Scammers are lurking in every corner of the internet — from social media to dating sites and other seemingly safe platforms. Millions of people fall victim to internet scams every year. To protect yourself, you must understand how different online scams work and what signs to look out for.
To that end, we’ve put together a list of some of the most common internet scams, along with safety tips:
- Phishing scams
- Romance scams
- Fake Wi-Fi network scam
- Fake Facebook shutdown scam
- Fake Facebook video or picture scam
- WhatsApp fraud
- Mr. Beast scam
- Counterfeit goods or fake product scam
- Fake contest scams
- Scareware scams
- Help desk fraud
- Crypto pump-and-dump scams
- Stranger-in-need QR code scam
- Missed delivery scam
- Car sale scam
One of the best ways to keep your data from falling into the hands of scammers is to use a VPN. NordVPN is our top pick for the job. This VPN encrypts your data and hides your IP, ensuring scammers can’t track you online or snoop on your activities. NordVPN also protects you from phishing attacks and scam websites.
Continue reading for time-tested tips on how to avoid various online scams.
The internet is rife with scams. In 2022, US consumers lost almost $8.8 billion to scams, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Scammers have different devious schemes in their arsenal to trick unsuspecting victims. Online scams are quickly becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect. That’s why we created this list of common internet scams. We’ll tell you exactly how to recognize and, most importantly, avoid them.
What Is a Scam?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines a scam as a “dishonest or illegal plan or activity.” It usually involves deceiving people with the goal of making off with their money or other valuables. An example of a scam is a phishing email designed to trick you into visiting a malicious copycat of a trusted site.
While learning about the telltale signs of online scams is the best way to avoid falling for them, it can be difficult to know you’re being scammed sometimes, especially when you’re not paying attention to the details. This is why we recommend using a VPN as your first line of defense against scammers.
NordVPN keeps your data safe by encrypting your traffic, and its Threat Protection feature actively blocks dangerous sites and malicious files.
Common Signs of a Scam
While all scams are different, there are some red flags that can help you avoid getting scammed online. If you notice one of the signs below, you may be in danger:
- URLs that start with “HTTP” instead of “HTTPS” and don’t have a lock symbol next to them. The “HTTPS” prefix and the lock indicate that a website has an active security certificate. If they’re missing, you might be on an unsafe website designed to steal your data.
- A website or social media profile without any contact information. If the owners and employees behind a website don’t want you to know anything about them, it could indicate they have sinister motives. Of course, this is not always the case, but most legitimate businesses are transparent about who they are.
- Websites, emails, or messages with lousy grammar and spelling. Most businesses endeavor to present a professional image of themselves. And they’ll expend tremendous effort to ensure their web pages and messages are error-free. Cybercriminals usually don’t go to the same lengths to avoid mistakes on their web pages and in their messages.
- Requests for sensitive information. If you’re asked to provide your online banking password or any similar private information, alarm bells should go off in your head! Banks and other organizations won’t ask you for this data — especially not over the phone or via email.
- Unrealistic promises. If you’re offered a deal that sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Big promises should alert you to be on guard.
15 Common Online Scams and How to Avoid Them
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common internet scams. First, we’ll briefly explain how they work, and then we’ll give you tips on how to avoid them.
1. Phishing scams
Phishing is the grandfather of all online scams and is one of the most common internet crimes.
How does phishing work?
Phishing is a social engineering scam that relies on deception (i.e., pretending to be someone else) to get victims to complete a desired action. The goal is often to trick victims into handing over valuable information or visiting fake websites and installing malware on their devices.
For instance, a threat actor may contact you pretending to be a representative of your bank and request your password — ostensibly to protect your account from being hacked. A phisher may also send you an email or message to get you to download a file or click on a link that will infect your device with malware.
