Common Cyber Scams: Avoid Phishing, Malware, Fraud

The internet brings immense convenience to our lives, allowing us to shop, bank, work, and connect online. However, it has also enabled cybercriminals to proliferate scams aimed at stealing money and sensitive personal data from unsuspecting internet users. As we spend more of our daily lives online, the risk of falling victim to one of these increasingly sophisticated cyber scams grows. Being aware of the most common online frauds can help you identify and avoid them. In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the most prevalent cyber scams to watch out for right now in 2023, look at how they work with examples, and provide recommendations to help safeguard yourself so you can use the internet securely.

Phishing Scams

Phishing is one of the most prevalent online scams, affecting millions of internet users every year. Phishing involves attackers sending fraudulent emails made to look like they are from a legitimate company in order to trick recipients into giving out sensitive information. Emails can mimic banks, online payment services, social networks, online retailers, government agencies, and more.

The email will typically contain a link to a phony login page where users are prompted to enter usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal details that scammers can then steal. Phishing emails often convey a sense of urgency, threatening account suspension or legal action if the victim does not provide the requested info immediately. Some red flags that signal a phishing attempt include poor grammar or spelling errors, generic greetings like “Dear customer”, and suspicious web addresses you are directed to click on.

A common recent phishing scam is for attackers to impersonate well-known brands like Amazon, Apple, or PayPal. They will send convincing-looking emails claiming there is a problem with your account and that you must log in to resolve it. The email contains a link to a fake website impersonating the real brand, down to using corporate logos and web design elements. If you enter your login credentials, the hackers will steal this sensitive information. Always check that web addresses lead to legitimate sites before inputting any data.

To avoid falling victim to phishing, be wary of unsolicited emails asking for personal information. Do not click on any embedded links or attachments from senders you do not know. If you have any doubts about an email’s authenticity, go directly to the company’s website by typing the web address into your browser. Use malware scanning software like Malwarebytes Free to detect phishing attempts and block dangerous sites. Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible for an added layer of login security on important accounts.

Tech Support Scams

Tech support scams typically involve a criminal posing as an employee from a well-known tech company like Microsoft or Apple. They will call claiming that your computer has been compromised by malware or has other technical problems that require immediate attention. The fake “tech support” will request remote access to your computer and say they need to diagnose the problem.

Once granted access, the scammers can install malware or spyware to steal personal data. They may also try to charge exorbitant fees for unnecessary services and fake software to fix non-existent issues. Some variants involve pop-up warnings on your computer saying malware has been detected and that you must call a listed support number for removal.

Red flags of tech support scams include unsolicited calls, urgency to allow remote computer access, requests for payment with gift cards, threats about account suspensions, unfamiliar remote access programs being pushed, and asked for sensitive login credentials.

Avoid becoming a victim by being wary of any unexpected calls claiming computer problems. Never give control of your device to an unsolicited caller. Only allow official IT support staff that you can verify access to your system. Use a robust antivirus program like Malwarebytes Free to block malware infections or access by remote scammers. Do not call numbers listed on suspicious pop-ups and never provide your login information to unverified parties.

Romance Scams

Perpetrators of romance scams connect with victims online via social networks or dating sites to form a relationship, which they then try to exploit for financial gain. Often the scammer will pretend to be someone they are not by using a fake identity and stolen photos. They try to establish trust and an emotional bond, which can develop into a online romantic relationship over weeks or months.

Once they have built strong affection, the criminal will begin asking their victim for money to help cover claimed financial emergencies – medical bills, travel costs, legal fees, etc. Or they may say they want to finally meet in person and ask the victim to pay for their travel and visa expenses. They may also try to gain access to bank accounts and credit cards. Victims in romantic scams often lose tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars before realizing the person was a fraud.

Warning signs of romance scams include unwillingness to meet in person or engage in video chats, inconsistencies in backstory, requests for money, and talk of future plans together but reluctance to share personal details. To avoid becoming a victim, do thorough background checks on online romantic interests. Go slow with building relationships and sharing personal information. Be wary of overseas individuals you have never met in person asking for money. A reverse image search can help uncover if profile photos are stolen. Share minimal details if asked for financial help by someone you only know online.

Employment Scams

Job-related scams often involve a criminal posing as an employer and posting listings for fake job opportunities that don’t actually exist. Common work-from-home gigs pitched are assistant, secretary, envelope stuffing, or re-shipping positions. They may impersonate well-known Fortune 500 companies to seem legit.

Interested job seekers will be “interviewed” and offered the position, then asked to hand over money for training materials, software, uniforms, or be required to pay a deposit or taxes to secure the job. Of course, there will be no job after paying and the scammer disappears with your money.

Some red flags with employment scams are poor grammar or spelling in job posts, interviews conducted only via email or messaging apps, claimed affiliations with real companies, requests for upfront payment for materials, overpayment with requests to wire back the difference, or jobs that seem too simple or good to be true.

