HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ONLINE SCAM

HOW TO IDENTIFY AN ONLINE SCAM 

Online scams, also known as internet scams or internet frauds, are different methods of deception used by the cybercriminals on the internet and often lead to an individual's loss of money or, sometimes, even properties. As most of the work in today's time is on the internet, many of us are vulnerable to scams. according to ib schools in Dehradun It is essential to have basic information about the types of scams to make it easier for us to identify and report them and not become another victim.

Following are a few types of scams:

1. Phishing scam (SMS) - It often involves sending bank messages making them look natural. It might even come from a number that previously had sent a legitimate message. The message often has a link with it that takes you to their website. On the website, you will often be asked to give out personal information, more importantly, passwords. The message will often give you a sense of urgency, leaving you with less time to reason.

 
2. Online shopping scam - The deal often seems to be accurate and within a limited time. This creates a feeling of urgency, and people jump into the purchase. The payment method used by the site is often not secure.

 
3. Classified scam - It is often done in the case of pets. Scammers take pictures of pets from breeders' websites and put them on their sites. The price of the animal is often low; however, you would be asked to pay extra as transport cost, insurance, or customer costs. Picking up from a nearby location will seldom be an option. The payment method will not be secure.

 
4. Phishing scam (Email) - Such emails are focused on getting your personal information and, for that, will ask you to do something, again creating a sense of urgency. Links would be attached to the email that might be malicious. You will find it difficult to confirm who the email is from and have spelling and grammatical errors.

 
5. Business email compromise scam - You cannot confirm who it is from. It might look like the original, but there will be minute changes. It creates a sense of urgency and does not give you enough time to reflect upon it. They will often try to make payment done into their account, and hence you might notice some changes in the procedure of payment and the recipient.

 
6. Vishing - The cybercriminal contacts the victim posing as a representative of the bank/company to get any further information With so many scams, one must feel the fear of losing their hard-earned money to scammers. Although with some critical points in mind, the fraud can be recognized and prevented. Few moments are listed below:

 
● Look for HTTPS and not HTTP when on a website and the padlock icon to make sure that the connection is secure
● Identify if the message is creating too much urgency. Take time to think about it; if not certain, contact the bank/company to confirm through a reliable platform or number
● Pay attention to the payment method. If the payment method is insecure such as through wire, preloaded gift cards, money orders, and bitcoins, then refrain from paying unless confirmed by a reliable source
● See if the deal is way too luring and forces you to pay as soon as you can
● Always verify the payment details with the recipient in case the details have been changed
● Avoid paying in advance, especially if the payment method is not secure
● In case of a classified scam, always ask first to see the animal; if not possible, at least ask for more photos and videos

 
In India, Section 43, 66 B,66 C, and 66 D protect the rights of those who have been victims of a scam. Although the loss can be revived in some cases, it is essential to stay alert and try your best to avoid any such scams that might leave you regretting it.