You’re randomly browsing the internet one day, looking for the best shoulder workouts to target those rear delts.
You click on a promising website that expounds the virtues of scientific research and the famed mind-muscle connection.
A few paragraphs in, a pop-up hijacks the screen, ‘You have won a free iPhone”. As if it were ever that easy.
Any person who frequently dabbles in the world of the Internet would have come across such ludicrous scams. However, they are not always so simple to decipher. And they appear in much more sneaky ways
There’s a reason Americans lost $16.6. billion to online scammers in 2024. Everyone may think they will never fall for such antics, but we may not even realize that we are being scammed. That is why everyone, including an organization with a robust cybersecurity team qualified through a Masters in Cyber Security online or a regular individual looking to stay safe online, should know how to detect cyber scams. While scammers are getting more creative with AI, there are still certain patterns at play here, which the next section will highlight.
1. The “Too Good To Be True” Trap
These scams are similar to the one discussed in the introduction. They usually offer a proposition that reeks of opportunism. Such scams thrive on impulsive clicks and curious minds who want an easy buck. There is usually an offer of winning something expensive for free or getting access to a free gift card. Make sure not to fall for this simplest of tricks. There is just one golden rule: If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
2. Dodgy Shopping Websites
E-commerce has been a game-changer in the way we shop. Anyone can get awesome products delivered from around the world rather quickly these days. However, that convenience can often be a curse. Acceleration of online shopping has given way to the rise of fake websites. These sites tend to have a clean user interface, legit product photos, and even some fake reviews to add some credence. It would be wise to take some precautions while shopping with unknown brands for the first time, like checking the URL, comparing prices to other sites, and verifying the payment method. In most cases, the product is never shipped, and worse, a recurring payment cycle is set up.
3. Phishing Emails
Spotting a fake email was easy before. Poor grammar, spelling errors, and a weird tone were dead giveaways. However, AI has changed all of that. Large Language Models (LLMs) are helping scamsters produce polished, personalized, and persuasive emails that are much harder to distinguish from the real ones. We might get a voicemail that sounds like our manager directing us to urgently wire a supplier with a certain sum of money, with more details from an email address very similar to his official email. Or it could even be an email pretending to be from Netflix, asking you to reset the password. The key is to always be very careful when acting on such emails that ask us to perform any action. Double-checking the email address and past history (if any) could be decent first steps.
4. Job Offer Shenaninghans
Such scams target vulnerable job hunters. There is an enticing job offer of remote work, flexible hours, and fantastic pay. There might even be fake interview rounds for you to pass and a legitimate-looking contract, and a company website at the end. However, the ‘company’ might demand an upfront training fee and even your banking details to initiate salary in advance. The aim could also be to steal your identity and get access to documents like your Social Security Number or even your passport. It is best to verify the company on platforms like LinkedIn and avoid giving sensitive information to such offers.
5. High Return Investment Scams
Everyone is chasing high income on their investments, and the scammers know about this very well. Their videos might be seen on social media, or you might even be contacted by a quick phone call or an enticing email to explore a brilliant investment opportunity. Usually, a very lucrative return is offered on such investments. The thesis behind the scheme also may seem plausible: a shiny new technology, an undervalued market, or even a sure-shot insider tip that could make millions. In such situations, it is important to learn the tricks of separating fact from fiction and knowing when you are being taken for a ride.
Making money is hard. Which makes losing that hard-earned money even more painful. The internet is full of opportunists who are looking for their next victim to make their quick buck. Being wary and skeptical of such scammy efforts can help avoid such losses. Always stay away from deals that sound too good to be true. Be very careful when shopping from new websites. Always keep the ante up when receiving emails that have some instructions to follow. When hunting for jobs, don’t fall for vague remote work opportunities that want sensitive documents. Invest wisely and do the necessary research before putting in any money. Following these steps would help everyone navigate the choppy waters of the internet.
Leave a Reply