The digital age offers us infinite possibilities, but it also exposes every user to increasingly sophisticated online scams. Whether you're an ordinary Internet user, a professional, or an e-merchant, it's important to understand that we're all potential targets. Cybercriminals make no distinction and use a variety of techniques to ensnare their victims. But why are we all vulnerable, and how can we protect ourselves? Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
In this article, we'll explain why no-one is immune to online scams, and give you some tips on how to avoid falling into these traps.
1. The rise of online scams: a global scourge
With increasing digitalization, cyber-attacks and online scams are multiplying. According to the latest statistics, millions of people fall victim to phishing, personal data theft and bank fraud every year. Cybercriminals are adapting their techniques to target different user profiles: individuals, businesses, and even the younger generation.
Why are we all at risk?
Scammers exploit our online habits. Every click, every transaction, every e-mail is an opportunity for them. Whether through fake delivery e-mails, too-good-to-be-true offers, or fraudulent websites, every user is a potential target. Hackers know how to exploit loopholes and moments of distraction to steal our data or rip us off.
2. The most common scam techniques
It's crucial to be aware of the methods most commonly used by scammers to better protect yourself. Here are some of the most common scams:
- Phishing: You receive an email or SMS claiming to come from a trusted institution (bank, delivery service, etc.), asking you to provide personal information or click on a fraudulent link.
- Fake e-commerce sites: Fraudulent sites imitate legitimate online stores to entice you to make purchases. Products ordered never arrive or are of poor quality.
- Social networking scams: Via fake profiles, rigged competitions or bogus job offers, cybercriminals take advantage of the massive engagement on social networks to trick users.
- Ransomware: This type of malware blocks access to your computer or files until a ransom is paid.
3. Why online scams affect everyone
Contrary to popular belief, online scams don't just target users unfamiliar with technology. Even the most cautious can fall prey to them. Here are a few reasons why we're all vulnerable:
- Social engineering: Scammers exploit our emotions to make us act impulsively. An e-mail claiming that your account has been blocked can arouse fear and prompt you to provide information without thinking.
- Targeted attacks: Some scams are personalized for each user. For example, a hacker may send an email specifically designed for you, with your personal information retrieved from social networks.
- Digital saturation: We receive hundreds of notifications and emails every day, which sometimes leads us to react too quickly and click on a fraudulent link by mistake.
4. How can I protect myself against online scams?
Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce the risks and protect your personal information:
- Be careful with e-mails and SMS: Never click on links or attachments from unknown senders. Always check the e-mail address or telephone number.
- Use up-to-date antivirus software: Install reliable security software that can detect malware and fraudulent sites.
- Activate two-factor authentication: For your banking and social networking accounts, activate double authentication to enhance security.
- Beware of offers that are too good to be true: If an offer seems too tempting, it probably is. Do your research before committing yourself.
- Use complex passwords: Don't reuse the same password for several accounts, and change them regularly.
5. Our mission at Saferbuy: to protect you from online scams
At Saferbuy, we're committed to making your online shopping experience more secure. By certifying quality products, we ensure that every transaction is secure and that you don't have to worry about scams. We work with e-tailers to offer them the transparency they need to build trust with their customers.
Follow us on our social networks for regular tips on online safety and to find out more about how Saferbuy protects consumers every day. Together, let's make the internet a safer place to shop!