1. Phishing
Phishing involves sending fraudulent e-mails that appear to come from legitimate companies. The aim is to trick victims into providing sensitive information such as login details or bank account information.
Case in point:
An email pretends to be sent by your bank, asking you to “verify your information” by clicking on a link. Once on the fake site, the information is stolen.
How to avoid it:
- Never click on links in suspicious e-mails.
- Always check the sender's email address.
- Go directly to the company's website by typing the URL into your browser.
Read also: Phishing and Smishing: Cybercriminals' new techniques
2. Fake e-commerce scams
These fake sites present themselves as attractive online stores, often with very low prices, but once the money has been paid, the products are never shipped.
Case in point:
An unknown website offers luxury goods at rock-bottom prices. You place an order, but the product never arrives.
How to avoid it:
3. Scams involving fake lottery winners
Victims receive a message informing them that they have won a lottery or draw in which they have never participated. To receive their prize, they have to pay a “processing fee”.
Case in point:
An email indicates that you have won an all-expenses-paid trip, but that you must first pay an amount for taxes.
How to avoid it:
- Never reply to e-mails announcing a prize you have not won.
- Never pay money for a prize.
4. Investment fraud
Cybercriminals offer very attractive investment opportunities, promising high returns in a short space of time. These offers are often Ponzi-type scams in which new investors' money is used to pay out old investors, until the system collapses.
Case in point:
One online offer promises to double your investment in a matter of weeks via investments in cryptocurrencies or equities.
How to avoid it:
- Beware of unsolicited investment offers.
- Find out more about the company and its regulators.
- Consult a financial advisor before making any commitments.
5. Technical support scam
Cybercriminals contact their victims pretending to be technical support representatives from large companies such as Microsoft or Apple, and ask them to install malware under the pretext of solving a computer problem.
Case in point:
A phone call purporting to come from your computer's technical department, informing you of a detected virus and asking you to install software to repair it.
How to avoid it:
- Never give remote access to your computer, unless you have requested the service yourself.
- Beware of unsolicited calls claiming to offer technical assistance.
6. Vacation rental scam
Fraudsters publish false advertisements for vacation rentals at attractive prices. After paying a deposit, you realize that the rental doesn't exist.
Case in point:
You find a vacation home to rent at an unbeatable price, but when you arrive, you discover that it doesn't exist.
How to avoid it:
- Check that the property is real by using Google Maps or specialized websites.
- Avoid paying by bank transfer, and use secure payment methods.
- Pay only a part before seeing the place to block the reservation and pay the rest on arrival after handing over the keys.
Read also: Airbnb Scam: How to Avoid the Traps and Protect Your Holidays
7. Cryptocurrency scams
Cryptocurrency-related scams are proliferating, from fake digital wallets to bogus exchange platforms that steal users' cryptos.
Case in point:
A site claims to offer a secure cryptocurrency exchange platform, but when you deposit your funds, they disappear.
How to avoid it:
- Use only recognized exchange platforms.
- Protect your private keys and don't invest in unknown platforms.
8. Romance scams
Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and emotionally manipulate their victims to extort money.
Case in point:
After a few weeks of online discussion, your contact asks you for money to settle an “emergency”.
How to avoid it:
- Be careful with online relationships that evolve too quickly.
- Never transfer money to someone you've never met in person.
9. Fake charity donation scam
Scammers often take advantage of humanitarian crises or natural disasters to set up fake charities and collect money from bona fide donors.
Case in point:
After an earthquake, you receive an appeal to make a donation to help the victims, but the association is fraudulent.
How to avoid it:
- Donate only through recognized organizations.
- Check the association's details before donating.
10. Fake online auction scam
Fake auction sites encourage users to bid on non-existent items. Once you've paid, the item is never delivered.
Case in point:
You win an auction for an electronic product at an unbeatable price, but never receive the item.
How to avoid it:
- Use recognized auction platforms like eBay.
- Beware of auctions where prices are too low.
- Make sure the seller has positive reviews.
Online scams have become increasingly sophisticated, but by following these simple tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of being tricked. Make sure you always check the identity of the person you're dealing with, use secure sites and never share your personal or banking information with strangers.
To further protect yourself, stay alert and informed about new methods of fraud. You can also install up-to-date security software and regularly monitor your bank accounts for suspicious activity.