In today's digital era, scams have become an all-too-common part of our online experience. From social media platforms to online marketplaces, fraudsters continually evolve their methods to deceive unsuspecting victims. It's crucial to stay informed about the various types of scams proliferating on the internet to protect ourselves and our loved ones from financial and emotional harm. This article aims to shed light on some of the most prevalent scams circulating today.
Facebook Marketplace scam
You are selling or buying an item on Facebook Marketplace. The person will contact you via Messenger (and maybe move the conversation to WhatsApp).
In this instance, the scammer will pretend to be a buyer interested in your item. They'll tell you they can't come in person to collect it, so they will send a courier with a company such as DPD in their stead. They may even send you a link to a fake website or an inauthentic email.
The scammer will then ask you to pay for insurance for the safe delivery of the item. They will send you a link for a prepaid credit card or another code on our website. Then they will request the code, redeem it and tell you it does not work, so you pay another one.
How to avoid: If anyone starts talking about insurance or pick-up fees, stop the communication and report the person on the platform.
The loan scam
A loan scam is a loan offered under pretences. The scammer will hook his target by making a significant promise that will not be delivered.
Loan scammers use fake company logos, false caller ID numbers and other tricks to impersonate legitimate agencies.
They will promise you an easy-to-get loan in exchange for a fee. This is where it starts. They will request payment through untraceable methods, like money, a prepaid card, or cryptocurrency.
It is the same as the Facebook scam; they will tell you the code does not work to trick you into buying a new one.
How to avoid: It is difficult if you urgently need financial help. However, never trust a loan that is too easy to get and asks you for fees via links. Always consult with someone else first.
The Dating App Scam (Catfhishing)
The primary risk associated with online dating revolves around falling victim to schemes where individuals are deceived into providing money or divulging their financial details. Scammers aim to coax cash or gift cards from their targets or extract information that can be exploited for monetary fraud.
These fraudulent activities often unfold on platforms such as match.com, where individuals predominantly seek long-term relationships. After establishing trust, the scammer might fabricate an urgent situation, such as medical expenses or the need to care for a family member, and then request financial assistance.
Furthermore, scammers may employ tactics like soliciting money or gifts to strengthen the relationship. For instance, they might claim to require funds for a new laptop to enable video chats or insist on receiving gifts as supposed demonstrations of affection.
The warning signs of a romance scam aimed at financial exploitation include:
- Soliciting money, particularly cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency, as a purported means of validating one's love.
- Creating a narrative resembling a soap opera, wherein numerous unexpected emergencies arise, the scammer consistently lacks the means to address them.
- Rapidly professing love and delving into probing personal questions while disclosing little about themselves.
The Delivery scam
The scammers send bogus messages by email or text. The message says you missed a delivery attempt and asks you to click a link to re-schedule the delivery. Or it could say that your item is ready to ship, but you need to update your shipping preferences or pay for insurance.
Some create a sense of urgency by saying that they will return your package to the sender if you don't respond immediately.
The email usually contains a link to "release your delivery". This link will most likely direct you to a prepaid credit card link.
In conclusion, as scammers become more sophisticated, staying informed and vigilant is our best defence against these digital threats. Recognising the signs of common scams and adopting a cautious approach to online interactions can significantly reduce our risk of becoming victims. Always remember, if an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protecting ourselves requires awareness and the willingness to question and verify before we act.