How to avoid phishing scams
The first and most effective way to prevent phishing scams is to learn to recognize when you’re getting phished. Some common signs of a phishing scam include:
- Bogus requests for sensitive information over the phone or email
- Unrealistic promises from someone you don’t know
- Messages with shady-looking attachments or links
- Unexpected calls from an organization that hardly contacts you
- Unsolicited contact from “tech support” about software that you’re not experiencing any issues with
If you notice one of the signs above, or if you suspect an email, text, phone call, or website is suspicious, contact the organization in question through their official channels to confirm if the call or message is legitimate.
Scammers are known to hack social media accounts and send phishing links to the relatives and friends of their victims. So, never click on any links or attachments if you don’t know what pages they open, even if they’re from people you know!
Threat actors use innovative ways to spread phishing messages; you may click a phishing link without even knowing it. That’s why we recommend using NordVPN’s Threat Protection to block malware and malicious websites.
2. Romance scams
Romance scams are a major concern today as increasingly more people turn to online dating.
How do romance scams work?
Romance scams, like catfishing, rely on social engineering to deceive victims. A scammer may pose as a wealthy businessman, a Nigerian prince, a soldier, or a supermodel.
Romance scams can start on various platforms, not just dating sites and apps. They even happen on Facebook.
Once the scammer has gained your affection and trust, they’ll take advantage of you. They’ll often ask for money, claiming they need it for medical expenses or some other emergency. They may claim to be rich and say they’ve temporarily lost access to their funds.
Scammers may take weeks or months to gain your trust before asking you for things. Often, victims are blinded by the affection they’ve built with the scammer to notice they’re being conned.
Not all romance scams follow the same pattern. Some romance scams aren’t romantic at all. They may involve an attractive person on a dating platform convincing you to chat with them on a phony dating site that charges credits to send messages.
How to avoid romance scams
Even if you’re not on any dating websites or apps, you may still get romance scam messages. Here’s how to spot if you’re dealing with a romance scammer:
- They never want to call or video call. This means they want to hide their real identity.
- They likely wouldn’t approach you in real life. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Their social media profiles are full of heavily edited pictures.
- They ask you for money unexpectedly. It may start with a small amount and rise gradually.
If you suspect you’re dealing with a catfish, you can perform a Google reverse image search on their picture to see if the image belongs to someone else. However, it’s easier than ever today for scammers to create original, realistic-looking photos with artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Remember, never give in to requests to send people money if you don’t know them!
3. Fake Wi-Fi network scam
Many scams involve criminals posing under different identities. With fake Wi-Fi network scams, scammers create a sham network to snare unsuspecting targets.
How do fake Wi-Fi network scams work?
This scam (also known as an “evil twin attack“) involves a hacker or scammer using their hotspot to create a Wi-Fi network. They’ll usually give their network trusted names, like the name of the Wi-Fi access point of a big brand, such as Starbucks or McDonald’s.
Fake Wi-Fi network scams are conducted in crowded places such as airports. In such places, it’s easy to find potential targets who wouldn’t think twice before connecting to a seemingly legitimate network.
Once a victim connects to the fake Wi-Fi access point, the hacker can harvest sensitive data, like credit card information, personal details, etc. And this data can be used for identity theft.
How to avoid fake Wi-Fi network scams
It’s difficult to tell an imposter network from a real Wi-Fi access point. If you aren’t sure a Wi-Fi network is legitimate, we recommend relying on your mobile data when traveling or visiting large public spaces like airports.
If you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, use a VPN to encrypt your traffic. A VPN blocks hackers and other third parties from monitoring what you’re doing online and stealing your data. NordVPN uses military-grade 256-bit encryption to protect your data. It also has extra security features, like a kill switch and double encryption.
TIP:
We strongly advise against accessing your banking apps or shopping online while connected to public Wi-Fi.
4. Fake Facebook shutdown scam
As its name implies, this scam usually involves a warning message that your Facebook account is getting shut down.
How do fake Facebook shutdown scams work?
Scammers would send you a direct Facebook message, or sometimes an email, saying you need to verify you are the owner of your Facebook account or page. If you don’t, they’ll threaten that your page or account will get shut down.
