Online scams you need to know about
The internet has opened up the world to billions of people making it easier for scams and scammers to proliferate. Some scams are especially designed to take advantage of the way the internet works so it’s important to be aware of them and protect yourself from the potential scammers out there.
According to SCAMwatch, a website run by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, these are the different type of scams that are most common on the web.
Auction and shopping scams
Online shopping sites can be target for scammers but as most sites like eBay do attempt to filter out the scammers, they will often try to get you to make a deal outside of the auction site. A typical claim is the “winner” of the auction has pulled out and offer the sale to you but once they have your money, you won’t hear from them. As the sale was made outside the parameters of the auction site, the site cannot help you.
Related link: Top tips for avoiding scams
Spam (junk mail) offers
Spam emails, text messages, or other electronic communications will usually offer free goods, very cheap products, prizes, or promises of wealth. These are often unsolicited and sound too good to be true. Often you’ll be asked to pay a joining fee or to buy something to “win” a prize. Responding to spam messages can also open yourself up to viruses and malicious spyware. The best course of action is delete unsolicited emails.
“Free” offers
Beware of “free” offers on the internet whether it’s free website access, downloads, holidays, shares or product trials. Often they appear as annoying pop-ups or ads at the top or margin of websites – sometimes entire websites are set up to advertise a “free” offer. The scam works because you have to enter your credit card, bank account or other personal details, or they require you to pay an upfront fee to claim your free prize or product.
Dating and romance
The online dating market has been a prime target for scammers preying on vulnerable people searching for love. Scammers, using fake profiles, will attempt to become intimate quickly in order to persuade you to forward money or reveal personal details.
Banking and online accounts
Many of these scams look and sound like the real thing. The email often look like its coming from a legitimate business such as from your financial or telecommunication providers. They will make up some reason – say they need to verify your credit card – to get you to provide your personal details.
Related links:
How to prevent your Facebook being hacked
How to stop receiving unwanted emails
How private is your Facebook account?