As the pandemic continues to hurt us, there will be a lot of people who are looking for ways to make some quick cash. That’s where you need to watch out for scams! There are many different types of scams that people use during emergencies like this one.
In this article, we’ll discuss five common online scams and how they work. By knowing what these scams look like, you can avoid becoming a victim yourself. But before we move forward, be sure to get your NBN 100 plans from a reputable provider—that alone should tell a lot about your commitment for authenticity.
Scam #1: The Fake Website For Sale Scam
There are a lot of websites that are put up for sale. Like many people, these website owners may be needing money quickly in order to survive. People who have never sold their site before may not realise how easy it is for someone to create a fake website.
The scammer will create a website that looks very similar to the real one, but there will be small differences. They may also use the site’s logo and branding in order to make it look more legitimate.
The scammer will then contact the owner of the real website and offer to buy it for a very low price. They may even offer to pay for the website in advance! The owner of the real website will then transfer their site over to the scammer, and they will never hear from them again.
How To Avoid It:
If you’re selling your website, be sure to do your research on the buyer first. Make sure to check their website and see if it’s legitimate. You can also ask for references from other people who have sold websites to them.
If you’re buying a website, be sure to do your research on the seller first. Make sure that they are a reputable company and that they have a good track record.
Scam #2: The Fake Virus Removal Service Scam
People will become very concerned about whether their computer is secure or not. They may be worried that they’ll get infected if they visit a website! In order to prey on these fears, scam artists start offering fake virus removal services online at low prices.
The scammer will claim to be a computer expert and they will say that they can remove the virus from your computer for a very low price. They may even offer a money-back guarantee if you’re not happy with the service!
However, once they have access to your computer, they will install malware on it instead. This malware will allow them to steal your personal information and financial data.
How To Avoid It:
If you’re worried about a virus on your computer, be sure to consult a reputable computer expert. Do not trust anyone who contacts you out of the blue and offers to remove the virus for a low price.
Scam #3: The Phishing Email Scam
Phishing emails are one of the most common types of online scams. They are very easy to execute and they can be very profitable for the scammer! The scammer will create a fake email that looks very similar to an official email from a reputable company. For example, they may create a fake email that looks like it’s from your bank or from Facebook.
The email will ask you to click on a link or to provide your personal information. If you do this, the scammer will have access to your personal data and they can use it for their own purposes. They may even be able to steal your money by taking control of your bank accounts!
How To Avoid It:
Do not click on any links in emails that you don’t trust. If the email looks suspicious, do your research to see if it’s legitimate or not. You can also call up the company and ask them directly about their security practises.
Scam #4: The Phishing Website Scam
The scammer will create a fake website that looks very similar to the official website of a reputable company. For example, they may create a fake Amazon website that looks exactly like the real one.
The scammer will then post this fake website online and try to get you to buy things from it. They may even ask for your personal information! However, if you give them any info, they’ll use it to steal your money or identity.
How To Avoid It:
Be sure not to purchase anything from a website that looks suspicious in the first place. Do some research first and see if they are a truly reputable company.
Scam #5: The Fake Job Scam
People will be very desperate as the pandemic continues and more people die, so scam artists may try to take advantage of this by posting fake job offers online. They can spread their messages through websites like Craigslist or Twitter, but they may also use social media platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn.
The scammer will promise a high salary and will often say that no experience is necessary. However, when you apply for the job, you’ll find out that it’s a scam. They might even ask for your personal data in order to ‘verify’ your application. Once they have your information, they can use it to steal your identity or money.
How To Avoid It:
Be very careful about any job offers that you see online. Do some research to see if the company is reputable and if the salary is too good to be true, it probably is! Also, never give out your personal information unless you’re absolutely sure that the job is legitimate.
These are just a few of the different online scams that you need to watch out for during the pandemic. Be sure to stay vigilant and don’t fall for any of these tricks! If you’re ever worried about an email or website, be sure to consult a reputable source before taking any action. Stay safe!