Common Internet Scams
The internet is a powerful tool that has transformed and enriched our lives. With new ways to communicate, it’s good to be aware of potential danger that could cost you. Internet scams are nothing new, but with ever changing technology and smarter scammers, it’s becoming more difficult to tell when someone might be trying to pull a fast one. Below are some of the most common internet scams and ways to detect and avoid future threats.
Phishing is an email scam that uses well known companies to trick you into giving sensitive information. Here’s how it works: you get an email for a company, such as your bank, saying they need you to immediately sign into your account and provide a link for you to do so. Once you click on the link, you are taken to a website that looks like that of the trusted site. If you provide your login credentials, they are saved and used to access your account. If you receive an email requesting sensitive information, it is probably a phishing scam.
Phishing is an email scam that uses well known companies to trick you into giving sensitive information. Here’s how it works: you get an email for a company, such as your bank, saying they need you to immediately sign into your account and provide a link for you to do so. Once you click on the link, you are taken to a website that looks like that of the trusted site. If you provide your login credentials, they are saved and used to access your account. If you receive an email requesting sensitive information, it is probably a phishing scam.
Another internet scam that is catching people off guard doesn’t appear on your computer at all, but via a phone call. Scammers find contact information from public directories and call unsuspecting victims claiming to be a reputable company such as Microsoft. The scammer calls the victim and asks them to perform complicated tasks; often leading to allowing remote computer access. Sometimes these callers attempt to sell unnecessary software or worst case scenario gain access to sensitive information on the computer. If you talk to someone trying to sell you software over the phone, they may be trying to scam you.
One of the most common scams are emails that involves wiring money to a foreign country. This scam can take several forms. Sometime someone will contact you, asking you to help them access money in a foreign bank account, usually offering you a percentage. Often they ask for advance fees and then disappear with your money. Other times you may get an email from a friend saying that they’re stuck in a foreign country and need you to wire them money. In this case their email has been hacked and a scammer is attempting to collect the money that you send.
It’s important to be aware of these scams to better protect your identity and your money. As a general rule of thumb never engage in activities that involve wiring money to foreign countries and never give a stranger remote access to your computer. Scammers often play on your emotions and sympathy to gain your trust. If you are ever get a suspicious email, an unusual message on your computer or someone attempts to sell you software that you’re unsure if you need, contact us at CranstonIT and we can let you know if it’s legitimate or not. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, visit: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud
One of the most common scams are emails that involves wiring money to a foreign country. This scam can take several forms. Sometime someone will contact you, asking you to help them access money in a foreign bank account, usually offering you a percentage. Often they ask for advance fees and then disappear with your money. Other times you may get an email from a friend saying that they’re stuck in a foreign country and need you to wire them money. In this case their email has been hacked and a scammer is attempting to collect the money that you send.
It’s important to be aware of these scams to better protect your identity and your money. As a general rule of thumb never engage in activities that involve wiring money to foreign countries and never give a stranger remote access to your computer. Scammers often play on your emotions and sympathy to gain your trust. If you are ever get a suspicious email, an unusual message on your computer or someone attempts to sell you software that you’re unsure if you need, contact us at CranstonIT and we can let you know if it’s legitimate or not. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, visit: http://www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud