Just read another article about someone getting scammed online? It’s the worst! Online scams target a large number of people each and every year. The money lost to these scams is also rising as scammers are getting more innovative and are coming up with new and better ways to trick you into getting your money. This is one of the major reasons that you must be aware whenever someone is trying to scam you online.
In this article, we are going to have a detailed look at some of the ways you can tell if someone is scamming you. Seems like something you want to learn to keep yourself protected? Well, then keep on reading and learn more!
1- The person is trying to gain your trust
An online scam is most of the time going to start with someone trying to gain your trust. The scammer might act like someone from the government, a company you might be interested in, a family member, or someone you met ages ago. Now, whenever you get an email from anything acting like that, make sure you take your time to verify the message. Just got an email from Amazon? Check whether it is reliable or not. If it seems fake, do not reply at all and block the person. It is always a good option to do a Google search for the company’s contact information so you know whether the emails are the same or not. This is going to protect you from phishing and catfish scams.
Such emails might include stuff like your Amazon account getting hacked, someone trying to log into your account, and many more. If you click on the link attached to recover the account or anything of that sort, that is when your account is actually going to be hacked.
2- Unexpected Contact
Just got contacted by someone unexpectedly? Someone you don’t even remember? Well, then it is probably a scam. This includes getting emails, a call, or even a letter from someone you did not expect at all. Maybe an old friend? Make sure to be cautious with this even if there seems nothing shady about the message. Sure, you can continue talking to the person as long as there are no signs that the person is trying to scam you. If the person in some manner asks for money, do not give it. The entire purpose of contacting you was to ask you for money.
3- Starts Asking For Your Personal Information
If you get a call, text, or an email from someone asking for personal information, respond carefully. Firsty, did you start the conversation? If not, then it is for sure a scam. Remember you do not need to share your personal information with anyone out there. If you are wondering what this includes, then it is your social security number, passwords, your PIN, bank account details, credit card details, family details, and so much more. Another thing to remember is to never let anyone know the answer to your security question.
4- Pays You Extra
This is one of the most common online scams that involves overpaying someone and then asking for the money back. For instance, suppose you win a cash prize or get paid in advance for a project and the customer paid you a bit too much and then ask for their money back. The issue here is that the check you got from them was completely fake! If you were supposed to be paid $1000 and they end up paying you $1500, they’ll ask you for $500 resulting in a loss for you and a profit for them.
5- Makes Promises
If someone promises you something that is too good to be true, then it is probably a scam. For example, they purchase something from you at a really low rate and in return offer you something that might be beneficial for you. Sounds really nice, right? However, once they get the product, they’ll disappear and will also pay you with fake money!
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6- Some Makes a Wire Transfer Request
Whenever someone asks you to wire transfer money, it is fake! Wire transfers are untraceable and once you make the payment, all your money is gone. There is nothing you can do about it now. With credit card payments, you have 60 days to file a report regarding a fraud and the chances are that you will get your lost money back. However, that is not the case with wire transfers. If you do get scammed this way, you can always get in contact with ChargeBacking to get your money back. The company is an experienced one and helps all those who lose their money to scams. You definitely want to check them out if you ever get scammed. They’re life savers due to their excellent and experienced team.
