Since a worldwide web opened for the first time, a popular recommendation was to stop handing out your details and interacting to strangers. But now apps like Uber introduce us to complete strangers to our doorsteps, so we can go with them for a ride.
With using the internet over time, we have become so relaxed that it’s easy to overlook people out there who are good for nothing.
Cybercriminals like to build fake websites and scams online so they can fool users by sending information or money intentionally.
We really want to think that the Internet is a safe place where you can not fall for all kinds of online scams, but a “reality check” is always a great reminder.
For malicious hackers who want to steal our most precious personal data, we humans may become an easy victim. Here are some Popular Internet Scams:
Popular Internet Scams
1. Fake Antivirus Software
If you’re surfing the web and then out of nowhere you receive a pop-up stating your computer’s corrupted now, it’s probably an online scam.
In fact, these fake antivirus software ads and pop-ups need you to install their free software which, among several other cyber threats, will only offer you a virus, spam, or malware.
Just trust your antivirus knowledge about viruses and, if you don’t have one, make sure you have one now.
Be careful of any flashing lights pop-ups, or we encourage you to take urgent action by installing an email.
An authentic antivirus solution, such as Norton AntiVirus Plus, will take good care of your background problems and while it may request you to take necessary steps, it will probably only inform you when the cyber threat has been fixed.
2. Phishing Email Scams
As per a new report from F-Secure, over a third of all security issues begin with phishing emails or suspicious attachments sent to company employees.
Phishing scams continue to develop and represent a crucial online danger for both users and organizations who can see their valuable information in suspicious performers’ hands.
The impacts of phishing attacks can be difficult, so staying safe and learning how to monitor and deter those attacks is extremely important.
Phishing scams are focused on e-mail or social networking communications. In certain instances, cybercriminals may send messages/emails to users by attempting to manipulate them into supplying them with useful and critical data that could prove useful to them.
3. Mystery Shopping Scams
The word “virus” labeled Towfiqu Photography/ Getty Images with a yellow indicator and a memory card.
Although some mystery shopping jobs are real, there are many scams which aim to steal you. The scammer delivers a check of a few hundred dollars to you, the new hirer.
They teach you to cash it, keep your portion, and then forward the rest to the employment contract. The check is invalid, and will ultimately bounce, putting you accountable for the funds you’ve spent, plus any resulting service fees or fines.
Companies have to pay you for work, not the opposite. Many red flags like wiring money or purchase gift cards, and being compelled to pay for certifications, fees, and classes.
4. Lottery Scam
This is yet another popular scam over the Internet which doesn’t seem to get a stop. A lottery scam comes as an email message telling you that you’ve won a massive sum of money and that you’ll have to submit some small fees to receive your reward or winnings.
5. Scareware Scams
Scareware incorrectly claims that your system has a virus afflicted and directs you to purchase bogus anti-virus software to clean it up. To trick you into handing over your credit card or banking information, it preys on your fear or lack of computer knowledge.
The scammers may also digitally install keylogging software on your PC to gain more personal details, and steal your stuff.
Never view weird attachments to prevent becoming a victim, don’t execute strange data files, and only download anti-virus software from businesses you value.
6. Crowdfunding Scams
Crowdfunding is an effective way for creators to get paid for work they do, but it’s also a good goal for ignorant people who want to get their money and donate nothing back.
If you’re thinking of donating to somebody’s Kickstarter, GoFundMe or Indiegogo, always do some work. Did the creator launch any more crowdfunding campaigns? Have backers been getting what was promised? A fast search by Google may also disclose certain concerns you should be aware of before you spend any cash.
7. Tech Support Scam
Taking the form of either a phone call or an advertisement, tech support impersonators contact a user to tell them that their computer or device is infected often without even seeing the device beforehand.
After prompting the user to download an application that lets them control the computer remotely, these tech support impersonators, take the shape of both a phone call or an advertisement, approach a customer to inform them that their machine or system is always compromised without ever seeing the product earlier.
Cybercriminals download actual viruses or give the illusion that something is wrong with the device. Then, they ask for money to fix the problem.
Similarly, be wary of any tech support that charges large sums of money to fix your PC or Mac. Scam websites can also pay for advertising on Google to show up when someone searches for tech support, which means your best bet for getting help for your device is often contacting the manufacturer itself.
8. Make Money Fast Scams
Cybercriminals can trick you into thinking that on the internet you can make money easily and quickly. They will guarantee you non-existent work, including fast schemes and methods to get rich.
It’s a very easy and efficient solution since it addresses a fundamental need for capital, particularly anyone who is in a difficult financial position.
This form of scam is where the cybercriminals approach the victim’s emotional hand. Fraudulent advertising of non-existent work for diverse positions is part of the tactics of online criminals.
Using different forms of jobs, such as work-at-home scams, the victim is tricked into handing away confidential accounts and valuable details with the assurance of a well-paid job that will carry huge amounts of money in a very brief period.
9. Travel Scams
Those scams are usually seen during Christmas or New Year’s Day during hot summer months or before the brief winter holidays.
Here’s this happens: You get an email with an enticing deal for a destination that is incredible and difficult to ignore and ends in a short span of time that you can’t skip.