With each technological leap, scammers find new ways to defraud unsuspicious people. We have made real progress in AI, making cybercrime more problematic than ever. Attackers now use AI to scam better, using features such as deepfakes that mimic the victim’s voice and automated unsolicited spam emails with more sophisticated malware.
This guide explains common online scams and shares simple cybersecurity tips to help you stay safe while browsing, shopping, or communicating online.
Phishing Scams
This popular online scam happens when an attacker contacts you and pretends to be someone you know or any organization you trust. The attacker aims to convince you to share your personal information or click on a link to view a file or website.
This could lead to detrimental consequences when users comply and perform these tasks. There could be a loss of vast amounts of money and sensitive data, among other things. These scammers commonly use email to contact their victims, but they can also send phishing links via text messages or social media.
How to Stay Safe from Phishing Scams?
Limit email access to unsolicited sources. Gmail, Outlook, and Yahoo have a built-in spam filter that separates your usual emails from spam. You can check the messages in your spam to be sure the filter hasn’t mistakenly added a genuine email to the list.
Phishing emails have a unique feature in that they contain prompts to send information or click a link. So do not open any links or attachments next time you get an email that looks fishy. Anti-spam software like SpamTitan and MailWasher should be considered to improve email security.
Fake E-commerce or Casino Sites
Scammers can run ads to promote fake e-commerce or casino sites as real. You could order a product but won’t get the item delivered or a refund. Fake online casinos target bettors with huge welcome bonuses and other promotions. Then, they use unfair means to strip players of their deposits after onboarding. This can happen either through the manipulation of games or holds on withdrawals.
How to Stay Safe from Fake E-commerce or Casino Sites?
The first red flag is if the website offers too-good-to-be-true deals. Look at the website URL for any misspellings or additional phrases to be sure it’s not a phishing link posing as the original website. Before you hit ‘buy’ on an e-commerce site, search for the platform’s reviews online to see other customer’s experiences.
The same goes for casino sites. Players can also follow trusted gambling websites that review different casinos. You can easily identify the best online casinos in Ireland by exploring the pools of online reviews from Irishluck. Which is a trustworthy comparison review site for all of your online casino needs!
You can also read comments on social media forums like Reddit to learn from other users’ experiences. If you’re still skeptical, run the website link on cybersecurity tools like Scamadviser to discover if a website is legitimate or a scam.
Investment Scams
Earning returns from investments can be incredibly satisfying. Many scammers deceive people into parting with their money by promising admirable returns. Sometimes, these investment scams look legitimate and offer moderate returns. Other times, the promise of an unbelievable ROI is enough to make the alarm go off for many.
Regardless, scammers dupe thousands of their hard-earned money with the same old tricks. These online fraudsters set up websites for forex and CFD trading and use ad link redirects to trap users. Investment scams range from stocks, commodities, and cryptocurrencies to even real estate offerings. If you find a stranger online or even a social media influencer posing as a portfolio manager to help you invest your money, you may be treading the path of falling victim to a Ponzi scheme.
How to Stay Safe from Investment Scams?
Ignore any ad claiming a celebrity or influencer recommends the scheme to earn insane profits. If you’re fond of making friends online, be cautious when they introduce investing schemes. It’s best to avoid investing-related activities and work with your financial advisor for safe and secured deals.
Note that if a website offering investment assets is not registered with the US Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), it is operating illegally, and your funds are not protected. You can find out if an investing platform is approved by the government by searching for it directly on the SEC website.
Malware Scams
Malware is software that runs unauthorized activities on your device. It is also called a virus. Malware can steal your personal data, identifying information, or computer power to mine cryptocurrency. Most malware victims are attacked when opening a corrupted file attachment or downloading a file from an unsafe website.
Some attacks appear as fake app updates, prompting you to install the latest version. In the case of ransomware, the malicious software encrypts your files. With all your files locked, the scammer sends a message requesting a fee to unlock them. Ransomware attackers may also threaten to release your files to the public if you don’t pay the ransom.
How to Stay Safe Malware Scams?
The FBI recommends not paying a ransom if you are in a ransomware attack. Paying a ransom could set you up for persistent future ransomware attacks. However, the best way to deal with malware attacks is to avoid being a victim. Defend your mobile and desktop devices with antivirus software to prevent malware attacks.
You can also consider additional cybersecurity tools like firewalls to block unauthorized access to your devices. If you suspect malware on your device, check your files using the right malware-identification strategy to eliminate it as soon as possible.
Quick Cybersecurity Tips to Stay Safe Online
Here are the essential tips to protect yourself from cyber threats:
- Keep your apps up to date to protect yourself from security vulnerabilities.
- Use a VPN to protect against a data breach when using public WiFi.
- Use adware removal to remove adware that collects information about you for targeted advertising.
- Use strong passwords to prevent access to your online accounts. A good password should contain at least 12 characters, including letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Use anti-malware software to guard against viruses, Trojan horses, and other malicious software.
- Avoid clicking suspicious-looking links and file attachments.
Online scams can appear in different forms, but adhering to these essential cybersecurity tips can keep you safe.
Conclusion
Online scams are no longer basic tricks—they now use advanced tools like AI, deepfakes, and malware to deceive even the most careful users. Whether it’s a phishing email, a fake shopping site, or a bogus investment scheme, each scam follows the same goal: to steal your money or personal data.
Staying safe means staying alert. Simple steps like checking links, using trusted software, and thinking twice before sharing information can go a long way. The internet isn’t risk-free, but with the right habits, you can avoid most traps and keep your data secure.
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