Common Email Scams To Watch Out For

Common Email Scams To Watch Out For

There are all kinds of scams on the Internet. Here are the top three most common types of scams you should watch out for:

  1. Survey Scam
    • This is the type of scam where the sender pretends to be asking you to participate in some kind of consumer preference survey. This kind of scam is dangerous because it tries to trick users into divulging their personal information. One thing to remember is that unless you’ve specifically requested to be on a survey mailing list, what you’re getting is nothing more than spam.
    • Some of these emails contain links that once clicked on will install malware into your computer. The malware can then record your every move, collect passwords, personal information, banking information, and more. When worst comes to worst, this can lead to a drained bank account or identity theft.
    • Some emails will also offer free gifts. A common rule of thumb is that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
  2. Foreign Lottery Scam
    • This is one of the most common types of email scams. You will receive an email that looks like it came from an official foreign lottery corporation.
    • Here’s how you can tell that the e-mail is a scam:
      • The sender is a person and not a lottery company.
      • Your name is not in the “To” field. If your name is not specifically mentioned, then the email has probably been sent to many people and not just you.
    • The lottery doesn’t exist. A quick google search will do the trick.
    • The email requests for information about you. Scammers usually ask for your full name, date of birth, street address, and phone number. Giving out these details may lead to a drained bank account or even identity theft.
    • Remember: If you did not enter the lottery, you cannot win the lottery.
  3. PayPal/Banking Scam
    • There has been a PayPal scam claiming that there’s something wrong with your account. This can also happen to other banks.
    • Here’s how to identify the scam:
      • The sender’s email is suspicious. It’s important to note that PayPal only sends e-mails with the address ending in “@paypal.com”. Anything else is not from PayPal.
    • They do not know who you are. If the email is legitimate, they should know your full name as well as other personal details about you.
    • The linked URL is not legitimate. Hover on the URL first before clicking on it. If the address that appears is not PayPal.com, don’t click.
    • The email includes a threat. The email might claim that you need to take action right away or else your account will be deactivated or terminated.

How To Avoid Scams Online

Now that you know what to avoid, how exactly are you supposed to avoid them? Here’s a list of the things you can do to avoid being a victim of scam:

  1. Delete unwanted emails right away.
  2. Don’t believe promises of money or other prizes.
  3. Carefully examine requests for donations.
  4. Never disclose any personal information.
  5. Hover before you click on any link.
  6. Scan your email for viruses or other malware.
  7. Double check the source of your email using Google.
  8. Do not respond to spam.