Our mobile phones have security features like two-factor authentication and facial recognition. And yet, our online presence is threatened by bungling everyday internet scams. As banal as they seem, these scams have a surprisingly high success rate because we often overlook superficial details. Here are those outrageous schemes you should be alert about.
Online Prize Quizzes
Often advertised as reward-bearing “prize quizzes” on social media, they take users to dubious sites only for them to fill out long forms in return for nothing. At first, the quizzes seem harmless, even fun and engaging. Still, they actually collect personal data to sell to the highest bidder. Check for the credibility of any surveys or quizzes you partake in.
“Too Good To Be True” Job Offers
While the job descriptions don’t say “scam offer,” that’s what they actually are. These often appear in the top sections of lackluster websites and target inexperienced job hunters. Scammers pose as legitimate employers with job offers that are too good to be true. They demand upfront training free and, unsurprisingly, vanish right after they get it. Search for jobs on credible platforms and only interact with verified employer profiles.
“Virus Detected On Device”
You go to a website that allows a lot of third-party advertisements and pop-ups. The next thing you know, an urgent message on the computer screen that says “virus detected” and “download antivirus now.” Avoid these petty attempts at scammers trying to install malware on your device and steal information using reliable antivirus applications.
The Emergency “Love”
This usually happens over a dating site where seemingly interesting characters befriend and then quickly profess their feelings to someone. Then, all of a sudden, there’s an emergency that requires immediate financial assistance. Who better to ask for help than the one you have just fallen in love with, eh? Steer clear of online romance that’s quick to profess and demands money.
Car Warranty Extension Scam
The scammers send a mailer alert or online notification that your car’s warranty will end. Like most people, if you panic and respond immediately, you’re bound to incur financial damage. Always be careful with urgent notifications involving payments and verify car warranty claims with service providers.
Professionally-Written Phishing Emails
You will get an email from a seemingly legitimate source, often resembling legitimate and trusted sources like your bank and insurance company. Look closely at the email address and ensure that you contact the organization being depicted if the email requires you to share personal info, financial details, or OTPs.
Rental Property Scam
Those looking for affordable rental places are often the target of these scams. Scammers pose as legitimate owners of a property they have no right to and create fake tenant-landlord agreements. Be careful when checking online rental listings and public records to verify the ownership of a property.
Second-Hand Car Offers
You will see an ad for used cars at meager prices. The descriptions and ad copies are often compelling. These are scammers trying to sell non-existent cars or ones beyond repairs at meager prices. Scammers get direct deposits, while their victims get nothing!
The IRS Dilemma
Con artists disguise themselves as IRS agents on the phone and prompt you to share personal information while explaining how you are behind on your taxes. They convince their victims that delaying tax payments could lead to significant legal charges and jail time. So, they demand immediate payment, often through gift cards. Remember that the IRS will only prompt you to pay them promptly on the phone.
Distant Relative Assistance Scam
Often called the ‘family emergency scam,’ this happens when a scammer pretends to be a relative or close family member requiring urgent financial assistance. Usually, this timing is so on point that people lower their guard and fall for it. Reach out to family members through verified contacts and confirm any situation before you fulfill requests for money.
IT Upgrade Scams
These clumsy scams involve scammers posing as IT professionals – not that they aren’t proficient in using technology since they are scamming people. They require you to manually carry out software updates with their guidance, only to install malware on your device and then steal your data! Always rely on official channels when acquiring tech support.
Lotteries and Prize Draws
Did you win big from a lottery that you never participated in? It’s likely a scam, especially if the other person demands you pay a small upfront fee to claim the winnings. Here’s what to know: legitimate lotteries never require upfront payments for participants to claim the prizes.
Shoddy Home Repairs
Fake contractors offer to do house repairs on your behalf for “special discounts.” You call them over for an expensive repair at half the price. However, you get a shoddy makeover that covers the actual fault, only to reprise as a more significant expense shortly. Deal with only legitimate, licensed, and verified home contractors for repairs and renovations.
“Take 1 Minute” Donation Drives
Giving charity drives a lousy name; these scams emotionally target users online and encourage them to make donations. Meanwhile, scammers exploit your generous behavior to fill their own pockets. Verify the legitimacy of donation requests from reputable charities before making actual payments.
The “No-Fee” Trials
A product or online service pops up on your screen while browsing, and there’s no upfront charge. The catch behind it? Scammers are trying to lure you into submitting bank card details for the ‘small shipping to get your “free” product. Read reviews and read the T&C details before accepting such offers.
Hidden Business Secret Scams
Here, investors become the target of Ponzi schemes. Scammers lure users into signing up for a course or online class to learn insider market information or untapped business models. They guarantee returns and claim that there’s no risk involved. So, always do research before making an online investment. If you really want to invest, the best approach is to talk to a financial advisor.
Big Fortune Awaits
An email or message tells you that you have recently inherited a fortune or property from a distant relative who passed away. To get that “fortune,” all you have to do is pay a small amount of tax due on it and get ownership of it. Please don’t fall for such schemes because they are most likely scams.
Gift Card Payments
Scammers will pose as IT pros, government officers, and even Amazon sales staff to squeeze money through gift cards. They request fake due payments or insist you compensate for non-existent services or fake products via gift cards, which they can redeem later or sell to others. Remember that no legitimate organization will have you pay through gift cards.