This scam has been used to target both individuals and businesses on Facebook. We receive similar scam messages all the time.
If you click the link in the message, you’ll be asked for personal information and possibly to fill out your Facebook login credentials. However, this data won’t be used to verify your identity.
Instead, there is a good chance the scammers will abuse this information to take over your Facebook account. They might also sell your data to other criminals on the dark web.
How to avoid fake Facebook shutdown scams
The easiest way to avoid fake Facebook shutdown scams is to understand that Facebook and other social media won’t ask you to verify your identity for no reason.
Social media platforms generally ask you to verify your identity when you’ve violated their Terms of Use, or they notice suspicious activity with your account. They will typically explain why you’re being asked to verify your identity.
Pay attention to the details of any Facebook shutdown message you receive, particularly the spelling and grammar in the message.
In the screenshot above, you can see that there is no full stop after the last sentence. Moreover, the first part of the message mentions “Meta Help Business.” We assume the scammers wanted to pose as Meta Business Help Center representatives. However, they completely missed the mark by misspelling its name.
5. Fake Facebook video or picture scam
You’re probably familiar with the nervous and curious feeling that arises when someone claims to have found a video or image of you online in an embarrassing or unusual situation. This scam is designed to take advantage of the anxiety such a message evokes in victims.
How do fake Facebook video/picture scams work?
This scam often starts way before the fraudster approaches you. They usually hack a Facebook account and approach the victim’s contacts. You might get a Facebook message saying they’ve found a video or image of you and can’t believe its content.
As the screenshot above shows, the image or video will likely be blacked out in the preview to compel you to click and watch it. Once you see this, your curiosity will probably win you over and make you click on the video.
However, this is a bad idea, as what appears to be a YouTube video is a malicious link that will compromise your device. Clicking the link may take you to a page where you’ll contract malware by engaging with malicious code or automatically if the criminals use so-called drive-by downloads.
How to avoid Facebook fake video or picture scams
The best way to avoid this scam is to ask the scammer what’s in the video or image. That way, you’ll find out if they are a friend who knows you or a fraud. If they’re unable to respond to the question, or they come up with a story of something you’ve never done, then you know something isn’t right.
You can also ask them to provide general information about you to verify their identity. For instance, if you went to the same school as the owner of the Facebook account, ask them what school they attended.
We recommend using a highly secure password manager, like 1Password, to keep your passwords safe. Securing your passwords reduces the chances of your Facebook account getting hacked and abused for scams and other criminal schemes.
6. WhatsApp fraud
WhatsApp fraud is a common scam. With about two billion active monthly users, WhatsApp is the most popular chat service in the world. This creates a wide attack surface for scammers to exploit.
How does WhatsApp fraud work?
WhatsApp fraud is essentially a form of phishing. With this scam, criminals usually target the contacts of a hacked WhatsApp account.
There are several ways scammers hack a WhatsApp account. A common method is finding out the victim’s phone number and then stealing their verification code by contacting them and claiming they received a verification code intended for someone else. Check out our in-depth article on WhatsApp fraud for more information.
Once they’ve successfully hacked a WhatsApp account, criminals will message the victim’s contacts. The scammer may claim they’ve got an emergency and need some money. Since they’re contacting you from an account you know, you might not be suspicious. However, never send someone money online unless it’s a regular and expected payment.
How to avoid WhatsApp fraud
The best way to avoid WhatsApp fraud is to be wary of sudden requests for money, even from people you know — especially if someone who usually doesn’t ask you for money asks for a large sum.
If someone asks you for money on WhatsApp, the best thing you can do is call them. Give them a call and ask them what’s going on.
Once you reach out to your friend, family member, or acquaintance, you can confirm if they need money or if their account has been hacked.
7. Mr. Beast scam
The Mr. Beast scam is a common online scam where an imposter pretends to be, you guessed it, Mr. Beast. Mr. Beast is a huge YouTube sensation, famous for giving away large sums of money to people.
