5 Common Scams on the Internet these Days

In today’s technologically advanced world, there are plenty of ways you can get scammed on one of the most widely used tools- the internet. Previously, scams were easy to identify and thus, avoid. However, today, as the internet becomes more advanced so do scammers. There’s a good chance that internet users don’t even realize they’re being scammed until it’s too late. Thus, it’s important to carefully analyze sensitive information before trusting it.

Here are the 6 most common scams you should look out for.  

Phishing Email Scams 

Phishing emails are one of the most common forms of scams that exist today. They usually involve emails or messages via either social media accounts or email networks. Through this, scammers try to steal sensitive information from their victims. This can involve bank account numbers, security PINs, house addresses, social security information, etc.  

Also, make sure you pay online bills of services like cable or internet only via verified sources like Spectrum Bill Pay. Other platforms can trick you into sending your money elsewhere. Moreover, these emails are often designed in a way that makes them appear official and certified. As a result, a large number of people give in to this and fall prey to this scam.

Most of these tactics also contain attachments and links. Once you open these, your data has a higher chance of falling in the wrong hands. Thus, it’s important not to trust emails that ask you for private and important information.  

Credit Card Scams 

Credit card scams are so common today that banks regularly warn customers not to trust such emails and calls. Scammers will try to steal your credit card or bank information to gain access to your account. They do this by pretending to be a bank manager or an official bank employee. Then, they ask you for your security pin and your credit card details. This is mostly done over call or email. However, it’s important to realize that bank officials will never ask you for sensitive information over the phone or email.

Some scammers also trick victims into thinking that they’re being given a large sum of money as a bank loan. If this happens to you, make sure you’re aware that transactions of this kind rarely take place. And even if they do, they occur in person and not virtually.  

Lottery Scams 

This type of scam has existed ever since the dawn of the internet. But it still hasn’t gotten old. This is because such scams have advanced at today’s pace. Lottery scams usually present themselves on platforms like email networks or social media accounts. They congratulate victims by telling them that they’ve won the lottery. But here’s the catch. To receive the amount, you have to give either your bank details or your personal home address.

Both these scenarios mean trouble. With the former, scammers can gain access to your bank account while the latter provides access to your house. So, it’s important to always question emails and messages that contain such exaggerated claims.  

Fake Antivirus Program Scams 

Fake Antivirus software scams can be hard to gauge and avoid. This is because almost all internet users download anti-virus software on their devices. Because there’s such a wide range of programs to choose from, you can’t be sure which one you can trust. Antivirus scams present themselves as claims to help you build cybersecurity. They lure victims in by pretending that they will help fight off viruses and any such malware.

However, once you download the software your device gets slower and you’re likely to have your data stolen from your device. This way, scammers also gain access to your personal and private information. Therefore, make sure you choose only certified and verified antivirus software.  

Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Scams 

Bitcoin and cryptocurrency are all the rage today. Thus, it’s easier to trick people with this latest trend in finance. Such transactions involve digital wallets which are more vulnerable to scams than conventional methods. Common scams related to cryptocurrency include fake Bitcoin exchanges, malware, Ponzi schemes, and several other methods. 

Most fake companies will also try to convince you that can earn large amounts of money by investing in cryptocurrency. However, in reality, they’re just scammers who want to get their hands on your money. It’s also important not to trust random apps with your financial transaction. Only use certified applications.  

Therefore, it’s important that you practice safety measures like using strong passwords, not trusting sketchy messages, and downloading verified anti-virus software. Moreover, you should also avoid giving out personal information online to any platform that appears suspicious.