Every day you hear a new story about someone losing cash to a fake website or a phony email. It feels like scammers are getting smarter, but the tricks they use are still pretty basic. Knowing the common tricks makes it way easier to avoid them.
Phishing emails pretend to be from banks, delivery services, or even your favourite brands. They ask you to click a link and type in passwords or card numbers. The link usually looks legit but actually leads to a clone site that records everything you type.
Fake offers are another big one. You see an ad for a brand‑new smartphone at half price, or a miracle health product that promises big results. The site asks for payment up front, then disappears. Many of these ads pop up while you’re browsing or show up in social‑media feeds.
Lottery or prize scams work on the hope factor. You get a message saying you’ve won a big cash prize, but you have to pay a “processing fee” first. Once you pay, the promise vanishes.
Romance scams are sad but common. Someone builds a relationship on a dating app, then asks for money to cover a travel cost or an emergency. The emotional angle makes it hard to say no.
Job scams target anyone looking for work. A fake recruiter offers a high‑paying remote job, asks for an upfront training fee, and then never hires anyone.
First, check the address of any site where you enter personal info. Real banks use https and show a lock icon. If the URL looks odd or has extra words, leave the page.
Never click links in unsolicited emails or messages. If you’re unsure, type the company’s official website address directly into your browser.
Use two‑factor authentication (2FA) wherever you can. Even if a password gets stolen, the extra step stops the thief from getting in.
Keep your software updated. Updates often patch security holes that scammers could exploit.
Watch out for urgent language. Scammers want you to act fast, so take a moment to think before you click or send money.
If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Compare prices on a few reputable sites before buying. Real sellers won’t mind you checking.
Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, you’re probably right. Report scams to the platform where you saw them and to a consumer protection agency. The more you report, the quicker these scams get shut down.
Staying safe online isn’t about being paranoid; it’s about being aware. With these simple checks, you can keep your money and data out of a scammer’s hands.
Depop users have suffered account takeovers, with personal information exposed and scams run through hacked profiles. Delays in Depop's response leave victims at risk. Hackers use credential stuffing and resell compromised accounts, exploiting weak password habits. Protecting yourself is crucial in this growing threat.
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