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Semalt: Stay Protected From These 6 Online Scams

Cyber criminals have affected a large number of online businesses and individuals in recent years. Internet websites and services make it easy for us to pay bills, buy our favorite things, reserve hotels and perform a variety of tasks. At the same time, you get trapped by hackers, and you don't get an idea of what's going on. Attacking tools and methods vary from traditional attack vendors to malicious software to remote applications. Some people also get trapped by ingenious phishing scams deployed from an unknown region of the world.

Oliver King, the Customer Success Manager of Semalt, defines 6 online scams that are more than dangerous today.

1. International lottery

Scammer and hackers are often based in the United States and Canada. They use direct emails or phones to entice consumers to buy high-profile lotteries. They pretend that you can win something extraordinary through these lotteries. A large number of people get trapped and spend thousands of dollars on these schemes. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says that most of the promotional campaigns are likely to be telephonic.

2. Fake virus (that becomes a real one)

It's true that technological products and gadgets often develop viruses and malware. If you see that your computer system is not running properly or it gets locked, there are chances that it has a virus. You should install an antivirus software as early as possible. However, some ‘fake viruses' may also attack your computer systems. They slow down the speed of your device, and you are forced to install a specific software. As a result, the fake viruses become real ones and steal your sensitive information. The only solution to this problem is that you don't install the software you are not confident about.

3. Good intentions have gone wrong

Sometimes the scammers pretend to be the representatives of charities. They want you to help the victims of a disaster, terrorist attack or epidemic. Most often, hackers trap people who show interest in resolving the regional conflict. Thus, your good intentions go wrong as you end up losing a significant amount and get no results.

4. Security breach

If someone emails you saying that you have breached the rules and regulations of a company, you should not worry about it. A large number of Hollywood movies depict how people get trapped by hackers who pretend to be police officers or security guards. No official sends individual emails. They instead conduct their research on a massive scale and reach you directly. You should not send money to someone who pretends to be a security officer. There is no need to worry even if he says that you have been the victim of safety issues.

5. New job

A variation of internet marketing fraud offers employment and tickets to needy and poor people. Being jobless is one of the biggest curses for a graduate, but that doesn't mean you send your money to someone you don't know about. Some of the scammers ask you to get registered to their websites and submit your CVs. It is alright to go on and send your CV, but you should not pay them anything as no reputable company asks its workers to pay up front. And if you are asked to pay something before getting hired, there are chances that a hacker is trying to steal your money.

6. Online girlfriend

A large number of people register to dating websites on a daily basis. They want to have a good partner for either a romantic date or for getting married. In any of the ways, online dating sites are not good to go with. Scammers and hackers often trap people through these websites. They first become your friends, pretending to be a cute and adorable girl. Then their target is to build a relationship with you and ask some money. If someone says he is in trouble, you may help him but do not send any money to their bank accounts.