How to avoid online scams and scammers
Date: 15/10/24
Author: Gavin Monks
How to avoid online scams and scammers
People use the internet for everything — from shopping to dating, it’s an integral part of modern life — but nobody ever expects to be scammed online.
Online scams come in many forms, but their end goal is typically to trick you into giving away personal information or money.
In this guide, we’ll run through the essentials of how to avoid being scammed online:
Should I worry about online scams?
Scams impact everyone, and falling victim to this crime doesn’t make you gullible or weak-willed. Online scams cost £2.3 billion in 2023 alone, marking one of the most significant years for scammers in UK history.
Part of the problem is how widespread online scams have become recently, taking place on every corner of the internet, such as:
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Via emails
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On social media (like Instagram, X, or Facebook)
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Through fake websites
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Via messaging apps (like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger)
The fallout of these scams can be life-changing, from identity theft to financial loss.
How to avoid being scammed online: understanding types of online scams
Scammers reach out in many ways, but these are the most common:
Phishing
Phishing typically occurs over email. Attackers claim to be real organisations, such as a bank, postal service, or subscription, and contact you asking for information they can use to resolve a problem. For example:
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“Your subscription is about to run out”
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“Your card is about to expire”
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“Click this link to unlock your account”
For example, a scam email may claim to be from your bank, asking for account details that the scammer can use to steal money.
Spear phishing
More targeted attacks are known as ‘spear phishing’, where cybercriminals personalise their emails with more specific information, such as your name. They may also research your social circle beforehand and create false email addresses, approaching you as if they are a close contact.
Tech support scams
Tech support scammers often claim your device is infected with a virus, or your data is unsecure, and offer ‘support’ — for a fee.
Always be wary of unsolicited calls from support teams and pop-up antivirus messages, especially if you do not know the software provider claiming to contact you.
Tech support scams often include:
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Asking for personal information to unlock your account
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Asking for access to your files
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Asking you to run a scan on your computer
If you’re worried about a technical issue or virus, call your online security provider directly, using the number listed on their website.
Online shopping scams
Cybercriminals can create fake websites or product listings to trick you into buying products that don’t exist. They may use stolen logos or photos, purchase official-looking domain names, or otherwise pose as trustworthy businesses.
There are a few things to look out for to protect yourself from online scams while shopping:
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Prices that are unbelievably low
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Double-check the identity of the account holder when making a payment
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Check the website has a privacy policy or terms and conditions
Investment/cryptocurrency scams
Investment and cryptocurrency scams are the definition of ‘too good to be true’. They often involve the scammer approaching you with promises of high returns on your investment or cryptocurrencies that don’t exist, or aren’t worth the money. They may be phishing sites posing as legitimate investment platforms, fake initial coin offerings, or ponzi schemes.
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Research any company or cryptocurrency before making an investment
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Never take investment guidance from the company who contacted you directly, and seek independent advice instead
Online dating and romance scams
Good relationships are built on trust, which makes romance scams especially sinister. Cybercriminals build a relationship slowly over time, gaining your trust before asking for money.
These red flags signal an online dating scam:
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Asking for money for emergencies, debts, travel, or medical bills
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Never meeting in person or over video chat
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Using images that appear elsewhere online with a quick search
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Moving quickly from their initial message to an ‘I love you’ or ‘I’m in big trouble…’
How to know if you've been scammed online: tips and tricks
To keep yourself safe online, keep these tips in mind:
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Verify email senders, random phone calls, and websites — look out for generic greetings, poor grammar and spelling mistakes, and mismatched URLs. Check any information against official channels before clicking links, especially before you send money.
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Be sceptical of unsolicited communications — never download attachments from unknown sources or click strange links in an email. Likewise, don’t share sensitive information like passwords or bank details unless you are sure the recipient is authentic.
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Use strong passwords — Use a unique password for every platform with a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Add an extra layer of password security with two-factor authentication.
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Keep software/devices up to date — Update your operating systems, apps, and antivirus software to ensure you’re protected online. Good device security is your frontline support against scams.
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Be careful when paying/transferring money online — Some scammers will ask you to send money, so avoid direct bank transfers. Instead, use services offering buyer protection, such as PayPal or credit cards.
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Keep educating yourself about scams — Banks often publish updated advice on the latest scams and threats. You can read these from your own personal bank to stay up-to-date on the newest techniques scammers use.
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Trust your gut — when it comes to online scams, the old cliches are usually right: if something is too good to be true, it usually is. Pay attention to your instincts, and take time to double-check the details if you have doubts.
What to do if you've been scammed online
Don’t worry if you fall for a scam — it happens to around 10% of people in Britain, so you aren’t alone. Follow these steps to help recover:
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Contact your bank to report the fraud and freeze your accounts
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Freeze your card instantly via your banking app
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Change your passwords on any accounts that may be compromised
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Report the scam to the proper authorities
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Report it to the platform, e.g. your email provider
Criminals use increasingly sophisticated methods to lure people in and make offers that can be hard to refuse, so don’t feel foolish if you fall for fraud.
FAQs about avoiding online scams
How can I recognise a phishing email?
Several factors can mean an email is a phishing scam:
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A generic greeting like ‘Hello’
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Grammar and spelling errors
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A false sense of urgency or urging you to make a payment immediately
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A suspicious sender address or links to untrustworthy sites
What should I do if I receive a suspicious message?
Do not respond to any suspicious emails or other communications. Never give your information to a source you have not verified, and avoid clicking any links or downloading any files. Instead, report the message to the platform you are using and move on.
What are some common online scam red flags?
Red flags for scams can take many forms, such as:
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Unbelievably good deals
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Spelling and grammar mistakes
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Asking you to make payments on the same day
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Pressuring you to respond right away
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Asking for personal information or money
Will I get my money back after a scam?
It depends on the method of payment. The faster you report the scam, the more likely you can avoid or recuperate losses. In some cases, your card provider can ask the seller’s bank to refund the money.
Avoiding online scams explained
Following these tips will help you to stay safe from online scams and enjoy the internet without falling victim to fraud. The internet is a wonderful place to shop and handle your finances, but be aware of online scams and keep your security up-to-date.
We offer a range of free digital skills resources and courses for you to explore safely. Likewise, you can boost your online security with our Norton™ 360 Premium bundle, which can keep you and your household protected online while you enjoy our 100% full fibre network.