How does the Mr. Beast scam work?
Scammers capitalize on Mr. Beast’s generosity in this scam. They run ads on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok, claiming that subscribers to Mr. Beast’s YouTube channel or anyone who clicks on the ad will get $1,000 or a random, large amount.
When you click on the ad, different things could happen. You could be led to a questionnaire that asks for your data, including sensitive information.
Alternatively, scammers could try to get you to download apps containing malware. Some users have reported being asked for a small fee to receive their $1,000 and having their credit card details stolen.
How to avoid Mr. Beast scams
Given Mr. Beast’s reputation, it’s easy to fall for these money scams. However, you should never click on one of these ads, and you should not give out any sensitive information or install anything if you click on them.
Remember, Mr. Beast’s business is creating YouTube videos. Everything he does in his videos — even giving money to strangers — is designed to create exciting content for his viewers. He doesn’t get anything from giving strangers money off-camera, so these ads and offers are scams.
Mr. Beast is also involved with a lot of charity projects, such as TeamSeas. As such, he doesn’t only give away money in his videos. However, these projects serve specific goals, such as cleaning up the seas in the case of TeamSeas.
Ultimately, Mr. Beast isn’t going to give you $1,000 for clicking on an ad. You’re likely dealing with online scammers!
Bonus tips: You can follow Mr. Beast’s YouTube channel to stay up-to-date on what he’s doing to avoid falling for any scammers who claim to be him.
8. Counterfeit goods or fake product scam
Unfortunately, counterfeit items are a serious issue today. Whether at open-air markets around the world or online, you’re likely to encounter counterfeit products.
How do fake product scams work?
Fake products are sold on resale platforms or online marketplaces, like eBay or Facebook marketplace. These platforms host thousands of independent vendors, many of whom don’t have a reputation to protect — unlike legitimate stores.
Many online marketplaces allow scammers to use fake sign-up details. Alternatively, fraudsters might advertise on social networking sites like Facebook and Instagram.
How to avoid counterfeit product scams
The first and most important tip to avoiding these scams is a time-tested rule: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone selling anything online wants to make a profit. How will they do so if they sell a product that costs a fair amount to produce for a fraction of the price?
Sure, it might just be that other brands have more employees they need to pay, more rent to cover, or other expenses. However, if the price difference is unexplainably huge, you’re likely dealing with a scammer offering a fake product.
One great way to avoid this internet scam is to buy products directly from their manufacturer.
9. Fake contest scams
We’ve all seen those annoying ads on pages claiming you’re the 1000th visitor to a website or that you’re lucky for another reason and have won money, an iPad, or something else.
How do fake contest scams work?
Fake contest scams are all about convincing the victim they have won or are about to win something they can’t miss out on. It could be an iPad, a luxury holiday, a large sum of money, or anything else.
Once you click on the message that you’ve won a prize, you’ll probably see something like “you’re only 1 step away from receiving your prize.” All that’s needed is that you fill out some details and pay the “handling fee,” “processing fee,” “taxes,” or a similar fee.
Of course, once you pay the requested amount, your only price will be a valuable lesson: don’t fall for contest scams! Your money will be gone, and criminals will likely even have your payment details.
How to avoid fake contest scams
Generally, fake contest scams and other lottery scams can be easily recognized by the following signs:
- They’re found on shady websites like free streaming or torrenting sites.
- The contest promises an unrealistic prize, such as a huge cash amount.
- You encounter a contest on a website or platform with little to do with your interests. For instance, it’s much more likely to encounter a legitimate online contest in a newsletter you signed up for.
- You are asked for your financial information or an upfront payment to receive your prize.
If you encounter one of the signs above, you’re likely dealing with a fake contest scam. You can do some Googling to confirm your suspicions. Perhaps other internet users have described their experiences with the same or similar scam.
Whatever you do, however, don’t send money to the people behind the contest, who are likely frauds, and don’t give them your payment information!
