The internet has made life more convenient, but it has also created new opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting users. With online scams becoming increasingly sophisticated, it’s more important than ever to be alert and learn how to recognize red flags. In honor of Safer Internet Day, here are some tips on remaining cautious and avoiding online cons.

1. beware of phishing emails

Phishing scams are one of the most common types of online fraud. Scammers send emails, texts, or social media messages that appear to be from legitimate sources— like banks, online retailers, or even friends. These messages often urge you to click a link, download an attachment, or provide personal information.

How to spot a phishing scam:

• The email or message contains urgent language, such as “Your account is at risk!"
• The email claims you’ve been billed for a product you haven’t purchased— these often urge you to click a link to view the invoice
• The sender’s email address looks slightly off (support@paypa1.com instead of support@paypal.com)
• The message includes suspicious links— hover over them without clicking to check if they lead to an unfamiliar website

2. watch out for too-good-to-be-true deals

Scammers often lure people in with deals that seem too good to pass up. Fake online stores or social media ads may offer luxury products at unbelievably low prices, only to disappear once you make a purchase.

How to verify legitimacy:

• Check reviews on trusted sites
• Avoid websites with no contact information or vague refund policies
• Look for secure website indicators, like “https://” in the URL

3. be cautious with job offers and investment opportunities

Online job scams promise high earnings with little effort, while fraudulent investment schemes guarantee huge returns with no risk. These scams often ask for upfront fees, personal information, or cryptocurrency payments.

Red flags to look for:

• The job or investment opportunity requires little to no qualifications but promises a big payout
• You’re scheduled for a Zoom interview, but the interviewer claims that their web cam isn’t working during the video call
• They ask for your bank details or Social Security number right away
• They pressure you to act before “the opportunity disappears”

4. stay skeptical of unexpected friend requests

Social media scams are on the rise, with fraudsters creating fake profiles to befriend or romance users. They may eventually ask for money, sensitive information, or try to get you involved in a scam.

How to stay safe:

• Be wary of profiles with very few posts or friends
• Avoid sending money or sharing personal details with online acquaintances
• Use reverse image searches to check if their profile pictures appears elsewhere on the internet

5. protect your personal and financial information

Scammers often impersonate trusted institutions to steal financial details. This may be a fake bank call or a fraudulent charity asking for donations. A real estate scam that’s on the rise is fake wiring instructions that appear to be emailed from the title company. Always independently verify communications before sharing sensitive information.

How to safeguard your data:

• Enable multi-factor authentication on your accounts
• Never share login credentials, PINs, or one-time passcodes
• Regularly check your bank statements for suspicious transactions
• Use credit cards as your primary payment method. It is easier to dispute fraudulent credit card charges than unauthorized debit card purchases.
• Keep your credit frozen whenever you are not in the process of opening new lines of credit. Creating accounts through TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax is free. You can freeze/unfreeze your credit as often as needed, and doing so takes mere seconds.
• Use an encrypted password manager to store all of your account credentials

what to do if you suspect a scam

If you think you've encountered an online scam, take these steps:

• Stop engaging with the scammer— don’t reply, click links, or send money
• Report the scam to governing bodies like the FTC or local authorities
• Warn others by sharing your experience with friends and family
• Update your security by changing passwords, enabling extra protections, and freezing your credit
• Immediately contact your financial institution if you suspect that your account has been compromised

By staying informed, you can limit harm to yourself and others on the internet. Stay safe + happy browsing!