How to protect yourself from scams: A guide for the skeptics

Benjamin Ward

Let's be real. When it comes to the internet, we're all skeptics to some degree. We're rightfully cautious about sharing our personal information and we're quick to (virtually) run away from anything that seems like a scam. But the truth is, online scams are getting sneakier and more sophisticated by the day. And for some of us particularly skeptical folks, that can make us an even easier target.

So, what can we do to protect ourselves from online scams? Well, first off, it's important to understand just how common they are. Did you know that in 2022 alone, Americans lost over $10.3 billion to fraud, according to the FBI Internet Crime Report? Yeah, I know, it's a scary number. But the good news is that there are steps we can take to protect ourselves.

In this guide, we'll take a close look at some of the most common online scams and how to spot them. We'll cover the warning signs to watch out for, as well as practical tips for keeping your personal information safe. And, just in case the worst case scenario happens, we'll also walk through what to do if you fall victim to a scam.

So, take a deep breath, skeptics. We've got this.

Common online scams

Let’s be honest: scammers are getting more creative than ever. As technology advances, so do their tactics for trying to steal our money and personal information. That’s why it’s important to stay informed about the most common online scams, so we can recognize them when they come our way.

Here are the top 10 scams to look out for:

1. Phishing scams

Phishing scams are one of the most common forms of online scams. They typically involve an email that appears to be from a legitimate company or organization, asking the recipient to click on a link and provide their personal information. The email may claim to be from a bank, a social media network, or an online store, but the purpose is always the same: to trick the recipient into giving away their passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information.

2. Lottery scams

Lottery scams promise big payouts in exchange for a small fee, but in reality, they never actually deliver on their promises. These scams often involve emails or messages that claim the recipient has won a lottery or prize draw, and that they just need to pay a small fee to claim their prize. Of course, there is no prize, and the money that the victim sends is simply pocketed by the scammer.

3. Tech support scams

Tech support scams are particularly insidious because they often involve scammers posing as legitimate tech support representatives. The scammer will call or message the victim, claiming to be from a company like Microsoft, and tell them that their computer has been infected with a virus. They may ask the victim to download and install a piece of software that will supposedly fix the problem, but in reality, it is just a tool that allows the scammer to access the victim’s computer remotely.

4. Romance scams

Romance scams are a particularly cruel form of online scam. They involve scammers posing as romantic partners on online dating sites or social media networks, and then asking their victims for money. The scammer may claim to be in love with the victim, but will always come up with some excuse for why they need money: a medical emergency, a visa application, or a business opportunity.

5. Employment scams

Employment scams often target people who are looking for work, particularly those looking for remote or freelance work. The scammer will pose as an employer, offering a job that seems too good to be true. They may ask the victim to provide personal information, like their social security number or bank account details, or they may ask for an upfront payment to cover training materials or equipment.

6. Charity scams

Charity scams are a particularly despicable form of scam, because they often involve preying on people’s desire to help those in need. Charity scammers may set up fake organizations, or simply pose as representatives of legitimate charities, and ask for donations. These donations will never actually go to the charity, but will instead be pocketed by the scammer.

7. Investment scams

Investment scams can be particularly convincing, because they often involve a promising business opportunity or investment opportunity. The scammer will promise high returns on investment, with little risk, and may even provide some fake documentation to make it seem more legitimate. Of course, in reality, there is no investment, and the money that the victim sends is simply stolen by the scammer.

8. Online shopping scams

Online shopping scams are becoming increasingly common, particularly with the rise of online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon. These scams typically involve sellers who list items that they don’t actually have in stock, or who send fake or counterfeit goods. In some cases, the victim may even receive an empty package.

9. Rental scams

Rental scams typically target people who are looking for housing, whether for a short-term vacation rental or a long-term lease. The scammer will pose as a landlord or rental agent, and ask for deposits or rental payments upfront. Of course, there is no property, and the victim will never actually be able to move in.

10. Tech scams

Tech scams can take many forms, but the basic idea is always the same: the scammer poses as a tech support representative, and tries to convince the victim that there is a problem with their computer or other device. They may ask the victim to install software that will give them remote access to the device, or they may ask the victim to pay for fake tech support services.

It’s important to remember that these are just a few of the most common online scams. Scammers are always coming up with new tactics, so it’s essential to stay vigilant and protect your personal information at all times.

Warning signs

When it comes to online scams, there are often warning signs that can help you identify them before it's too late. Here are some of the most common warning signs to watch out for:

Suspicious emails

Phishing emails are a common tactic used by scammers to try and steal your personal information or money. Be wary of emails from unfamiliar addresses or that contain spelling or grammar errors. Also, beware of emails that ask you to click on a link or download an attachment, especially if it's something you weren't expecting.

