2. • Introduction
• Types
• Targeted Groups
• Why do people fall
for scams?
• Prevention
• Conclusion
CONTEXT
3. • INTRODUCTION
Online scams, also known as internet scams, generally refers to someone using
internet services or software to defraud or take advantage of victims, typically for
financial gain.
Cyber scams are scams that are carried out online. This could be through things
like dodgy emails and websites, or fake accounts on social media. Cyber
scammers may contact you via email, text, phone call or social media. And they will
often pretend to be someone or an organisation that you trust.
Cybercriminals may contact potential victims through personal or work email
accounts, social networking sites, dating apps, or other methods in attempts to
obtain financial or other valuable personal information.
Many successful scams on the internet have similar endings: The victim loses their
own money or fails to receive funds the cybercriminal promised. In worst-case
scenarios, the victim might even lose their identity.
4. 2. TYPES
Online scams come in various forms, including phishing emails, fake
websites, social engineering, identity theft, lottery scams, and investment
fraud.
Certainly, other types of online scams include:
1. *Tech Support Scams:* Fraudulent calls or pop-up messages claiming to
be from tech support, attempting to gain access to your computer or sell
unnecessary services.
2. *Romance Scams:* Con artists build romantic relationships online to
exploit victims emotionally and financially.
3. *Job and Employment Scams:* Fake job offers or work-from-home
opportunities that require payment upfront or steal personal information.
5. 2. TYPES
4. *Online Auction and Marketplace Scams:* Deceptive sellers on
platforms like eBay or Craigslist, often involving non-existent or
misrepresented products.
5. *Phishing:* Fraudulent attempts to obtain sensitive information, such as
passwords and credit card details, by posing as a trustworthy entity
through emails or fake websites.
6. *Ransomware Attacks:* Malicious software that encrypts files,
demanding payment for their release.
7. *Social Media Scams:* Impersonation, fake profiles, or messages
aiming to trick users into revealing personal information or clicking on
malicious links.
Stay vigilant and adopt good online practices to protect yourself from
these scams.
6. 3. TARGETED GROUPS
Scammers often target certain groups of consumers, including
immigrants, seniors, servicemembers, veterans, and students.
• Immigrants
offered fake immigration services or extorted payments by
threatening deportation.
• Seniors
scammers perceive them to be less tech-savvy and more financially
stable.
• Students
College-aged students are perfectly primed targets, as they are
often looking for flexible side jobs to help pay for their educations.
8. 5. PREVENTION
Be Skeptical Verify Sources
Use Strong
Passwords
Question the legitimacy of
unsolicited emails, messages, or
requests for personal information.
Update
Software
Enable Two-Factor
Authentication (2FA)
Confirm the authenticity of
websites, especially before
providing sensitive information or
making online transactions.
Create unique and complex
passwords for different accounts,
and consider using a password
manager.
Keep your operating system,
antivirus, and other software up
to date to protect against
vulnerabilities.
Add an extra layer of security by
requiring a second verification step
for your online accounts.
9. 5. PREVENTION
Educate
Yourself
Check URLs Secure Wi-Fi
Stay informed about common
scams and tactics used by
fraudsters to recognize potential
threats.
Review Privacy
Settings
Verify Transactions
Before clicking on links, hover
over them to preview the
destination or manually type in the
website address.
Double-check financial transactions
and statements regularly for any
unauthorized activity.
Use a strong and encrypted
Wi-Fi connection to prevent
unauthorized access.
Regularly check and adjust
privacy settings on social media
and other online platforms.
10. 6. CONCLUSION
Online scams pose a significant threat,
exploiting various tactics to deceive
individuals. Users should remain
vigilant, adopt strong security
measures, and stay informed to
protect themselves from evolving
online threats.
