One in ten American adults will get scammed out of money this year. Are you trying to avoid becoming one of them? If so, then you need to learn everything you can about internet scams and how to avoid them. Not sure where to get started? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to get the full scoop on 6 of the most common internet scams.
6 Common Internet Scams and How to Avoid Them
1. Phishing
By far, phishing is the most common type of internet scam. It happens when a nefarious hacker tries to get access to your personal data. They often get you to reveal it yourself by pretending to be:
- A legitimate company you do business with
- A client
- A friend or acquaintance
- An authority figure (IRS, police)
Not sure how to protect yourself or your business from phishing? Read this post to learn how.
2. Fake Job Postings
Another common internet scam preys on people looking for work. First, the fraudster will post a vague job opening description onto an online job board. Then, they’ll wait for victims to send over their resumes.
Next, the scammer will either use your personal data for financial gain or try to work you further. They may ask you to pay money to be eligible to apply. They might say you need to buy a course.
Even worse, they might try to send you a fraudulent check as payment that bounces a few days later.
3. Nigerian Prince Scams
This type of scam starts as an e-mail from a wealthy foreign person (often a Nigerian prince). They ask you for money and promise great returns on your investments.
Never send money to someone you don’t know, especially if they live in a different country.
4. Bitcoin Scams
Even Barack Obama’s Twitter account isn’t safe from hackers. If you saw him tweet about investing in Bitcoin, then you know about this scam already. In a nutshell, hackers try to scam you into investing money into fake companies.
5. Fake Charities
Everyone wants to donate to a respectable cause. Despite that, you need to be aware of fake charity scams. Who could forget the fake story that garnered millions of donations on GoFundMe?
These scams work by pulling on your heartstrings. Be careful about who you donate to, especially online. Also, verify that your money will go directly to those in need.
6. Cat Fishing
Cat fishing (or phishing) is so widespread that MTV has a show dedicated to it. This scam happens when someone tries to develop a fake love interest with you. Then, they try to get you to send them money and gifts.
Conclusion
These internet scams can make the digital world seem like a pretty scary place. Getting informed is your first step when it comes to protecting yourself. Now that you know better, be better. Always protect your personal data, and browse safely!
Are you looking for more pro-tips to help you take advantage of the online world? If so, then you’re in luck. Keep browsing through our internet section to see more of our latest articles.
