The Internet has become a necessity for us today. It’s made our lives easier and opened opportunities for earning a living, connecting with people across the globe, and more. Unfortunately, it’s also drawn the attention of unsocial elements in society which is why there are all kinds of online frauds that we face today. The following are some of them that you need to know:
1. Phishing Emails
Phishing is one of the most common online frauds that we know of and it’s also one of the online scams you should avoid in lockdown. In this, a scamster tries to trick an email user into believing that they, the scamster, is actually a representative of a bank or a government office. They usually send an email to create a panic situation. For instance, you may receive an email from a particular bank and the message may say that your online bank account has been compromised and you have to change your password to secure it immediately. If you click the link shared in the email, then it may take you to a fake website that looks identical to the bank’s original website. Once you share your current password with this website, then it’s shared with the scamster and they can use it to transfer your money to their account.
Phishing attacks are rampant. However, if you are careful and check the authenticity of suspicious emails before you take action, then you can prevent becoming a victim in most cases.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware programs are an advanced family of viruses that when active, can gain administrative rights to your computer system and lock you out. You usually get a warning from the attacker that if you have important files and documents on the device and you want to access them again, then you have to pay a ransom to the attack.
Ransomware are quite dangerous. You can prevent them from infecting your computer by using the best antivirus for Windows, downloading software from trusted sites only, and avoiding downloading attachments that are sent in suspicious emails.
3. Fake Shopping Websites
We all love shopping online. It’s convenient, offers great discounts, and you get to choose from a wide range of products from the comfort of your home. However, if you aren’t careful, then you can fall for a fake shopping website scam.
There are thousands of online shopping websites. However, not all of them can be trusted. There are many websites that look legitimate, but they may steal your banking information or accept your payment and not deliver the products. The good news is that you can easily identify them if you are using Internet security solutions from trusted brands like Bitdefender. These companies offer Internet security software that can block malicious shopping websites for your protection.
4. Job Offer Scam
Fraud entities have not spared even the employment domain. These people send emails with lucrative job opportunities that are fake. The messages typically start with claims that the recruiter saw your resume on LinkedIn or some other job portal and you are selected for a particular job profile. They mention that you can expect to earn a monthly salary of a particular amount which is quite high. The job is in a different country and you are required to pay a certain amount as a fee for legal work. That’s the trap. If you pay this amount for the seeming dream job that’s offered, then you will never see it. So, make sure that you verify the details of such emails and also do some background checking before you take any step. A rule of thumb is- if a job is offered which is too good to be true, then it probably is.
Your Safety is in Your Hands
The Internet is a wonderful place, but it’s also a scary place. If you are not careful, then you can easily become a victim or a fraud or even identity theft. So, make sure you stay up to date with the emerging risks on the Internet. Also, set up comprehensive online security programs on all your devices- mobiles and computers, as soon as possible. If you are looking for a recommendation, then Bitdefender is a good one. They are even running a 90-day free trial currently. So, what are you waiting for?
