Technology has drastically changed how you shop, bank, date and pay bills. However, with the ease of access and convenience provided, it's imperative to stay cautious when using online sites. Unfortunately, fraudsters can use technology against you and steal your money if you give them personal data. Awareness of their scamming methods can help you avoid getting duped.
Here are seven scams to be aware of so that you don't get your data stolen:
Online Shopping Scam
Making online purchases can be completed quickly, allowing you to shop without leaving home. If you're busy, going this route can be highly convenient. However, being cautious is imperative. Fraudsters initiate online shopping scams because they know people may be in a hurry and will avoid the red flags that may be present. These elements can include high-pressure sales tactics or highly discounted prices. If you fall for an online shopping scam, the fraudster will keep your money and not deliver your product.
To avoid getting scammed, it is best to use well-known e-commerce sites. Fraudsters often sell goods using fake stores, social media or marketplace websites. Using your credit card to pay for items or services bought online is good practice as thieves won't have access to the money in your checking account.
Romance Scam
If you're looking for a romantic relationship, it's essential to be cautious when using a dating website. Scammers will create fake profiles on these sites as well as social media apps to lure in a victim. After they gain your trust, they'll ask you to send them money or buy them something. They may also dupe you into thinking they mistakenly sent you money and ask you to return it.
A version of this scam is a scammer who will chat with you on the dating website, get your phone number and suddenly initiate a video call. The call will be from a naked or semi-naked person, usually a woman, who will lure you into undressing on camera. The scammer will then record the video call and threaten to send it to all of your social contacts.
One way to stay safe from this scam is to verify individual details and not switch on your phone video until you are sure about the authenticity of the person.
Investment Scam
Investment scams will often involve cryptocurrencies. The thief will aggressively promote an early investment opportunity, giveaway or contest. Scammers are also good at creating fake websites that look like popular crypto websites.
It's essential to carefully scrutinize each investment opportunity to avoid getting caught off guard. Remember - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. There is never a good reason why you should make a quick decision when investing. Taking your time to conduct research can keep you safe.
If you want to see how ruthless a scam artist can be, watch The Wolf of Wall Street on fuboTV. It shows how incredibly persuasive these thieves become as they prey on human emotions such as desperation, insecurity and greed.
Puppy Purchase Scam
Some unscrupulous individuals will use puppies and dogs to steal money from individuals. If you're a dog lover, you may find a fake website with these animals for sale. The fraudster will try to get you to pay for a puppy and may make additional requests to scam you out of money, which might include trying to get you to pay for an expensive dog crate or travel insurance.
Going to an animal shelter to see a pet in person can be a better option. Before spending any of your hard-earned money, it's best to be sure that the dog exists to ensure you don't get ripped off.
Loan Scam
If you've got bills to pay and need extra money, you may look for a loan online. Criminals can exploit your need for extra cash by offering a fake payday loan. When you apply, they'll demand a prepaid fee. Unfortunately, if you fall for this scam, you'll receive nothing, and the fraudster will steal your money. Verifying and using legitimate websites is critical if you're using this option.
Another version of this scam is a loan app that promises instant disbursal with bare minimum documentation. Once you download the app and provide your details, the scammer will deposit a small sum of money into your account. Even if you repay that amount within the given time, you may get extortion calls asking for additional money. If you do not pay, your personal documents and photos may be shared with your contacts with the intention of defaming you.
Student Loan Forgiveness Scam
Government discussions have been conducted to see if student loans should be forgiven. However, this topic is still being pursued to determine its viability. Fraudsters know that students are burdened by this debt and would be grateful to have a portion or all of their loans wiped away. If you're in this position and have a student loan, watching for student loan forgiveness scams is essential. Fraudsters have built phony sites to steal bank information and Social Security numbers. They ask for contact numbers and will try to pressure you into paying a fee for their help if you talk to them.
Visiting the Department of Education's student aid website for information is the best way to stay abreast of the situation and avoid getting scammed.
Disaster Relief Scam
When you're kindhearted and donate to one or more causes, you can become the target of relief scams. Thieves will set up fake websites to scam you out of your money. While you may think you're donating to a disaster relief fund, you would actually be giving a thief payment or credit card data. It's critical to check out the legitimacy of a website if you're going to donate money to causes.
Summary
Protecting your personal information is essential to stay safe and avoid getting scammed. If someone contacts you directly, it's best not to give them any information, especially if you can't verify their legitimacy. Making financial transactions online should only be done using reputable sites and a secure server.
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