In today’s digital world, it’s crucial to be aware of the various online scams that can put your personal information, finances, and emotional wellbeing at risk. This post will explain some common internet scams in simple terms, helping you recognize and avoid them.

Sextortion

Sextortion is a form of blackmail where scammers threaten to share intimate photos or videos of you unless you pay them money. Here’s how it typically works:

1. The scammer contacts you, often pretending to be an attractive person interested in a relationship.
2. They convince you to share intimate photos or videos, or claim they’ve hacked your webcam to obtain such content.
3. The scammer then threatens to send these images to your friends, family, or coworkers unless you pay them.

How to protect yourself: Be extremely cautious about sharing intimate content online. Remember, even if a scammer does have compromising images, paying them rarely solves the problem – they’ll likely just demand more money.

Pig Butchering

This oddly-named scam combines elements of romance scams and investment fraud. The name comes from the idea of “fattening up a pig before slaughter.” Here’s the process:

1. The scammer builds a relationship with you over time, often romantically.
2. They gain your trust and eventually start talking about a great investment opportunity.
3. You’re encouraged to invest small amounts at first, and may even see some returns.
4. As you invest more, the scammer disappears with all your money.

How to protect yourself: Be wary of investment advice from people you’ve only met online. Always research investments independently and consult with licensed financial advisors.

Phishing

Phishing scams try to trick you into revealing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. They often work like this:

1. You receive an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate company or website.
2. The message urges you to “verify your account” or claims there’s a problem that needs your immediate attention.
3. You’re directed to a fake website that looks real, where you’re asked to enter your login details or other sensitive information.

How to protect yourself: Always double-check the sender’s email address and be cautious of urgent requests. Instead of clicking links in emails, go directly to the company’s website by typing the address in your browser.

Tech Support Scams

In these scams, fraudsters pose as tech support personnel to gain access to your computer or financial information:

1. You receive a call or pop-up message claiming there’s a problem with your computer.
2. The scammer offers to fix the issue but needs remote access to your computer.
3. Once they have access, they can install malware or access your personal files.

How to protect yourself: Legitimate tech companies won’t contact you unsolicited about computer problems. If you’re concerned, contact the company directly using their official website or phone number.

Underage Impersonation Scams

This type of scam often targets adults who have been engaging in online dating or relationships. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

1. The scammer builds an online relationship with the victim, often through dating sites or social media.
2. After establishing trust and possibly exchanging intimate messages or photos, the scammer reveals they are underage.
3. The scammer (or an accomplice posing as a parent or law enforcement) then demands money to keep quiet, threatening legal action or exposure.

How to protect yourself: Be cautious when engaging in online relationships. Verify the identity of people you meet online, and be wary of anyone who seems hesitant to video chat or meet in person. Remember, engaging with minors in sexual contexts is illegal and extremely serious.

How to Detect, Prevent, and Report Online Scams

Here’s a quick guide to help you stay safe online:

Detect:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited contacts or “too good to be true” offers.
• Watch for poor grammar or spelling in official-looking messages.
• Be wary of high-pressure tactics or threats.
• Question any requests for personal information or money.

Prevent:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each online account.
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep your software and operating systems up-to-date.
• Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Be cautious about what personal information you share online.
• Research before making investments or large purchases.

Report:

• If you’ve been scammed, report it to your local law enforcement.
• Report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
• For internet crimes, file a report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.
• Report phishing attempts to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org.
• If the scam occurred on a specific platform (like Facebook or a dating site), report it to the platform as well.

Remember, it’s okay to take your time before responding to requests or making decisions online. Your safety and security are worth the extra caution!

Conclusion

While the internet can be a wonderful tool, it’s important to stay vigilant. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify the identity of people you meet online, be cautious about sharing personal information, and trust your instincts if something feels off.

By staying informed about these common scams and following best practices for online safety, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online fraud. Stay safe out there!