Scammers are clever at manipulating even the most tech-savvy people. From credit card skimming to fake websites, scammers always find new ways to see people out of their money. We take a look at 12 of the most prominent digital scams that you need to be aware of:
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams involve sending fraudulent emails or text messages that appear to be from a legitimate company, such as your bank or credit card issuer. The scam email or text message will often contain a link that, when clicked, will take you to a fake website that looks like the actual company’s website. Once you enter your credit card information on the fake website, the scammers will steal it.
Online Credit Card Skimming
Online credit card skimming scams, also known as e-skimming or Magecart attacks, target e-commerce websites to steal your credit card information during checkout. Hackers gain unauthorized access to a website’s server by exploiting vulnerabilities in the website’s code or security measures. To avoid scams, ensure the website uses a secure connection (HTTPS protocol), indicated by a padlock symbol in the address bar.
Refund Scams
These scams involve unsolicited calls or messages claiming you’re due a refund for a product or service you might not even recognize. The goal is to get your personal information, so they will often create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act immediately to “claim your refund” or “avoid penalties. Legitimate companies rarely initiate contact about refunds through unexpected calls, texts, or emails.
Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, and credit card information, and uses it to commit fraud. Identity thieves can use your stolen information to open new credit accounts in your name, make unauthorized charges on your existing credit accounts, and even file fraudulent tax returns.
Overcharge Scams
Overcharge scams involve criminals charging you more than the agreed-upon price for a good or service. They usually occur online or over the phone but can happen in person. For example, a scammer might call you and claim to be from your credit card issuer, telling you there is a problem with your account and that you must provide them with your credit card information to fix it.
Reward Scams
Reward scams involve criminals promising rewards, such as gift cards or travel, in exchange for your credit card or personal information. They can be delivered through email, text, or social media, and they often use fake contests or giveaways to lure people in.
Advance Payment Scams
Advance payment scams involve criminals asking you to pay them upfront for a good or service they never deliver. Advance payment scams can occur online, in person, or over the phone. For example, a scammer might post an ad for a car or a job online. They might then ask you to pay them a deposit to secure the car or the job.
Hotspot Scams
Hotspot scams involve criminals creating fake Wi-Fi hotspots in public places, such as airports and coffee shops. When you connect to a fake hotspot, the scammers can steal your personal and credit card information. Be cautious about connecting to open, unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Look for networks with passwords or those provided by reputable establishments like cafes, libraries, or airports.
Account Takeover Scams
An account takeover scam is a type of fraud in which a scammer gains access to your online account, such as your bank account, credit card account, or email account, and then uses it to commit fraud. Account takeover scams can be very costly and damaging to victims, both financially and personally.
Telemarketing and Robocalls
Unsolicited phone calls offering “guaranteed” investment opportunities, free medical equipment, or prizes often lead to pressure tactics and attempts to steal personal information or money.
Tech Support Scams
Pop-up warnings or unsolicited calls claiming to be from tech support trick victims into paying for unnecessary services or granting remote access to their computers, potentially leading to identity theft.
Online Shopping Scams
Fake websites offer deals on popular products but steal payment information or deliver counterfeit goods. These sites lure people in by offering offers that are significantly cheaper than other sites. Shop on trusted websites, use secure payment methods and beware of deals that seem too good to be true.
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