The internet is an amazing tool. It connects us to friends, family, and the rest of the world. Unfortunately, it can also make you a target for scams. Here are some of the most common email scams out there and how to avoid them.
FAKE EMAILS
Scammers can often imitate companies with which we have regular interactions. For example, a streaming service you subscribe to sends an email and says there is an issue with your billing and you need to re-enter your credit card information. Seems legitimate, right? However, the link in this particular email will lead you to a spoofed website and now the fraudsters have your information. Whenever you receive an email like this, always call the company’s customer support line directly.
LOTTERY WINNER
Congratulations, you’re a winner! Or are you? Receiving an email out of the blue that you’ve won a big money prize, especially one you didn’t enter for is a huge red flag. Never send account information to someone unless you can verify who they are and know the organization is legitimate.
NIGERIAN PRINCE
Perhaps one of the most well-known scams, you receive an email out of the blue from a prince who is cannot access his money and is willing to reward you generously for your help. The catch? It’s all fake. Once you send money or share your account information, you become the victim of fraud. For the most part, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
FBI/CIA/IRS
You receive a very stern email from an official government organization. If you don’t submit a payment within a certain amount of time, a warrant will be put out for your arrest. While this sounds scary, you have nothing to worry about. The IRS, for example, never communicates with people via email. If you really are worried, call directly by looking up the number online.
