Scams on the internet are more sophisticated than ever before, and it is especially easy to fall victim to a cyber scam.
Finance Experts at Merchant Cash Advance have already shared several of the most common scams of 2022 and made clear how to protect yourself from them, ranging from smishing to fake dating profiles.
Government Programs and Coronavirus
Scammers are exploiting the present situation by creating fake Covid test sites and selling counterfeit tests or vaccines online in order to collect personal and medical information. Wider government scams are also on the rise, with calls to innocent people urging people to pay a debt or confirm their personal information.
Authorized officials will never call you to immediately pay a debt with a prepaid card, gift card, or wire transfer; this is an untraceable simple technique used by scammers and it will help you identify an unusual request.
Smishing
Smishing, also known as SMS phishing, is a newer type of fraud in which fraudsters creating fake organizations in order to grab your personal information or persuade you to click on a malicious website. These links can install malware on your device or redirect you to a website that looks like an official organization and asks you to transfer money.
If you notice a seemingly official text message that comes from a standard mobile number or an unusual looking link, proceed with caution and without first researching its legitimacy.
Apps That Aren’t Real
Another popular method for stealing information or convincing you to pay money is to encourage users to download a malicious program. Scammers have produced near-identical duplicates of existing apps on occasion in order to trick users into making in-app purchases under the impression that they are using a trusted service.
Personal information, such as usernames, passwords, and one-time codes, must never be shared or entered into suspicious websites. These details can be combined to gain access to personal accounts or steal your identity online.
Robocalls are phone calls that automatically connect you to a voice message rather than talking with a live person. Though those are used by officials, many robocalls are circulating that are scams attempting to sell you something or inform you that you’ve been involved in an accident and are entitled to compensation.
If you suspect an incoming call is spam, it is best to ignore it by letting it ring or hanging up. If you’ve already answered the phone and receive a robocall, hang up as soon as possible and avoid complying with their requests.
Scams in the Workplace
Employment scams, which are designed to target hopeful job seekers, can be difficult to detect and mislead people into believing they have been offered a job. Scammers are frequently especially deceptive and target individuals that have been out of work, trying to offer roles that sound incredibly appealing and frequently demanding money for admin fees.
If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is! No hiring manager should ask for cash or your bank account information, so make sure you’re only working with reputable headhunters.
Hoaxes in Online Dating
Fake accounts can be dangerous if you are not careful while using online dating to attack vulnerable singles who are searching for conversion with a potential partner. Prior to actually asking you to transfer money to help them, the fraudsters will strike up a conversation and gain your trust.
Do not agree to transferring cash or assisting someone financially if you have never met them in person. This is also strictly prohibited on dating apps, so report any suspicious requests immediately, and if you have already sent money, communicate directly with your bank to cancel it.
