If you are not so familiar with using the internet, or you are just beginning to get the hang of things, you may come across offers that seem too good to be true. The problem is that they usually are too good to be true. There are many practices on the internet that try to lure people in by offering fantastic deals, prices, jobs or investment opportunities. Many thieves and criminals will use this as a way to try to take your details, possibly including your bank account details. This can lead to very serious financial consequences for you.
This blog will present a brief overview on the types of online scams, and what to do if you think that you have been a victim of one of them.
Unexpected prize scams
There are many ads on the internet that try to convince you that you have won a prize, such as an expensive car or an iPhone. These are very unlikely to be genuine and instead try to make you pay a shipping cost when in fact you will never receive the prize.
Phishing
Phishing occurs when a person committing online fraud tries to pose as a reputable person in order to try to gain your personal banking details, from which he or she will withdraw money.
If you are a victim of an online scam
If you are the victim of an online scam, it might be difficult to find out the identity of the person responsible. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigates crimes like this, and with the help of an attorney you may be able to remedy the situation.
Source: findlaw, “Online scams,” accessed Sep. 01, 2017
