Spot Online Scam
I know what you think 🙂 How can it be possible to spot online scams before falling for it?
Remember this, “when it is too good to be true, it probably is.” Here is a perfect example of an online scam:
Start making money right away! I will help you and give you everything you need to succeed. Sign up now for a one time fee of $34.95, and you will be on your way to making six figures a year!
I am sure you came across something similar to this if you were looking for a way to make money online.
Scam
Let’s go over some easy ways you can spot online scams.
How can you identify an online scam before getting involved in the transaction?
I have some tips below that will help you spot online scams.
When you are interested in making an online purchase make sure to know the value of the item. Do some research before buying.
If you see that there is a considerable discount compared to other same things you found, try to find out why and if there is no justifiable reason then that is a significant sign of a scam. If the item is used, damaged, etc. then it is evident that it will be cheaper.
Is the seller is pressuring you to buy?
If a seller is giving you a bunch of reasons why this item needs to move quickly, it might be a sign of a scam attempt.
Never move your transaction outside of the website you are buying from, as most likely you will be scammed.
Rule No. 1:
If the company requires you to pay money upfront it is almost always a scam.
Rule No. 2:
If the company promises that you will become rich like almost overnight, that is a scam. Scammers know that most of us dream of being rich very quickly without having to move a finger, so they use that against us by telling us that our dreams can come true if we do what they say! That is where our emotions take over our logic!
Rule No. 3:
Ask yourself if they are trying to help you or their pocket? Not too many people want to help a stranger from the goodness of their heart, they want your upfront money so they can move on to the next bait!
Spot Online Scam Websites
How do you check if a website is a scam?
If you are not sure about the legitimacy of an e-commerce site, there are a few steps you can take.
- Google Browse Safe Report: Type the company URL into the check site status box and Google will give you a report about the danger level of this particular site.
This video will show you the easy way to check a website’s credibility so you can easily avoid scammers.
I also found another way to Spot Online Scam Websites by using Scamfoo. That site will help you identify scam websites and fake online businesses!
How to Spot A Fake PayPal Website or Email
Remember this: PayPal email always use your first and last name, and their website always starts with “https”.
Do you know what the “s” means? It stands for “secure”. If you come across a spoof account, you can report it to PayPal at spoof@paypal.com
How to Spot an Apple ID Phishing Attempts
What is the meaning of phishing:
Phishing is an email or website that attempts to fraudulently get personal information from you, in this case, your Apple ID, password and/or credit card information. It appears to be legit, but it’s not.
Be aware, never send your credit card information, account passwords, or any personal information. Companies will never solicit such information from customers by email.
Apple strongly recommends that you report a suspicious email to them: reportphishing@apple.com.
Be Aware Of These Scammers!
Facebook Scams Friend Request!
Craiglist Scam
So you want to sell on Craiglist?
One of the biggest RED flags is that as a seller the scammer will offer you more money than the listing price! This scenario is very popular with Craiglist. Offer you more money and ask for some in return.
Example:
“I can’t come over and take a look because I have something I need to finish at work. Since the item’s still up for sale, please email me your details (full name, contact address, email and phone number), so that I can issue the payment via cashier’s check. I’ll also arrange for the pickup.”
The person will send you a cashier’s check for too much purposely. They then will ask you to reimburse the additional amount!” Guess what? The cashier’s check is a fake!
A Scammer will always find a good reason why they cannot meet with you. That is a big RED flag. Their goal is to get you to act without thinking about it.
EBay Scam
EBay Buyer Scams – What To Do As A Seller?
If you are a seller on EBay, I strongly recommend that you watch these video tips. It will show you how to spot scam buyers!
Where to Report Scams?
Did you spot a business or an offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud? BBB (Better Business Bureau) encourages you to help them investigate and help others by reporting it.
Well, how would I do that?
BBB Scam Stracker lets you search for scams and also report them.
Federal Trade Commission: You can also file a complaint with FTD
Let you report International SCAMS online
Scam Prevention
The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) has published Internet Crime Prevention Tips