Top 12 Computer Scams [Updated 2022]
While browsing online everyone likes to think that they are safe, the reality is that every account or profile is a target, and just a small omission or decision error in online security can lead to an account compromise. Hackers always like to stay ahead of the game.
The cyberspace professional says, “Think like a hacker has to catch a hacker”. So, this post will equip you with the knowledge you need to stop being a victim of bad guys online.
Read on to learn about the ten common computer scams, and five (free) things you should do to stay safe from scams.
1. Fishing Scam
Phishing scams are one of the most common computer scams. The scam involves a malicious player sending a fake email to a victim who appears to be from a trusted source such as a bank, luring them to supply sensitive information such as a login. Emails appear to be legitimate and usually come from email addresses with the same domain as the trusted source.
In phishing emails, attackers use very persuasive techniques to make you click and enter or share your personal information. Clicking on the link in the malicious email will often take you to the cloned webpage of the real one, and give your data only to the attacker, to log in, to enter your details there.
See you for emails that are not addressed by name, including grammatical errors, and include links to websites that do not include ‘HTTPS’ (you can often see what a link is, by clicking on it Without just hovering your mouse), or it just doesn’t feel right. Remember that banks and trusted organizations will never email you your login details and you do not need to log in to any site via email. If you are unsure about an email, do not act on it. Log in and check everything you need outside of email via the organization’s website.
2. Nigerian Scam
The Nigerian scam, also known as ‘419’ fraud, involves cybercriminals contacting targets with email, social networks, and so on, and usually in the ‘opportunity to share the target Asking to transfer some money to participate. A percentage of the very high amount of money that the author is trying to illegally transfer out of Nigeria.
Beware of contacting any stranger on the Internet or it is true that is very good; Do not respond to these messages and if possible, prevent these strangers from contacting you. Cybercriminals can be very persuasive, and victims of Nigerian scams can give them money as long as they leave nothing.
3. Greeting Card Scam
In this scam, attackers take advantage of festivals and holidays by sending a greeting card to your email, which shows someone you know. If you click on this email, you will automatically download and install malware on your computer. It can come in the form of adware that displays annoying banners and advertisements whenever you use your PC or can give hackers unlimited access to your computer, to view your keystrokes, passwords, and bank accounts. Details such as your personal information can be stolen.
Do not open emails or attachments from any site that you do not recognize, or that claim from a sender who is unlikely to send you a greeting card.
4. Credit Card Scam
In a typical credit card or bank loan scam, targets will be told about a secret offer where, by paying some mandatory fee upfront, you can use a huge pre-approved loan. The reality is that no bank will lend without understanding your financial situation. Ignore these types of offers, these are just some greedy offers to attract you towards computer scams.
5. Lottery Scam
These scams, similar to the aforementioned credit card or bank loan scams, refer cybercriminals to targets in which they have won the lottery but need to pay some money to claim their prize.
This style of ‘lottery’, where people pay to enter after winning, is not a valid lottery. You will never be asked by a legitimate company to pay any handling fee or any kind of fee for your winnings.
6. Antivirus Scam
Antivirus scam is among the most common computer scams. In this scam, targets have displayed a notification that says the virus has infected their computer and they must click to download a certain antivirus to fix it. By clicking on this notification, their system will be infected with real viruses or malware.
You should always ignore these messages and ensure that your computer is always protected by good antivirus like avast free antivirus. Do not wait to download antivirus; Your PC needs to be protected from the moment you start using it.
7. Hitman Scam
As we know in today’s developing world, computer scams are also increasing with time, one of them is the Hitman scam. In the Hitman scandal, the cyber attacker will message the victim with threats to extort money. Unless the ransom is paid within a certain time frame, the victim may be direct to the victim or kidnap a family member. To reveal the message, the message will likely be filled with personal details about their friends and family, which will be collected from a personal blog or social media platform.
If you receive these types of messages, ignore them and report them to the police. Remember that it is not safe to provide any sensitive or personal information on social media channels.
8. Account failure
If you use a service like Netflix and you receive an email stating that there is an issue with your account and that you must fix it, you should be concerned. As a result, you must first look for an explanation on the internet. If you don’t discover any explanation, it’s certainly a scam, and you can contact the company directly for more information.
Netflix is a superb example of a fraud involving account failure. Many Netflix users face a problem with payment information. Scammers claim that your account has a problem, and they need your details to rectify it.
9. Shopping scams
These scams are carried out via email or social media and offer you luxurious-looking things at a low price. When it comes time to pay, you will be given just an online payment option. However, these companies have no intention of providing you with the thing that you have purchased, and you will receive a confirmation email after you have paid and received your money.
If you suddenly visit a website that you have never visited before, it is likely that you have fallen victim to a scam. If you want to buy something from the site, first read the reviews. If you’re still not convinced, contact the company; if no one answers the phone, it’s a red flag that the site is a scam. You can also look at the website’s URL, which should begin with “https” to indicate that it is safe.
10. Romance scam
Social apps are part of our lives, so it is not surprising that many relationships start online. When we often lead busy lives, it is common to use dating apps or social networks to see love. However, when online dating you need to take some precautions.
In this scam, malicious players acting like real people will get a target dating app, social media, or email and can create real-life illusions by taking advantage of social media. They gradually build trust and, ultimately, ask for financial support.
Remember that you should never lend essential money, to a stranger (or someone you’ve met many times. Use your gut instinct and block when in doubt.
11. Facebook Impersonation Scam
The most popular social network, Facebook, has millions of active daily users and trillions of dollars worth of home users who trust the platform and submit their information voluntarily. In this scam, cybercriminals will hack Facebook accounts and use them to trap him or his friends and relatives in case of sending money.
On your social media platforms, remember to use a secure password that you do not share with others. Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know, avoid connecting to public and free Wi-Fi networks, and keep your browser and applications updated.
12. Get rich quick scam
In this scam, fraudsters celebrate their targets as ‘opportunities’ to make money quickly and easily. By using various types of jobs, such as work-at-home scams, the victim is lured to give personal information and financial data with the promise of a well-paid job that does not exist.
To avoid this scam, you need to take precautions. Remember to ask the question, why would someone contact you to start such a well-paid and easy job when they can do it themselves?
Points should be noted about computer scams
In your digital life, use caution and use the right tools Here are five (free) things you should do to help yourself stay safe from scams:
- Use a secure browser such as the MightyPCCleaner browser, which is packed with built-in security and privacy tools.
- Clean your browsing data regularly using MightyPCCleaner.
- Create secure passwords, use them on all your online accounts and social media platforms, and do not share them.
- Always run a good antivirus.
- use common sense. If it’s too good to be true, it’s probably.
Conclusion
Now you should be aware of computer scams after reading this article. If you still have any doubts about the above points then you can easily contact our Customer Support Team which will provide you with a resolution of any of your doubts.