Online scams are getting cleverer by the day, with scammers constantly finding new ways to trick even the most cautious users. Each scam has unique red flags, from urgent messages to suspicious payment requests. Knowing what to watch for can help you stay a step ahead. Here’s a rundown of ten common scams, along with simple ways to protect yourself.
10. The Payment from a Stranger Scam
Ever receive money from someone you don’t know, usually through apps like Venmo or PayPal? This scam starts with an unexpected payment, followed by a frantic message saying it was a mistake and asking you to send the money back. The twist? That payment came from a stolen account or fraudulent source, and by the time the funds are pulled back, you’ve already sent your own money in return. If you get a random payment from someone unfamiliar, avoid interacting and report it directly to the payment platform.
9. The Overpayment Scam
If you’re selling online, watch out for buyers offering more than your asking price—often claiming it’s to cover special shipping or handling fees. They’ll send the extra amount and ask you to refund the overage, but the payment is usually fraudulent. Once it’s reversed, you’re out both the item and the cash. Stick to secure payment methods within the platform, and avoid deals that seem too good to be true.
8. The Online Purchase Scam
Online shopping is convenient, but be wary of sellers offering too-good-to-be-true deals. After you pay, the item may never arrive, or you’ll receive something cheap that doesn’t match the description. These scams often ask you to pay outside of secure systems, leaving you with little recourse. Only buy from reputable sellers, use secure payment platforms, and inspect items if possible before completing any transactions.
7. The Lottery Scam
A message pops up claiming you’ve won a huge prize—but there’s a small fee to claim it. This scam is a classic tactic to make easy money off unsuspecting users. Real lotteries and sweepstakes don’t ask for fees upfront. If you get a message like this, delete it and remember that genuine prizes don’t come with “processing fees.”
6. The Job Posting Scam
Job boards sometimes host fake job listings, often with scams buried in the fine print. These posts may ask for application fees or sensitive personal information. If a job listing requests any payment or promises unusually high salaries with minimal details, dig deeper. Verify the company’s legitimacy by reaching out directly through its official channels before sharing personal details or sending payments.
5. The Tech Support Scam
This scam usually begins with a phone call or pop-up message claiming your computer is infected. The “tech support” representative—allegedly from a reputable company—offers to help if you give them remote access. But legitimate companies won’t cold-call you for issues on your device. If you receive such a call, ignore it and report the incident instead of engaging.
4. The Apartment Posting Scam
In the rental market, fake listings are a frequent scam. Scammers post irresistible deals using photos from legitimate listings, hoping to trap renters who can’t visit in person. They’ll often ask for application fees or deposits before disappearing with your money. Always visit a rental property in person, or have someone you trust check it out before making any payments.
3. The Online Romance Scam
This scam works over time, with scammers cultivating online relationships through social media or dating apps. Once trust is established, they’ll invent financial emergencies and ask for help. These scammers are skilled manipulators, so if an online acquaintance you’ve never met asks for money, it’s a red flag. Keep friends or family aware of your online interactions, and avoid sending money to someone you haven’t met in person.
2. The Sheriff Scam
A call from “law enforcement” telling you that you missed jury duty or have unpaid fines is designed to scare you into making a quick payment, often through gift cards or wire transfers. Actual law enforcement agencies don’t operate this way. If you receive such a message, ignore it and call the agency directly to confirm.
1. The Wrong Number Scam
This scam starts innocuously, with a text from an unfamiliar number. Once you reply, they work to build rapport, often leading to a “great investment opportunity” or another fraudulent pitch. To avoid this trap, don’t respond to unknown numbers. Engaging can open the door to further scams.
