Online survey scams promise large amounts of money for taking surveys on the internet, but in reality, they rarely pay more than $3 per survey and can be used to collect private information or charge for useless lists. Legitimate surveys are often complex and pay small amounts. Research companies before participating. An online survey scam […]
Vishing is a scam where scammers obtain bank or credit card information by leaving automated messages and instructing people to call a toll-free number. To avoid this, look up the legitimate phone number of your bank or credit card company and call that instead. Report any attempted scams to the appropriate authorities. A vishing scam […]
To avoid scam websites, be cautious of offers that seem “too good to be true” and those that request sensitive information. Some websites may have negative terms attached to their offers. Using antivirus programs and up-to-date browsers can also help identify and avoid scam websites. There are several ways to recognize scam websites, although the […]
Scam baiting is when someone purposely engages with scammers to waste their time and potentially humiliate them, often through the 419 scam. The goal is to prevent scammers from stealing money and sometimes even get them caught by authorities. However, it raises ethical questions as it can be seen as vigilante activism and the scammer’s […]
Online auction fraud is the most common form of internet fraud, accounting for 60% of all reports filed with the FBI and Better Business Bureau. Other forms include identity theft, phishing, and the Nigerian scam. Buyers should obtain as much contact information as possible before engaging in financial transactions. Many of us who use the […]
A romance scam is when someone forms a fake romantic relationship online to extort money. The scammer contacts the victim through email or dating sites, promises love and future together, and asks for money. Victims should be cautious and report any suspicious activity to authorities. A romance scam occurs when one person forms a pseudo-romantic […]
The 419 scam, also known as advance fee fraud, is an attempt to steal money by promising extra income if a small amount is paid upfront. It often involves emails claiming to transfer large sums of money or overpaying for items on auction sites. Both individuals and companies are targeted, but new internet users are […]
Phishing scams use fake emails from trusted sources to trick people into giving personal information. Links in the emails lead to fraudulent websites that look real. To protect yourself, don’t give personal information in response to email requests, call the company’s customer service to verify requests, and manually enter website addresses instead of clicking on […]
To report a scam, determine if it’s a crime and contact local law enforcement or federal agencies for regional entities. Non-criminal scams can be reported to a personal attorney for civil action. The legal process may involve court proceedings. The correct way to report a scam ultimately depends on the situation in which the deed […]
To avoid PayPal scams, don’t give personal information or download attachments from unsolicited emails. PayPal will never ask for this information via email. Be cautious of offers to buy items for more than the asking price on websites like eBay or Craigslist. If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to [email protected] and do not […]
Foreclosure scams offer fraudulent means to bail out homeowners from foreclosure, promising to save credit or allow them to stay in their home. Scammers may pose as lawyers or consultants, and any upfront payment should be viewed with suspicion. Homeowners should be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. When an individual […]
The jury duty scam involves someone claiming to be a court official and telling the victim they have failed in jury duty and there is a warrant out for their arrest. The scammer then asks for personal information. This scam can be avoided by not releasing personal information over the phone and verifying the information […]
Cheating is a crime where someone deceives or defrauds another of money or property. It can involve various types of fraud, such as tax, investment, or securities fraud. The consequences of committing this crime can range from a felony conviction to substantial financial penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on the jurisdiction and the […]
Secret shopper scams exploit those interested in secret shopper jobs. Scammers may ask for a fee to access a database of jobs or trick victims into cashing a fake check. Avoid these scams by not cashing large checks or paying fees for job information. Legitimate secret shopper jobs are limited and often compensate with free […]