Fake websites

Another common tactic is creating fake websites that are designed to look like legitimate ones. These sites often ask for personal or financial information and may even have a professional-looking layout to make them seem more legitimate. Always double-check the URL and look for security indicators, like HTTPS and a lock icon, to make sure you're on a safe site.

Urgency

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to try and get you to act quickly and give them what they want. Be cautious of emails or messages that contain urgent requests for personal or financial information, especially if there are threats or consequences for not complying.

Too good to be true

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often entice their victims with promises of easy money or rewards, but these offers are usually a way to get you to give up personal information or pay for something you'll never receive.

Pressure to act now

Similar to urgency, scammers may pressure you to act quickly, making it seem like there's no time to wait or think about the consequences. If you're feeling pressured to act immediately, take a step back and do your research before making any decisions.

By being aware of these warning signs, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to online scams. Always be cautious, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Protecting your personal information

Let's be honest - we've all been guilty of oversharing our personal information online at some point. Maybe it's because we're excited about a new product and want to leave a review, or because we're trying to win a Facebook giveaway. Whatever the reason, sharing our personal details online can make us particularly vulnerable to scams and fraud.

So, how can you protect your personal information online? Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Create strong passwords

One of the best ways to protect your personal information online is to create strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid using common words and phrases, and never reuse passwords across multiple accounts. Instead, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create a password that's difficult to crack.

It can be tempting to share all kinds of personal information online - from your birthdate and hometown to your favorite color and pet's name. But remember, the more information you share, the easier it is for scammers to access your accounts or steal your identity. Be cautious about what you share online, and consider using a pseudonym or nickname instead of your real name.

Keep your computer and software up to date

Make sure your computer and other devices are running the latest software updates and security patches. This can help prevent hackers from accessing your personal information and installing malware on your device.

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of verification before you can log in. This could be something like a text message code, a fingerprint scan, or a security key. Enabling 2FA can help protect your personal information by making it more difficult for scammers to access your accounts.

Stay aware of phishing scams

Phishing scams are a type of online scam where scammers try to trick you into giving them your personal information - like your username and password - by posing as a trustworthy source, like your bank or email provider. To avoid falling for a phishing scam, be cautious of suspicious emails or messages, and always double-check the URL of the website you're logging into to make sure it's legitimate.

By following these tips, you can help protect your personal information and stay one step ahead of scammers and fraudsters. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your identity and your finances online.

What to do if you fall victim to a scam

Well, sh*t. You fell for it. You clicked on that link, gave away your credit card info, or wired money to a Nigerian prince. Now what?

First things first: don't beat yourself up too much. Scammers are incredibly good at what they do, and even the most vigilant among us can fall victim to their schemes. Take a deep breath, and let's figure out what to do next.

Cut off communication with the scammer
If you're still in contact with the person or organization that scammed you, cut off communication immediately. Block their number, mark their email as spam, and do whatever you can to prevent further contact.
Contact your bank or credit card company
If you gave away your financial information, contact your bank or credit card company right away to report the fraud. They may be able to freeze your account or reverse the charges.
Change your passwords and monitor your accounts
Even if you didn't give away financial information, change any passwords or login credentials associated with the scam as soon as possible. It's also a good idea to keep a close eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any suspicious activity.
Report the scam
Reporting the scam to the proper authorities can help prevent others from falling victim. Depending on the nature of the scam, you may need to contact your local police department, the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, or the Federal Trade Commission.
Seek support
Falling victim to a scam can be incredibly stressful and embarrassing. Don't be afraid to reach out to friends or family for emotional support. You may also want to consider talking to a professional counselor or therapist to help you process the experience.

Remember, falling victim to a scam doesn't make you dumb or gullible. Scammers are very good at what they do, and there's no shame in being taken in by their schemes. What's important now is taking the steps to protect yourself and prevent it from happening again.

Conclusion

And that, my skeptical friends, is how you outsmart the scammers. Remember to keep your guard up, stay vigilant, and always be aware of the warning signs. While the world of online scams can be a murky and treacherous place, arming yourself with knowledge and common sense can go a long way in keeping your hard-earned money safe.

Of course, even the most skeptical and savvy among us can fall victim to a scam. The important thing is to know what to do if that happens - don't be ashamed or embarrassed to reach out for help. Contact your bank, report the scam to relevant authorities, and seek support from friends and family.

But the best defense against scams is a good offense. By staying one step ahead of the scammers and actively protecting your personal information, you significantly decrease the likelihood of falling prey to their schemes.

So go forth, my fellow skeptics, armed with the information and tools you need to navigate the dangerous waters of online scams. With a little bit of humor, a whole lot of skepticism, and a healthy dose of caution, there's nothing you can't handle. Good luck out there!