10. Scareware scams
You might not be familiar with the term, but you’ve likely encountered plenty of scareware scams. These are those annoying and potentially dangerous fake antivirus pop-ups on certain websites.
How does scareware work?
Scamware scammers use pop-ups designed to look like they’re from a renowned antivirus program, like McAfee. These pop-ups usually say you have a virus or other dangerous malware on your device. They also urge you to install their antivirus solution.
As you’d expect, this “antivirus” is, in fact, the very thing it claims to protect you from — dangerous malware.
There’s no telling what type of malicious software you’ll install by following the scammers’ instructions. It could be a keylogger that steals sensitive data or a Remote Access Trojan that scammers use to take over your device.
How to avoid scareware scams
In our experience, scareware pop-ups usually start after visiting shady websites. For instance, a while ago, we visited a sketchy free streaming site for some testing, and almost immediately afterward, we got a pop-up claiming to come from McAfee.
The pop-up we got said there was malware on our device and that we should install McAfee to get rid of it. We did a quick Google search using the exact wording in the pop-up, and, as we expected, it turned out to be scareware.
This example shows that it’s crucial to avoid shady websites to prevent falling victim to scareware. It’s also important to use a good real antivirus, like Norton. While our antivirus (Bitdefender) didn’t detect the pop-up as scareware, a good antivirus can detect programs or attachments containing malware in real-time and prevent you from installing them.
11. Help desk fraud
Help desk fraud is a serious issue and one of the most dangerous scams. Scammers trick people into believing something is wrong with their device or an app and take advantage of this to gain access to their system.
How does help desk fraud work?
Tech support scams often begin with people unexpectedly contacting you. You might get a cold call from a scammer, or receive an email or message. Alternatively, the scam might start when someone is looking for help with a tech-related issue and is directed to a malicious website.
The idea is to contact a victim and gain their trust first. Fraudsters might do so by calling you on the phone and demonstrating that they have some of your personal information, such as your name and email address. But this data can easily be bought on the dark web if it gets stolen in a data breach.
The scammer will present themselves as a representative for a large and renowned company, such as Microsoft. They’ll explain that something is wrong with your device, operating system, or a program on your device.
Often, they will claim that your Windows operating system contains a serious flaw or security risk. This is a safe bet, as many people have a Windows computer.
The scammers will then request remote access to the victim’s PC. Often, they’ll use a legitimate screen-sharing solution like Teamviewer or Anydesk for this step. While connected to the victim’s device, the scammers will do one of the following things:
- Snoop around on the victim’s device for data they could steal.
- Install malware (such as keyloggers and spyware) that allows them to steal sensitive data after the call and screen-sharing have ended.
- Install malware that will help them control your device even after the session has ended. Once again, this is mainly done to steal your sensitive data.
Often, these scammers work in groups of two: one will take over your PC while the other distracts you on the phone. They might also black out your screen so you don’t see what’s happening and assure you this is perfectly normal. Many victims of this scam are older people.
How to avoid help desk fraud scams
You can avoid help desk fraud by only seeking out and accepting help from the official vendor of your device or software. In case of an issue, manually type in the company’s website and navigate to the help section.
Did you get a message or a call from someone claiming they want to resolve a tech-related issue? Hang up or don’t reply to the message or email, and contact the company they claim to represent directly. A legitimate representative will be able to tell you what’s going on.
12. Crypto pump-and-dump scams
Crypto pump-and-dump scams mean just what the name implies: pumping up a cryptocurrency with false promises of it being the next best thing, after which the creator or founder just sells all their coins and disappears.
How do crypto pump-and-dump scams work?
Crypto pump-and-dump scams rely on a scammer convincing investors that a new cryptocurrency will be the next best thing. They’ll often spew promises of an innovative new coin that will completely revolutionize the blockchain, smart contracts, or other crypto-related technology.
The only problem is that nothing they claim is true. However, all the rage around this crypto might lead investors to believe these promises and cause many to buy a coin they shouldn’t get involved with. This is the “pump phase.”
