How to identify an online scam
Posted by Langton Rusere on
With instances of digital fraud skyrocketing, learning how to identify a scammer (often using hacked accounts to avoid suspicion) is becoming an increasingly important life skill in a world of growing connectivity.
There are several red flags and common themes associated with the vast majority of fraudulent schemes, and the scammers perpetrating them, that you can keep a watchful eye out for as you go:
1. A PRICE THAT'S TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
With Facebook Marketplace scams, eBay, Amazon and Instagram scams on the rise, it's important to shop smarter and protect your pocketbook. On social networks and fake online retailers that are created specifically to appear to be the real thing, it's not uncommon to find goods at steep discounts. Trust your instincts and know that if a price is too good to be true, it's likely a scam. Even if you receive a receipt, you may never receive the item that you paid for, or if you do, it may greatly differ in form or condition from what you thought you'd paid for.
2. A SENSE OF URGENCY
Fraudsters' claims often wilt under sustained scrutiny, which means that it's in their best interest to pressure you into taking action before you can think twice. Beware of anyone who attempts to rush or push you into making a decision without first giving you time to verify and thoughtfully consider their requests.
3. MISPELLED WORDS OR GRAMMATICAL ERRORS
Scan any emails, messages or online chats you receive for mispellings, grammatical errors, strange subject lines or other discrepancies. Be sure to check the domain of an email address too - for example, instead of Amazon.com, an email may be from Amazon.net, a dead giveaway that the communication isn't from the online retailing giant.
4. WON'T APPEAR ON CAMERA OR MEET YOU IN PERSON
Be alert for red flags like an unwillingness to appear on camera for video chats, meet in person or chat on the phone.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU'VE BEEN SCAMMED
If you're ever unsure if another party's request is legitimate. call or email the company directly at its official phone number or email to verify. If you do fall victim to a scammer, don't be embarrassed, as the stats show, it happens all too frequently. The most important thing to do is report it to the relevant fraud departments or your local police.