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How to spot online scams

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How to spot online scams

Ever gotten an email that says "Congratulations! You've won the lottery!" ?

Most of us aren't tricked by phony congratulations or emails asking for help transferring an inheritance.

But scammers are trying all kinds of new (and old!) tricks on Facebook, Twitter, and every other site.

This lens collects practical advice to help keep you from getting hoodwinked online.

Examples of online scams

What exactly does the "come-on" or pitch sound like in a scam? How can you recognize them? Here are lots of examples!

The top 5 Internet scams in 2009: Boston.com looks at scam complaints recorded by the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Includes "the hitman scam" and (of course) tricks related to economic stimulus and to jobs.
7 common holiday scams: Holidays are yet another occasion that scammers celebrate by trying to trick the unwary.
5 Facebook and Twitter scams to avoid: Examples of the specific messages you might receive from those friendly online tricksters.
5 MORE Twitter, Facebook scams to avoid: "Tweet for cash!", "protect your family from swine flu!" and three more recent cons
7 Deadly Sins of social networking security: Avoid 'password sloth', Tweet rage, oversharing, and more.
4 signs you're an easy target on social networks: 1. You have access to a VIP or valuable data; 2. You have too many "friends" (which means you are connected to lots of people you don't really know); 3. You have lazy privacy settings; 4. You post "TMI" - too much information about yourself and where you are.
9 dirty tricks: social engineers' favorite pickup lines: "Social engineering" means tricking people into giving you something they shouldn't. Here are nine of the tactics social engineers use to gain your trust and get what they want. >>Includes the adventures of a social engineer (actually a security consultant) who used a shirt from a thrift shop and a box of cookies to get complete access to a target's computer network.
New scam for tough economic times: Fake job reference sites: A scam that affects businesses - people interviewing for a job can use web-based services to create fake references.
Should I join a Who's Who directory?: Probably not. A few are reputable, but according to this well-researched article, most are simply scams. (Look at the picture below for a sample email from a Who's Who.)

Who's Who: What's the hurry?

There are a few reputable Who's Who directories, but most are scams. Their sales pitch will sound very urgent, as if you are about to miss a deadline for being included.

How do I avoid being a victim?

The links above show how clever scammers are. Here are three simple things to remember at all times!

1. Many online scams aim to first establish your trust. (Just like the 3-card monte card game shown in the video lower on this page. First they convince you they're okay and you can win.) >> Remember the "trust but verify" slogan.

2. Passwords and credit card information are two main things online scammers are after. >> Any time ANYONE asks for either of these things, you should be on immediate scam alert.

3. Anything that looks too good to be true probably ISN'T true. That goes double for offers sent to you by email, IM, direct message.

YouTube videos about scams, fraud, and "social engineering"

Some of these techniques are "real life" (particularly those demonstrated by Scam School), but the principles often apply online. And they're fascinating to watch regardless.

Books and movies on Amazon

Useful scam-spotting pages on Squidoo

Reader Feedback

What do you think?

Suggestions for improvement are always welcome!

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TwitterSecretsGuide Apr 15, 2010 @ 3:15 pm | delete

I agree that this is excellent work. Up until recently I didn't realize all this.

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good4us_all Mar 2, 2010 @ 11:32 pm | delete

Excellent work! This is soooo important. I really can't thank you enough (lately i've been thinking about doing something similar). Thank you SO MUCH for featuring my lens - i'm really honored!
"5*&fav"