PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

6 New & Deceptive Online Fraud & Scams To Be Aware of

Whether it’s about work, shopping, socializing, or learning, the internet has become a go-to place for most people. It’s like how your life is getting more and more digitized. Like you, people now seem to depend on the web more and more.

That is why it’s helpful if you’re aware of these frauds and scams and how they work. Learning how they can trick you into giving off your personal data or how you can prevent them from doing so is needed.

Some Online Fraud and Scams Today

Phishing Pretense

One sneaky online activity is Phishing. It’s where scammers will pretend to be familiar and trustworthy people. But they will actually trick you into clicking on malicious links or giving them your confidential data. They can then take your confidential information, like passwords or credit card details, to get money from you or from others posing as you.

To help avoid these baits, watch out for “emergency” emails urging urgent actions. You can first check sender email addresses, see if they’re for real, and hover over links to know their true destinations. Remember that legitimate organizations, like banks, won’t ask for your sensitive info via email.

Real Estate Frauds

The online world has become a breeding ground for real estate fraud due to its vast reach with potential luxury and anonymity. Perpetrators exploit the digital landscape, creating deceptive schemes that target people doing property transactions.

The internet’s global nature allows scammers to cast a wide net, catching and reaching unsuspecting victims with enticing but fraudulent property listings. The veil of online anonymity provides cover for forging documents, conducting phishing scams, and orchestrating wire fraud.

So it’s safer to only deal with reputable and legitimate real estate companies and brokers. It’s to avoid real estate frauds like rental scams. Sometimes, cloned availability listings of properties for rent dupe unwary renters into sending a security deposit or first month’s rent. They get to pay without any likelihood of actually living at the rental they see online.

That’s why it’s always safer to double-check and ensure you are dealing with a legitimate real estate company or agent online. It may be bothersome to verify their papers, but getting victimized by these scams is scarier.

Impersonation Game

Be careful and watch out for the “Impersonation Game” online. This is when scammers pretend to be your tech support or government officials. They’re tricky, aiming to deceive you into sharing sensitive information.

• Fake Tech Support

They pretend to be from a reputable tech company, say your computer has issues, and ask for remote access and payment.


• Government Impersonation

They falsely pose as government officials and assert you owe taxes or have legal issues, pressuring you for personal details or payment.

Shady Shopping Deals

There are many shopping deals that are quite shady these days, especially online. So, it’s better and safer for you to be cautious when making web purchases. When you get offers that seem too good to be true, that’s your red flag waving. Most often, scammers create fake listings for popular products at unbelievably reduced prices, drawing in unsuspecting buyers.

One of these sneaky activities is triangulation fraud. It is usually done by scammers who use stolen credit cards to buy items from legitimate sellers. They will then sell them online and ship them to their trusting buyers. These transactions make their buyers innocent accessories to their crimes.

So, it’s better to ensure that you have a legit seller online to avoid these fraudulent activities. You’ll never know when, but you might be in for a surprise when the police knock on your door, catching you as a buyer of fraud-acquired items. So, whether it’s unbelievable discounts or suspiciously low prices, trust your instincts and don’t give in easily.

Cryptocurrency Cons

As technology gives rise and fame to cryptocurrencies, fake investments using them are also rapidly growing. More and more scammers lure in unsuspecting investors with promises of astronomical returns. They will present all the alluring aspects of digital currencies.

One prevalent scam involves fraudulent Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs), where fake projects entice investors to buy non-existent tokens. Another scheme is impersonating legitimate crypto exchanges, tricking users into sharing private keys, or depositing funds into fake accounts.

So, do thorough research before diving into the crypto world, no matter how high the returns. It’s safer to verify the legitimacy of investments offered to you and use only reputable exchanges. Just as you’d scrutinize traditional investments, exercising caution in the crypto world keeps your hard-earned money safe.

Social Media Shenanigans

Tricky deals and activities flood social media today. So, it’s best to be aware and beware of these online tricks. Many scammers send friend requests or messages with sketchy links, posing as someone you know or trust.

They can create fake profiles mimicking friends or family to deceive you. They’ll then urge you to click on malicious links that may hack your data or share your private details. To avoid them, scrutinize friend requests, double-check their profiles for authenticity, and always be cautious of unexpected messages.

There’s always an advantage in trusting your instincts, especially if something feels off.

Bottom Line

Awareness of what they are and how to swerve away from these schemes are your defenses from these online fraudsters and scammers. There are many safer links and tools that can help you have a safer online experience, but the best tool is to be wary and vigilant.

But then again, whether on-site or online, caution is your best key to safety.