Once the scam crypto peaks in value, the fraudster or fraudsters will sell off all their assets. This will significantly increase supply, and the crypto’s price will drop drastically, leaving investors with nothing.
How to avoid crypto pump-and-dump scams
Like many scams, the best way to prevent pump-and-dump scams is to be aware of the signs:
- A new virtual currency suddenly receives a lot of hype, which is not proportional to its innovativeness or potential: it’s seemingly only popular for the reason of being popular.
- Many celebrities or influencers suddenly start talking about a previously unknown crypto. Public figures are often used — without their knowledge — to hype scam coins.
- You see many identical or similar spam messages about the new crypto on social media or other platforms.
- The new crypto has a poorly written or unclear white paper. White papers explain the strengths, weaknesses, potential, and characteristics of any investment vehicle. If the new crypto doesn’t have a document that clearly explains these features, it might be a scam.
- A sudden price hike. This one is tricky, and while it’s not always an indication of a scam, you should always be suspicious of sudden price hikes in new cryptos. Always ask yourself: is this price hike justified by the crypto’s scalability, the problem it addresses, and the solution it provides?
13. Stranger-in-need QR code scams
Stranger-in-need scams have an offline and an online component. First, scammers look for a victim in a public area, like a parking lot. They’ll usually ask for a favor that results in huge losses for any Good Samaritan. This scam is a type of QR code fraud.
How do stranger-in-need QR code scams work?
In this scam, someone approaches you in a public space. These are usually public spaces that offer a service that can only be paid for online or by credit/debit card. An example would be a public parking space that doesn’t accept cash payments.
The person approaching you will claim they just need a few bucks but only have physical cash. They’ll ask you to scan a QR code to transfer them some money, after which they’ll pay you back in cash. Don’t fall for this!
It’s very likely that scanning the QR code gives the scammer access to your bank account or payment information, allowing them to steal money from your account. This happened to various good-natured people in the Netherlands in 2022.
Fortunately, it’s become much harder recently to gain access to a victim’s bank account this way. Even so, criminals are incredibly innovative, so be cautious.
How to avoid stranger-in-need QR code scams
The best way to avoid this scam is to refuse to scan any QR code on a stranger’s phone, whatever their request may be. If you want to help them out, just give them some cash.
Alternatively, you can transfer them some money in a way that you’ve used before and you know is secure. But don’t let them look at your screen while doing so!
14. Missed delivery scam
Missed delivery scams are a common and easy way for scammers to steal your data or plant malware on PCs and mobile devices.
How do missed delivery scams work?
Scammers will send you a text message or an email claiming they tried to deliver a package to your home when no one was around. These days, with virtually everyone doing some online shopping — and some of us more than we care to admit — this might sound credible to many.
With everything going on in your life, you might forget whether you ordered something or maybe you are actually expecting a package. So you click on the link.
When you click the link, you might be taken to a form requesting you fill out your personal or financial information. Alternatively, you could end up on a dangerous page full of malware. The latter can be used to steal your data.
How to avoid missed delivery scams
When expecting a package, consult the official delivery company’s page for the status of your order.
To check whether you missed your package or its current whereabouts, manually type in the delivery company’s web address. You’ll likely have received a tracking number you can use to track your package. You might even have received the exact URL you can use to check your package’s status after placing your order.
15. Car sale scams
Car sale scams are a common way for criminals to secure a lot of money, as buying a car is usually a significant expense.
How do car sale scams work?
Scammers usually offer a solid, or even a great car, for an unexpectedly low price. However, the trade-off is a pushy online salesman requesting a deposit without letting you see the car. This should be your first warning sign.
They’ll devise a plausible excuse for why you can’t see the car in person. They might claim to be very busy that week, or perhaps they’re working on it.
Nevertheless, the scammer still asks you to pay them a deposit to hold on to the car for you. Since you think you’ve found a great deal, you might cave in: you transfer a significant sum so the car doesn’t get sold to someone else. Unfortunately, you don’t hear back from the seller after paying the deposit.
