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Mar 7, 2024 · Capital One Gold Card Scam. In February 2022, a deceptive email scam was identified, promising a "$500 Capital One Gold Card" for completing a survey and/or subscription. Originating from a ...
- Shannon Sanford
Mar 5, 2024 · Avoiding online scams is nothing new for many Canadians, but companies and anti-fraud professionals are warning consumers to watch for fake listings on search engines that try to redirect people ...
- Phishing scams. Cybercriminals have been able to bait many people with their phishing attacks in recent years, costing phishing victims over $54 million in 2020.
- Ransomware. A cybercriminal may infect your computer with malware called ransomware, if, for example, they are successful with phishing scams. Once installed, the cyberthief could encrypt your files and demand a ransom payment, typically in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin.
- Scareware. Scareware can come in a couple forms, but possibly the most common of this internet scam is fake antivirus software. How it works: A pop-up alerts you of a virus that infected your device.
- Travel scams. Online scammers even have been able to leverage our wanderlust to con people out of more than $175 million in 2020 in the form of online travel scams.
- Watch Out For Red Flags
- Use Resources
- Use Direct Contact
- Conclusion
Fraudulent websites have red flags like typos, blurry images or strange products and prices. These signs are often easy to spot if you keep an eye out for them. When visiting an online store, especially one that’s new to you, take a moment and explore the site and pay close attention to red flags. Make sure the website has HTTPS HTTPSA protocol for...
Do some research on the store. Search for reviews or articles on other websites with information on the website being either legitimate or a scam. Especially if it’s a larger company, see if there are any reported scams that are popular and related. You can also check if they are active on social media Social mediaInternet-based tools that allow pe...
If you still aren’t sure if the site is legitimate, you can always contact them directly. Look for an email address or a phone number for inquires but be cautious. Sometimes cybercriminals set up fake contact information so make sure you don’t click on any links or downloads they send in return. You should only click on links or attachments from tr...
When you’re making purchases online, whether it’s from a big retailer or a small online shop, use the tools available to you to stay cyber safe. Be vigilant and check for red flags that the site might be fraudulent, research the site’s legitimacy and contact them directly if you’re still unsure. When you combine all these steps together, you are ma...
Jun 20, 2022 · 7. “Travelling relative gets into trouble” scam email. You’d think you could trust an email from a family member, but…depending on the subject matter, you should be careful. This particular scam involves imposters posing as your close family member or friend and claiming to be in financial trouble.
Sep 27, 2024 · The Gazette asked cybersecurity expert Bruce Schneier, an adjunct lecturer in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, what the government, tech companies, and consumers can do to prevent online scams. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Many people think only older adults can be conned.
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Sep 13, 2022 · 2. The Nigerian scam. Probably one of the oldest and most popular Internet scams used mostly by a member of a Nigerian family with wealth to trick different people. It is also known as “Nigerian 419”, and named after the section of Nigeria’s Criminal Code that banned the practice.
