Definition
A scam is a universal word that refers to any fraudulent behavior intended to exploit favors, money, or personal data from targets. The scammers pose as someone the target trusts to avoid suspicion and trick them into their objectives. As a result, scams can be classified as a form of social engineering.
Real Scam Examples
- Phishing scams: A scammer pretends to be the target’s service provider or acquaintance to lure them into clicking on infected attachments or malicious links via SMS or email.
- Tech support scams: Scammers pose as IT specialists examining a ‘bug’ in an OS and request the target’s password to resolve the issue remotely.
- Advance fee fraud: Occurs when the scammer persuades the desperate target to pay for a service they will never receive, such as a career opportunity or loan.
- Online dating scams: The scammer lures the victim into thinking they are in an online relationship via social media or dating sites and asks them for money, favors, or gifts.
Preventing a Scam
- Learn about popular scams: This will enable you to spot early warning signs, such as sweeping generalizations or misspelled words.
- Never offer passwords remotely: Actual tech support staff can resolve your account’s issues without requiring external logins.
- End the conversation if suspicious: Continuous contact only provides a capable scammer with more opportunities to build trust or exploit any inconsistencies.
- Verify the message’s source independently: For instance, contact the individual or organization using information from their official website.
- Examine links and files before clicking them: Scammers may impersonate individuals you trust to trick you into installing malware on your device.