Common Internet Scams This 2022 and How To Avoid Them
The internet is a vast and wonderful place, full of information and opportunity. But with every good comes the bad- and the internet is no exception. Countless scams and frauds occur online each day, costing unsuspecting victims millions.
This article will explore what internet scams are, what they involve, and how you can avoid them. From knowing what does phishing mean to job scams, we’ll cover it all. So read on to learn more about internet scams and how to protect yourself!
Contents
What Is an Internet Scam?
Internet scams can take many different forms, but they all have one goal: to take your money. Whether through phishing emails, online dating schemes, or fake investment opportunities, scammers will stop at nothing to get their hands on your hard-earned cash.
What Are the Most Common Internet Scams?
There are countless internet scams, but some are more common than others. Here are a few of the most prevalent scams being run online:
Phishing
One of the most common internet scams is phishing. Phishing occurs when scammers pose as a legitimate company or individual to gain your personal information. Phishing scams are usually carried out through email, social media, or text messages.
The scammer will contact you and pretend to be from a well-known company or organization. They may say there’s been a security breach, and they need your personal information to verify your account.
Or, they may claim that you’ve won a contest or prize and ask you to provide your credit card information to claim it. Whatever the story, the goal is always the same: to trick you into giving them your personal information.
Once they have your information, they can use it to commit identity theft or fraud. They may open new accounts in your name, rack up debt or sell your information on the dark web.
Government imposter scams
When we think of government imposter scams, the first thing that comes to mind is the IRS tax scam. Someone will pose as an IRS agent in this scam and contact you, usually by phone.
They’ll claim that you owe taxes and demand immediate payment. They may threaten to arrest you or deport you if you don’t pay up.
These scammers often use high-pressure tactics to try and get you to pay them money on the spot. They may even say that you can make a payment using a prepaid debit card or wire transfer.
Online Dating scams
Nothing can be crueler than being scammed on an online dating site. You meet someone special on a dating website and start to develop a relationship with them.
You may even exchange photos and messages with this person. But then, they start asking you for money. They may say they need it for medical expenses or to come to visit you.
Or, they may say they’re stranded somewhere and need help getting home. Whatever the story, the goal is always the same: to get your money.
Online retailer scams
You’re looking for a great deal on a new piece of furniture or electronics, so you head to an online retailer you’ve never heard of before.
You find what you’re looking for at a fraction of the price, so you hit “buy” without thinking. But then, you never get your purchase. Or, you get something that’s not what you ordered.
These scammers often request untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards.
Paying for a “free” trial scam
You see an ad for a free trial of a product or service, so you sign up. But then, you’re charged for the full price of the product or service — and you can’t get your money back.
These scams are common with beauty products, weight-loss supplements, and other health-related products and services.
Job offer scams
Numerous people are looking for a job this 2022. You’re scrolling through job postings online, and you come across the perfect job. It’s in your field, and it pays well.
You apply for the job and soon hear back from someone who says they’re interested in hiring you. They ask you to start right away and send a fee to cover the cost of training materials.
Or, they might say they need your bank account information to set up a direct deposit. This is a scam! No legitimate employer will ever ask you for money upfront.
How to avoid falling for a phishing scam
Legitimate companies will never contact you out of the blue and ask for your personal information.
Get software that can protect you from phishing attacks. Look for an internet security package that includes anti-phishing protection, such as Norton Security.
Phishing Tackle’s phishing awareness training software can also do wonders for a business handling large amounts of customer data. Their platform is designed to help businesses train their employees to spot and avoid phishing scams.
How to avoid falling for IRS scams:
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, hang up immediately. You can report the scam to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
How to avoid being scammed on an online dating site:
If someone asks you for money, report them to the dating site and stop communicating with them. You can also report them to the Federal Trade Commission.
How to avoid online retailer scams:
Check out online reviews and see if other people have had positive or negative experiences with the retailer.
How to avoid paying for a “free” trial:
Look for a money-back guarantee or another way to cancel the trial if you’re not happy with the product.
How to avoid job offer scams:
Wrapping up
These are just a few of the most common internet scams. But there are many more out there. The best way to protect yourself from Internet scams is to be aware of them and know how to avoid them.
If you think you’ve been a victim of an internet scam, report it to the proper authorities. And, be sure to warn your friends and family members about these scams so they can avoid them as well. Stay safe!