profess love in the rarest of times and try to get you to chat on another app, so that the dating site doesn't shut them down.
To take your money, the player will often ask you to "cover the cost" of something. It could be a plane ticket to supposedly come to meet you in person, or to ship a package they sent you. Of course, they won't meet you or contact you via video chat. If you use an online dating service, you need to know how to spot and avoid online dating scams so you don't become a victim.
3. Nigerian 419 Email Scams
This is one of the oldest examples of internet fraud in the literature. Someone from the same country (usually Nigeria, but not always) sends you an email in broken English. They explained that a rich person they knew had died and the money had nowhere to go; if you can help them get the money out of the country, they will give you some as a reward.
Of course, that's wrong. If you follow, they will be asking you for money to cover the various "fees" associated with the movement of money, until you realize that they are stealing from you all the time.
Because of their popularity, these types of emails often go straight to your spam folder, so you may not see one in a while. But if you do, just ignore it and move on. There is no reason to fall into this classic pattern.
4. Social Media Fraud
Attackers have many ways to steal from you on social media, including taking your money. A popular way is to use your trusted friends on social media.
For example, if someone on your Facebook friends list has their account closed, the attacker can contact you via Facebook Messenger. Most of the time, they will send a video link with a sensational message like, "OMG, are you in this video?" which will attract you to click on it. If you click, you will go to a dangerous site designed to infect your computer with malware. Other times, the scam is personal.
A hacked account may send you a message saying that they are in trouble with the law or need money to cover hospital bills after an emergency. If you take this at face value, you will be sending money to a thief--not your friend.
5. Buying and Selling Scams
Like online dating, buying and selling products online is another popular activity that is tainted by fraud. Whenever you buy something online or sell your own goods, you need to be vigilant to avoid scams. What you should look for depends mostly on the service you are using.
As an overview, we've covered eBay tricks that everyone should know, whether you're a buyer or a seller. You can also apply these general tips to other online shopping sites.
Avoid buying from random websites unless you have verified them with reliable reviews. If you are selling products on Craigslist or similar sites, go to a public place that only accepts cash for the transaction. And if someone offers to pay you more than the listed price of the item in exchange for shipping it to another country, that's a scam.
6. Fake Virus Warnings
Many people believe that antivirus warnings mean something is wrong with their computer, so attackers create fake virus warnings to trick you. Examples of this online scam can take the form of browser pop-ups, fake websites, or even malicious apps that generate fake information.
These may require payment to "unlock" all security features, or provide phone numbers that will put you in contact with criminals. Fake virus messages are becoming more insidious with the rise of ransomware. These lead you to believe that you are a real ransomware attack, when in reality they are just simple websites asking you to pay money.
Make sure you know how to spot fake malware warnings so you don't fall into the trap.
7. Fake Charities, Sweepstakes and Others
Don't let the scammers pass by to take advantage of this awesome event. Often when a natural disaster makes world news, scammers will contact you by email or other means to get money for a "good cause" these events.
As with phishing emails, you should not respond to unsolicited messages like this. If you want to donate to a charity, go directly to it and make sure it's a reputable organization. Charities aren't the only type of fake news you'll encounter.
If you get a message saying you've won a lottery you haven't entered, that you have a bill collected on an account you don't know anything about, or something similar, ignore it. These are scams that try to extort money from you.
These scams can also come via text messages, so check your text messages and your inbox.
8. Fake Shopping Websites and
Formjacking
Thousands of fake websites offer great deals on popular brands. These websites often have URLs that are similar to the brands they are trying to copy, such as Amazon.net. If you make a purchase from one of these websites, chances are you will receive a fake item in the mail or nothing at all. Formjacking is another marketing trick.
This happens when a legitimate business website is blocked and consumers are redirected to a fraudulent payment page where the scammer steals your personal and credit card information. To avoid this scam, check that the URL on the checkout page is the same website you purchased from.
Cybercriminals can change the URL slightly. They can do this by adding or removing certain characters from the URL. Be sure to check the URL carefully before entering your payment information.
9. Travel Scams
Travel scams involve social media. Fraudsters post attractive photos on sites like Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram to fool even the most savvy traveller. Clicking on this picture, which attracts clicks with the promise of free travel or plane tickets, will make you complete a survey full of personal information or open your computer to malicious and secret software.
Fraudsters start selling fake COVID-19 travel insurance policies when travel is tough. These policies claim to cover losses due to any reason without additional income. Consumers found out the hard way that these laws did not provide the protection they expected.
In general, claims due to "known, foreseeable or anticipated, epidemics, government restrictions, travel warnings or advisories or it's a travel song” is not covered by travel insurance policies.
10. Disaster Relief Scams
When disaster strikes, so do fraudsters, whether it's an epidemic or the weather. Hiding behind the guise of a good charity, scammers often use disasters or natural disasters to extort money from you.
Assuming you are donating to an emergency relief fund, you are inadvertently providing credit card information or other electronic payment information. Give only to an established and legitimate company. Visit Guide Star or Charity Navigator to check the legitimacy of any charity you plan to support before donating.
