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CYBERSECURITY TIPS

5 Common Online Scams

Ina L.
Ina L.
Operations & Security | August 16, 2026 | 1 min read
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS
5 Common Online Scams and How to Protect Yourself CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS
Online scams are becoming more convincing. From fake messages and shopping websites to fraudulent investment opportunities, scammers are constantly finding new ways to target unsuspecting users. Here's what to watch out for and how to stay protected.

PHISHING SCAMS

That urgent message might not be what it seems

A message claiming your account is locked or that you need to verify your information could be a phishing attempt. Scammers often imitate banks, companies, and other trusted organizations to steal passwords and personal information.

Watch for:

  • Suspicious links

  • Urgent requests

  • Unknown senders

  • Requests for passwords or verification codes

FAKE ONLINE STORES

If the deal looks too good to be true, check twice

Fake online stores can look surprisingly professional. They may advertise expensive products at extremely low prices, collect your payment, and never deliver the product.

Before buying:

  • Check the seller's reputation.

  • Look for genuine customer reviews.

  • Verify the website address.

  • Use secure payment methods.

SOCIAL MEDIA SCAMS

Not every profile is who they claim to be

Scammers can create fake accounts pretending to be friends, businesses, celebrities, or even people offering job opportunities.

Never send money or personal information simply because a message appears to come from someone you know.

FAKE JOB AND INVESTMENT OFFERS

Easy money usually comes with a catch

Be careful with online opportunities promising guaranteed income, extremely high investment returns, or jobs that require you to pay money before you start.

Remember: legitimate opportunities shouldn't pressure you into making quick financial decisions.

ACCOUNT SECURITY

Protect your accounts before someone else tries to access them

Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

Never share your password or one-time verification code with anyone—even if they claim to be from a company you trust.

STOP. CHECK. VERIFY.

Before clicking a link, sending money, or sharing personal information, take a moment to verify the request.

Your best defense against online scams is awareness.