According to Lloyds, a bank in the UK, there was a 74% rise in car sale scams among its customers in the first half of 2023. On average, every victim lost just over $1,000.
How to avoid car sale scams
Check out the car and get to know the seller before paying a deposit. This will let you know the vehicle you’re trying to buy exists and that the seller is the rightful owner. Of course, you should always ask to see paperwork to verify the latter. This will show you the seller’s real identity and contact details should there be any disputes or issues.
How to Prevent Getting Scammed
With so many scams making the rounds, it’s easy to fall into the snare of fraudsters. Fortunately, there are simple ways to mitigate the danger and avoid internet scams:
- Use a good VPN, such as NordVPN, when browsing the web. With the encryption afforded by a VPN, you’ll be better protected against scammers who want to steal your data using fake public Wi-Fi networks, for instance.
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- Make sure you have a good antivirus solution on your device. Many scammers rely on planting malware to infiltrate your device and steal your data. A good antivirus with real-time threat detection will prevent this. We recommend Norton antivirus.
- Avoid shady websites, such as illegal free streaming sites.
- Adjust your spam filters to ensure spam emails are marked as such.
- Rely on your mobile data when shopping online, paying bills, or completing transactions.
- Thoroughly research any investment you want to get in on, such as new cryptocurrencies.
- Avoid fake shopping websites. Limit yourself, as much as possible, to official online stores when shopping online.
- If you get an email, message, or phone call that seems suspicious, contact the company or organization in question to find out what’s going on.
These tips are generally effective against different types of internet scams, including disaster relief scams, Nigerian letter scams, and employment scams.
Conclusion: How to Avoid Online Scams in 2024
Whether it’s phishing, catfishing, fake products, or Mr. Beast scams, fraudsters have tons of weapons they can use against you, and new scams are constantly popping up. Fortunately, as we’ve seen, there are some solid defense mechanisms you can employ.
To stay safe from online scams, it’s essential to use a good VPN when browsing the web. NordVPN is our preferred VPN for keeping scammers at bay. This VPN offers military-grade 256-bit encryption and security features like malware protection, ensuring your privacy is protected at all times.
We also recommend using a solid antivirus and observing the other cybersecurity tips in this article. These include, among others, avoiding shady websites, thoroughly researching any investment you’re interested in, and only shopping at official web stores.
Do you want to learn more about staying safe online and protecting yourself from cybercriminals? Check out the articles below.
- How to Avoid NFT Scams: The Safety and Risks of NFTs
- What is Sextortion? How to Prevent Online Blackmailing
- Safe Online Dating Tips: Ways to Safeguard Your Privacy
- How to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi: Our In-Depth Guide
- Is Online Banking Safe? Tips for a Safe Online Bank Account
Do you have a specific question about how to avoid online scams? Check out the FAQ section below to see if we’ve answered it. Can’t find your question? Feel free to leave us a comment.
The best way to avoid getting scammed online is to observe the following important online safety tips:
- Always use a VPN to protect your data from scammers and other criminals.
- Limit your online shopping to official web stores. Avoid online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay if possible.
- Only use your home Wi-Fi network or mobile data for online shopping and transactions.
- Avoid shady websites, such as illegal free streaming sites.
- Install a good antivirus on your device to protect you from malware.
Some of the most common online scams right now include the following:
- Phishing scams
- Romance scams
- Fake or counterfeit product scams
- Fake public Wi-Fi scams
- Mr. Beast scams
- Fake antivirus scareware scams
- WhatsApp fraud
Sometimes, you can get your money back after being scammed. However, this depends on the situation and the payment method used.
Generally, getting your money back is less complicated if it was debited from a credit card. For example, in the US, you’re only liable for $50 if your credit card information was stolen without your fault. Moreover, under section 75 of the UK’s Consumer Credit Act, you can claim your money back if the products you ordered never arrived, were damaged, or didn’t match the advertised description.
