Avoiding online scams
Ways to spot and avoid scams
The internet is full of amazing things, but there are also sneaky traps called scams. These tricks try to steal your money, information, or even access to your devices. Don’t worry, though! You can learn to spot these scams and navigate the web safely. This guide will give you the tools you need to stay scam-proof and enjoy the internet with confidence.
A scam is:
- Deception: Scams are built on lies and manipulation
- Exploitation: Scammers target your vulnerabilities, be it financial, or emotional
- Loss: The ultimate goal of any scam is to take something from you,
- Illegality: Scams are illegal activities
A scam is not:
- A one-time event:
- Limited to certain platforms: Scams can appear anywhere online
- Only targeting the naive
- Always about money: While financial gain is a common motive, some scams aim to steal your identity
Common signs of a scam
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush you into making a decision before you have time to think or do your research.
Be wary of offers that seem unbelievable or promise quick riches with minimal effort.
Legitimate businesses and opportunities usually provide clear and detailed information about their services or products.
Professional organizations and individuals typically proofread their communications carefully, so beware of messages with typos or grammatical errors.
Don’t click on links from unknown senders or those that appear suspicious. Hover over them to see the actual destination URL before clicking.
Legitimate businesses rarely request sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or calls.
Scammers may use threats or intimidation tactics to pressure you into complying with their demands.
Research any business or product with independent reviews before making a purchase or engagement.
Legitimate businesses typically offer a variety of secure payment options. Be cautious if they request unusual or unorthodox payment methods.
If something feels off or suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to walk away from any opportunity that seems too risky.
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to rush you into making a decision before you have time to think or do your research.
Be wary of offers that seem unbelievable or promise quick riches with minimal effort.
Legitimate businesses and opportunities usually provide clear and detailed information about their services or products.
Professional organizations and individuals typically proofread their communications carefully, so beware of messages with typos or grammatical errors.
Don’t click on links from unknown senders or those that appear suspicious. Hover over them to see the actual destination URL before clicking.
Legitimate businesses rarely request sensitive personal information through unsolicited emails or calls.
Scammers may use threats or intimidation tactics to pressure you into complying with their demands.
Research any business or product with independent reviews before making a purchase or engagement.
Legitimate businesses typically offer a variety of secure payment options. Be cautious if they request unusual or unorthodox payment methods.
If something feels off or suspicious, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don’t hesitate to walk away from any opportunity that seems too risky.