Avoid job scams by thoroughly researching any companies hiring and verifying their domains. Conduct interviews via phone or video chat, not just online messaging. Never pay upfront fees for jobs – legitimate employers do not operate this way. Watch for fake checks being mailed and requests to return payments. If it seems sketchy or unrealistic, it very likely is a scam.

Rental Listing Scams

Finding affordable housing is extremely challenging in many parts of the country. Scammers capitalize on this by posting listings for properties at temptingly below market rental prices. Interested applicants are then encouraged to quickly complete the rental application and submit a security deposit or first month’s rent to secure the unit.

In reality, the property is not for rent at all, and the supposed owner is simply pocketing the upfront fees. Victims usually realize they have been scammed when they are unable to reach the fake landlord and have lost their submitted payment.

Warning signs of rental scams include listings well below comparable rentals in the area, requests to complete the transaction entirely online or via mail, limited photos or virtual tours, urgency to submit a deposit before verifying legitimacy, refused or ignored requests to see the property in person, contact information that doesn’t match public records, and calls or emails from overseas.

Avoid rental scams by doing careful research on listings that seem too good to be true. Try to meet the landlord or property manager in person and tour the rental before submitting any payment. Verify ownership records through public databases. Drive by the property to confirm it is not occupied or listed for sale. Never send money to someone you have not verified as the legitimate owner.

Fake Invoice Scams

Scammers will sometimes send invoices demanding payment for directory listings, website services, search engine optimization, office supplies, and other business-related orders that were never placed. The invoices look official and convincing, with corporate branding, company details, payment instructions, and due dates.

Unsuspecting recipients may believe the bill is valid and pay it without realizing they have been scammed. Businesses are common targets of fake invoice scams, but individuals may also receive them if public records indicate they own a company.

Signs of fraudulent invoices include goods or services you never requested, companies you have no prior relationship with, requests for fast payment via unconventional methods like gift cards, urgent threats about actions if unpaid, and contact details that don’t match the company website.

Scrutinize any invoices received carefully before providing payment or sensitive data. Do research on the company sending the bill to confirm legitimacy. Reach out to the business through official channels to inquire about the charges if you have any concerns. Keep records of all placed orders and services enlisted to recognize any invoices for unrequested items.

Malware Infections

Malware refers to malicious software and code installed on a device without your consent to cause harm, gather sensitive data, or gain unauthorized access to systems. Malware comes in many forms, including viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, adware, ransomware, bots, and more. Infection often occurs through phishing attempts, compromised websites, or deceptive downloads.

Once installed on a computer or mobile device, malware can wreck havoc in many damaging ways. It can steal login credentials, personal files, and financial information. It can encrypt data and hold it ransom until payment is made. It can monitor all device activity and internet usage. It can gain complete administrative control to install more malware. It can mine cryptocurrency using your systems. It can even disable security tools to prevent removal.

Prevent malware infections by avoiding suspicious emails, texts, apps, websites, and downloads. Use comprehensive antivirus software like Malwarebytes Free to block threats. Keep all software updated with the latest security patches. Make regular backups of critical data in case of encryption by ransomware. Never enable macros in documents from Unknown senders. Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.

Protect Yourself from Cyber Scams

As these examples illustrate, online scammers employ incredibly cunning and convincing techniques to try to steal your money, data, or identity. Staying vigilant is crucial when using the internet to avoid becoming their next victim. Here are some best practices to implement for better protection:

• Keep security software like Malwarebytes Premium up to date on all devices to block the latest threats
• Be extremely cautious of any unsolicited contact asking for money or account information
• Verify legitimacy directly through official channels before providing sensitive data
• Avoid clicking links or attachments in unverified emails
• Use strong, unique passwords with multi-factor authentication on important accounts
• Monitor financial statements routinely for any unauthorized activity
• Be wary of online romantic interests asking for money or financial favors
• Research companies and job offers thoroughly before submitting payment or applications
• Confirm rental listings and real estate ownership before sending any funds
• Carefully scrutinize invoices for validity before paying unknown companies
• Make regular backups of critical files in case of malware encryption or data loss

As cybercrime becomes increasingly common, we must be extra vigilant about protecting ourselves online. Following these tips and using tools like Malwarebytes Free can help minimize your risk of becoming the victim of a scam. Be careful and stay safe as you browse, shop, work, and engage across the internet. With greater awareness and proactive precautions taken, you can continue to enjoy the online world while avoiding the criminal element looking to take advantage.

Is Your Device Infected? Check for Malware

If your device is running slowly or acting suspicious, it may be infected with malware. Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Free is a great option for scanning your device and detecting potential malware or viruses. The free version can efficiently check for and remove many common infections.  

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