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What Are Common Online Scams to Avoid?

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TL;DR

To avoid online scams, always pause and think before you click, share personal details, or send money. Verify unexpected requests directly with the source, and be wary of anything that creates a sense of urgency or seems too good to be true. Your caution is your best defense.

Understanding Online Scams: Simple Steps for Non-Tech Users

For those who use phones, tablets, or computers, encountering online scams is a common concern. These scams are designed to trick you into giving away personal information, money, or access to your devices. This guide focuses on identifying and avoiding common types of online fraud, made especially simple for non-technical users.

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

Phishing is a very common scam where criminals try to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or bank details. They often pretend to be a trustworthy organization, like your bank, a government agency, or a well-known company. This can happen through:

  • Emails: You might receive an email that looks official but contains a suspicious link. It might say your account is locked, or there’s an unusual activity. For example, an email claiming to be from a popular online store about a problem with your order, asking you to click a link to ‘verify’ details.

    • Pitfall: Clicking the link takes you to a fake website that looks real, where they steal your login information.
    • What to do: Always check the sender’s email address carefully. If it looks off (e.g., “[email protected]” instead of “[email protected]”), it’s likely a scam. Never click links in suspicious emails. Instead, go directly to the company’s official website by typing their address yourself.

  • Text Messages (Smishing): Similar to emails, but through text. You might get a message about a package delivery issue, an urgent bank alert, or a prize you’ve won. For instance, a text saying, “Your package is delayed. Update delivery info here: [suspicious link]”.

    • Pitfall: The link might install harmful software on your phone or lead to a fake site.
    • What to do: Be skeptical of texts with links, especially if you didn’t expect them. Delete them without clicking. If you’re concerned about a package, check the tracking number directly on the courier’s official website.

Dealing with Fake Technical Support

Scammers sometimes pretend to be tech support from well-known companies. They might contact you unexpectedly or pop up on your screen. This is a common tactic:

  • Pop-up Warnings: While browsing, a message might suddenly appear on your screen saying your computer has a virus or a serious error, often with an urgent warning sound. It tells you to call a specific phone number for help. For example, a full-screen pop-up warning you not to shut down your computer and to call a ‘support line’ immediately.

    • Pitfall: Calling the number connects you to a scammer who tries to convince you to give them remote access to your device or pay for unnecessary services.
    • What to do: Legitimate tech companies don’t usually display urgent pop-up warnings with phone numbers. Close your browser or restart your device if you can’t close the pop-up. If you’re worried about your device’s health, use trusted security software or consult a reliable local IT service.

  • Unexpected Calls: You might receive a call from someone claiming to be from a well-known tech company, saying they’ve detected a problem with your computer or internet. They often ask you to let them access your device remotely.

    • Pitfall: Giving them access allows them to install malicious software, steal information, or lock your device.
    • What to do: Major tech companies like Microsoft or Apple will not call you out of the blue to fix your computer. Hang up immediately. If you need tech support, always initiate the contact yourself using official contact information from the company’s website.

Avoiding Urgent Money or Information Requests

Scammers often create a sense of urgency or emotional pressure to make you act quickly without thinking. This can involve:

  • Grandparent Scams or Impersonation: A scammer might call or message, pretending to be a family member (like a grandchild) in distress, needing money urgently for an emergency like bail or medical bills. They often ask you not to tell anyone else. For example, a text message saying, “Hi Grandma, it’s me. I lost my phone and need money for an emergency. Can you send gift cards? Don’t tell Mom and Dad yet.”

    • Pitfall: Sending money or gift cards directly to the scammer.
    • What to do: Always verify unexpected urgent requests for money or personal information, especially if they come from someone claiming to be a family member. Try to contact that family member directly using a known phone number, or speak to another trusted family member to confirm the story before taking any action.

  • Fake Invoices or Payments: You might receive an email with an invoice for a service you didn’t order, demanding immediate payment. Sometimes it’s a refund notification asking for your bank details to process a large sum. For instance, an email from a service you don’t recognize, showing a bill for hundreds of dollars and a link to ‘pay now’.

    • Pitfall: Clicking the link or providing bank details can lead to financial loss.
    • What to do: Carefully review any invoice before paying. If you don’t recognize the service or company, do not click any links or provide information. Check your own records to confirm if a payment is due.

Remaining cautious and taking a moment to verify unexpected or urgent requests are key to protecting yourself online. For more detailed guidance on broader digital safety topics, additional resources are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I accidentally clicked a suspicious link?
If you clicked a suspicious link, close the page immediately. Do not enter any information. Run a full scan with your device’s security software. If you entered login details, change your passwords on any affected accounts right away from a different, trusted device. Monitor your bank accounts for unusual activity.
How can I tell if an email is really from my bank?
Legitimate bank emails usually won’t ask for personal information directly or contain urgent links to log in. Check the sender’s email address for misspellings or odd domains. If unsure, do not click any links. Instead, open your browser and go directly to your bank’s official website to log in or contact them using a number from their official site.
Should I trust a pop-up warning about a virus?
Generally, no. Most legitimate virus warnings come from your device’s installed security software and don’t typically lock your screen or demand you call a number. Pop-ups demanding immediate action or displaying phone numbers are often scams. Close your browser or restart your device if you encounter one.

People Also Ask

How to identify phishing emails?
Phishing emails often have generic greetings, poor grammar, urgent language, and suspicious sender addresses. They try to trick you into clicking links or downloading attachments. Always hover over links (without clicking) to see the true destination and verify the sender’s full email address.
Can scammers access my phone remotely?
Scammers can gain remote access if you grant it to them, often by being tricked into installing software or giving permission. They cannot typically access your phone remotely without your interaction. Always be cautious about installing apps from unknown sources or granting remote access permissions.
What should I do if a family member asks for?
If a family member urgently asks for money online, especially through an unusual channel or with a story of distress, always try to verify their identity first. Call them directly on a known, trusted phone number or contact another family member to confirm the request before sending any funds.