Hello Tech subscriber,
Today we are looking at: The Top 10 Internet Scams You Need to Know About—And How to Outsmart Them
In our fast-paced digital world, it’s easy to get caught up in the convenience of online shopping, banking, and socializing. But lurking in the shadows are some sneaky scammers just waiting to pounce on the unsuspecting. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 internet scams you should know about so you can spot them before they spot you.
Number 10: The “Phishing” Expedition
Ever get an email from your bank that just doesn’t feel right? It might say, “Your account has been compromised. Please click here to verify your details.” The link leads you to a page that looks exactly like your bank’s website, but it’s a trap! Scammers use phishing to steal your login credentials. Always double-check the sender’s email address and never click on suspicious links. Remember, your bank will never ask for your password via email.
Number 9: The “Too Good to Be True” Shopping Deal
You’re scrolling through your social media feed, and there it is: a designer handbag or the latest tech gadget for 90% off. “Limited time offer!” the ad screams. You click, pay, and then… nothing. No product, no refund, no customer service. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable websites and read reviews before purchasing.
Number 8: The “Tech Support” Pop-Up
You’re browsing online, and suddenly a pop-up warns, “Your computer is infected! Call this number immediately!” The number connects you to fake tech support that asks for remote access to your computer. Once in, they can steal your personal data or install malware. Legitimate tech companies will never initiate contact in this way. Close the pop-up and run a trusted antivirus scan instead.
Number 7: The “Online Romance” Scam
You meet someone on a dating site who seems perfect. After weeks of chatting, they confess their love and suddenly need money for a “medical emergency” or to visit you. Unfortunately, that charming profile might be a scammer tugging at your heartstrings—and your wallet. Never send money to someone you’ve only met online, no matter how convincing their story.
Number 6: The “IRS” Call
“Hello, this is the IRS. You owe back taxes and must pay immediately or face arrest.” Scary, right? These scammers rely on fear to trick you into paying via gift cards or wire transfer. The real IRS will never threaten you over the phone or demand payment this way. If you get a call like this, hang up and report it.
Number 5: The “Emergency” Scam
A panicked call or email comes from a friend or family member, claiming they’re in trouble and need money urgently. “I’m stranded overseas and lost my wallet!” the message might say. Before you send anything, contact the person directly through another channel to verify their story. Chances are, it’s a scammer who hacked their account.
Number 4: The “Winning Lottery” Email
“Congratulations! You’ve won the lottery! To claim your prize, just pay a small processing fee.” Sounds exciting, but don’t be fooled. Scammers use this tactic to steal your money and personal information. Remember, you can’t win a lottery you didn’t enter, and legitimate lotteries won’t ask for payment upfront.
Number 3: The “Job Offer” Scam
You receive an email offering you an amazing job—no experience required, work from home, high pay. All you need to do is send your personal details and pay a small fee for “training materials.” This is a common scam to steal your identity or money. Real job offers won’t require payment to get started.
Number 2: The “Fake Charity” Ploy
During times of crisis, scammers prey on your generosity. You might get a call, email, or social media message asking for donations to a relief fund. But before you give, verify the charity’s legitimacy. Check their website and see if they’re registered with the proper authorities. Don’t let your goodwill be exploited.
Number 1: The “Ransomware” Attack
This one’s a biggie. You open an email attachment or click on a link, and suddenly your screen is locked, with a message demanding payment to unlock your files. This is ransomware, and paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back. Protect yourself by keeping your software updated and regularly backing up your files to an external source.
Stay sharp, Tech subscriber, and keep these scams in mind the next time you’re online. By knowing what to look for, you can outsmart the scammers before they outsmart you.
I’ll be posting a video/podcast soon!
For more great tech information check out my website: The Hi-Tech Nomad
Follow me on your favorite social media platform - Click on the icon(s) below
YouTube: The Hi-Tech Nomad Podcast: Tech Nomad Podcast