Scams are fraud schemes that trick people into eliminating their personal information or cash. Internet fraud is also online nowadays and is costing a thousand of dollars to victims. Nowadays, scammers frequently compute people through emails, text messages, online transactions, online banking systems, and many more. Yet fraud is getting more traditional, but still, people are getting seized out of these sophisticated messages and phone calls.
Anyone can become a scam victim, but according to a report, around 40% of victims are above the age of 50. We don’t want you and your loved ones to become prey to online hunters, and we assure your safety. So, beware of these online scams and follow the measures you should adopt to avoid online scams.
1. COVID-19 Scams Update
COVID-19, a global pandemic, is an excellent source of inspiration for online scammers to attack people who are already worried and unprotected. This pandemic has given more opportunities to scam people out of their money.
Social media sites have been full of posts offering fake COVID-19 medications, online coronavirus tests, and fake vaccination posts. Following are the biggest scams related to coronavirus. Beware of these social media scams and don’t place any contact details to prevent identity theft.
- A scam text message tells you about the “mandatory COVID-19 online test” via a link included in the text. That type of scam is a phishing scam, and the scammer is waiting for you to click on that link to access your personal information, passwords, bank details, and credit card information.
- They access your account and left you with no money, and harms your bank account. Also, that link downloads unwanted software, which damages your device.
- To avoid this type of scam, first, you should contact WHO, CDC, or any other institute for COVID-19 cure and vaccine.
- Check the real websites as their web address begins with HTTPS. Don’t click on any link used in text messages and delete that message. Do not text any statement to that scammer, and ignore and delete that message.
2. Robocall Scam
Scammers mostly use this hunt to target older Americans in particular. Many callers act as government agencies and charters that people trust easily and provide their personal and financial knowledge. It is a robocall if you respond caller and hear the recorded voice instead of a normal one.
If you are getting too many robocalls, then many of them are scams. A robocall trying to sell you something is illegal unless that caller got written permission directly from you to robocall you. It is cheap and easy for scammers to robocall you from all around the world.
To avoid these scams, use this tip
- Please do not pick up an unknown call and let it go to voicemail.
- If that is your friend, he will send a text to you for confirmation.
- If you find a recorded voice call, block that number and report it as a robocall.
- Use any anti-virus software or security software on your mobile devices and PCs.
3. Credit Report Scams
Government-authorized websites are developed to offer you free annual credit reports, but on the other side, the internet is full of scams in this type of work. These scam websites claim to give “Free Credit reports.” Still, most of the time, they collect your personal information, your date of birth, your social security number, and other information to steal your identity.
- Be aware of these social hunters who don’t provide you the credit reports, but they use your information and then use your identity in fraud or theft.
- To avoid these types of scams, do not respond to emails received by an unknown person. Also, do not respond to social media ads and pop-up ads.
- Be aware that some fake websites have similar URLs concerning a legitimate company, so try to put a valid web address to avoid scams.
- If you find unauthorized access to your credit card and you find yourself as a victim, report an online fraud alert on your credit card report.
4. Online Romance Scam
Dating websites are an excellent source of meeting new people, but scammers also use these websites as romance fraudsters and use these types of sites to find their prey. According to a report, romance scams result in a more significant loss of finance than other scams. The young generation is the primary victim of these types of scams. So, beware when you came across any stranger on social networking sites and prevent scams.
According to a report, the average victim loses over 100,000$ in this online scam. Scammers often use this type of fraud, and it takes on different forms. At the start, the scammer creates its fake profile, gains the victim’s trust, and then asks to send money.
The scammer claims the money due to a personal emergency or buying a plane ticket to visit the victim, but scammers commit these frauds just for money. Scammers are gone so far that they gain enough trust that the victim allows him to access his private financial account.
Following tips should use to avoid these types of scams.
- Never send him money to whom you never met.
- Stop interfering with that person immediately and report it as a scam.
- If you mistakenly sent him some amount, then contact your bank to secure your account and financial transactions.
- Do not send any personal details to the unknown person on online dating apps.
What To Do If You Get Scammed?
Cyber scammers always search for new ways and methods to scam people and target those who have less knowledge. If you fall into a cyber scam, there is no need to worry. Just gather some relevant information and report it to IC3(Internet Crime Complaint Centre). Talk to your loved ones and inform them about this scam. Use recommendable antivirus software to protect your device. Use parent control software to save your children from online scams.
Summing Up
Online scams are an unfortunate reality of the modern world. They come in many different forms, with some being more difficult to spot than others. It’s essential to be careful when you’re online, especially if dealing with anything involving your personal information or credit card details when shopping online.
With so much information out there, it may feel like you’re never safe from a scammer trying to take advantage of your vulnerabilities. Therefore, do your research before making any purchases or sharing any personal information online. Also, follow our guidelines for further assistance.
Maryam has been teaching IT as a school teacher for over a decade, and her main subject of choice is Internet safety, especially helping parents keep their families safe and secure online. When Maryam is not teaching or writing she is a big fan of the outdoors, the complete opposite of staring at a computer screen for hours.