11. Phishing Scam
You receive an email from a seemingly familiar company that you believe is legitimate, such as your bank, university, or regular retailer. This information directs you to sites, usually to verify personal information such as email addresses and passwords, which steal your information and leave your computer exposed to attack by hackers. Fraud is one of the most common attacks on consumers. According to the FBI, 300,497 people felt victim to fraud in 2022.
In total, they lost $52.1 million, or about $173 each. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), phishing emails and text messages often tell stories to trick people into clicking on links or opening attachments.
Phishing attempts can:
• Report that they saw suspicious activity or attempted logins to your account
• Says there is a problem with your account or payment information
• State that you want to confirm or update personal information
• Enter false invoices
• Ask you to click a link to pay
• Say you're eligible to sign up for government reimbursement
• Give coupons for free products or services
Never click on links provided in emails that you cannot confirm yourself. It will make your computer and your personal information vulnerable to viruses and malware. Although the sender may seem legitimate, which the scammer wants you to believe, no trusted company will ask you for your password or other personal information online.
12. Debt Relief and Credit Repair
Scams
Unscrupulous people can easily fall for emails claiming to reduce debt or fix bad credit. This scam makes false promises to negotiate with creditors to confirm or settle a debt or remove negative information from your credit report.
According to the FTC, "These services often charge consumers large amounts of money, but do not help them pay or reduce their bills - if they provide any services at all." Avoid any debt relief agency that charges up front, before any debt is settled.
Similarly, avoid any company that promises that they can eliminate or reduce your debt by X amount by X date. Review any debt settlement or credit repair services you are considering. It's a good idea to check with your state attorney and consumer protection agency to learn more about the company's reputation.
13. Lottery Scams
Congratulations! You've won the lottery or another big buck! Except you don't. This fake email comes to you out of the blue - often claiming to be part of an international competition - claiming you've won a great deal and all you have to do is send a deposit or contact someone. can manage your money.
Unless you enter the right lottery, you may not win the jackpot. When you win the lottery, you contact the right dealer, not the other way around.
14. Fake Check or Money Transfer
Scams
You list an item on an auction-based website, and the winning seller offers you a payment above the purchase price that the lender, company, or personal check requires. After receiving a fake check from a scammer, you will be required to send the difference via bank transfer. Then you will repay the bank in full once the counterfeit money has been destroyed.
Do not accept payment above your selling price. Additionally, you should opt for a secure electronic payment method, such as PayPal or Google Wallet, to keep fraudsters away.
15. Include yours
Be on Guard against Dangerous Internet Scams
We have reviewed some of the most popular examples of online fraud. Even if you know one or more of them, it is important to educate them as much as possible. As more people learn to recognize these tricks, they will become more effective and hopefully disappear. Not all examples of fraud occur online.
Have you heard of diploma fraud? You should also check the main signs that you are on the phone with a scammer so that you do not fall for phone scams.
How to Avoid Internet Scams
Now that you know some of the most common internet scams, it's important that we review some of the top tips that can help you stay safe.
• Never give your personal information to anyone you don't know. If you are unsure, ask questions and get clarification about the person's identity. No one from a bank or government agency will ask you for personal or financial information over the phone or online.
• Protect your phone, computer and digital devices. This includes using strong passwords that are difficult to guess. Don't let someone you don't know get pregnant.
• Update and change your password regularly.
• Wrap yourself in antivirus from the right place.
• Do not click on links in emails or text messages, especially unsolicited ones. Emails sent by thieves may look legitimate, but check them carefully. They may contain grammatical errors and/or typos. The email address may also be suspicious.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it often is. Giveaways, sweepstakes and promises of free money are scams.
• If you receive a phone call from someone, you do not talk to the caller and answer. If you believe you have received a fraudulent email or phone call or if you believe you have been scammed, contact your local authorities, the FTC, or the FBI and file a report.
What are the most Popular Types of Internet Scams?
As the internet has progressed over time, various methods of fraud have grown and developed. Some of the most common types of fraud include phishing, spyware, identity theft, bank fraud, spam, vacation scams, gender fraud, and now even online fraud intelligence.
What are the Most Common Online Scams?
Phishing is one of the most successful online scams. This includes a scammer tricking you into giving him personal information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers or other sensitive information that he can use to make purchases, steal your identity, etc. These are usually legitimate-looking emails, like your bank or an online website you belong to, indicating a problem and requiring your personal information to resolve it.
What Should You Do If you are the Victim
of an Internet Scam?
If you have been victimized by Internet scams, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use their online initiative to file a complaint. You can also contact your local police, the FBI, or the FBI's online reporting office.
Important to Note!
It's safe to assume that if someone asks for your bank or personal information, you're being scammed. You should not give personal information to anyone on the Internet who contacts you. If you want to make a financial transaction online, make sure you do it on a secure server and from a reputable site.
If you think you've been scammed, change your password immediately and remove any malware you may have downloaded, and call your credit card company, if necessary.
Contact local law enforcement to report the scam and get help and other procedures. You can also report the scam to the FBI, the FTC, the United States Attorney's Office, and your local attorney's office.
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