Top 10 Red Flags to Identify and Avoid Online Scams

Top 10 Red Flags to Identify and Avoid Online Scams: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age

In today’s world, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. From shopping to banking, we conduct numerous online transactions every day. However, this digital era also brings with it the risk of falling prey to various online scams. To help you stay safe and secure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 red flags that can indicate an online scam. Be on the lookout for these warning signs and protect yourself from potential fraud.

Unsolicited Contact

If you receive an unsolicited email, message, or call from someone asking for your personal information, it could be a scam. Legitimate companies usually don’t initiate contact in this manner.

Phishing Emails

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into providing sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. Be wary of emails that ask you to click on a link or download an attachment, especially if they seem suspicious.

Unknown Senders

If you receive a message from an unknown sender, be cautious. Scammers often use fake email addresses or phone numbers to hide their identity.

Urgent Requests

Scammers often use urgent requests to pressure you into acting quickly without thinking. Be wary of emails, messages, or calls that ask for immediate action.

5. Suspicious Links

Avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially those in unsolicited emails or messages. They may lead to phishing websites designed to steal your personal information.

6. Too-Good-to-Be-True Offers

If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of emails, messages, or websites that promise large sums of money or valuable prizes in exchange for little to no effort on your part.

7. Asking for Personal Information

Legitimate companies will not ask for your personal information via email or text message. Be wary of unsolicited requests for your Social Security number, bank account information, or credit card details.

8. Poor Spelling and Grammar

Scammers often overlook basic spelling and grammar mistakes. If an email or message is filled with errors, it could be a scam.

9. Demands for Payment

If you receive a request for payment, especially via an unfamiliar method like wire transfer or money order, be wary. Scammers often demand payment upfront and may use threats to pressure you into complying.

10. Unsecured Websites

Always ensure that the website you’re using is secure, especially when conducting online transactions. Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the URL to confirm that the site is encrypted.

By being aware of these red flags, you can protect yourself from online scams and enjoy a safer digital experience. Stay vigilant and stay safe!

Online Scams: A Looming Threat

Online scams, also known as cybercrimes or digital frauds, are deceitful activities designed to manipulate individuals into providing sensitive information or money through the internet. With the

rapid growth and evolution

of technology, these scams have become increasingly prevalent and sophisticated. According to the link, there was a

30% increase in reported internet crime complaints

from the previous year, resulting in over $7.9 billion in losses.

Being vigilant and aware is crucial in protecting oneself from becoming a victim of online scams. Scammers use various tactics such as

phishing emails

, fake websites, and social engineering to trick people into giving away valuable information. They can mimic trusted brands or even impersonate individuals, making it difficult for unsuspecting victims to distinguish between the real and the fake.

Moreover, scams are not limited to any particular demographic or location.

Identity theft

, financial loss, and damage to reputation are just some of the potential consequences of falling prey to an online scam. As technology advances, so do the methods used by scammers to deceive innocent individuals. It is essential that we stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard our personal information and digital assets.

In the following sections, we will discuss various types of online scams, their characteristics, and prevention strategies to help you navigate the digital world safely.

Red Flag #1: Unsolicited Contact

Description of unsolicited emails, phone calls, or messages: Unsolicited contacts refer to any form of communication that you didn’t initiate and aren’t expecting. This can include emails, phone calls, text messages, or social media messages. These communications often appear to come from legitimate sources but are actually scams aimed at stealing your personal information or money.

Explanation of why unsolicited contacts are a common tactic for scammers:

Scammers use unsolicited contacts as a way to gain your trust and manipulate you into providing sensitive information or sending money. They may impersonate a trusted organization, such as a bank or government agency, or use a personal approach, like pretending to be a romantic interest. The goal is to make you lower your guard and respond without thinking carefully.

Examples of different types of unsolicited contact scams:

Lottery Scams:

You receive an email or phone call claiming that you’ve won a lottery or sweepstakes, but to claim your prize, you need to provide your personal information and send money for taxes or fees.

Romance Scams:

You’re contacted by someone online who expresses romantic interest in you, and before long, they begin asking for money to cover various expenses or emergencies.

Tech Support Scams:

You receive a call from someone claiming to be from a tech support company, who tells you that there’s a problem with your computer and demands payment for repair services.

Phishing Scams:

You receive an email or message that appears to be from a legitimate source, but when you click on a link or provide personal information, it leads to a fraudulent website designed to steal your data.

5. Charity Scams:

You receive a call or email asking for donations to a fake charity, which may even use the name of a well-known organization to trick you into giving money.

6. Investment Scams:

You’re contacted with an offer to invest in a new business or opportunity, but before long, you’re asked for money upfront or pressured to invest more than you intended.

In all cases, unsolicited contacts should be treated with caution and suspicion. Never give out personal information or send money to someone you didn’t initiate contact with. Instead, verify the legitimacy of the communication before responding.

I Red Flag #2: Pressure Tactics

Pressure tactics, also known as high-pressure sales techniques, are manipulative strategies used by scammers and charlatans to force potential victims into making hasty decisions. These tactics create a sense of urgency, intimidation, or guilt, which can lead individuals to overlook link and make poor decisions that can have serious consequences.

Definition of pressure tactics and how they manipulate victims:

Pressure tactics are often used in scams such as investment schemes, fake charities, and pyramid schemes. Scammers employ a variety of manipulative techniques to create a false sense of urgency, including:

• Limited time offers: Scammers may claim that an opportunity is only available for a short period, creating a sense of urgency.
• Scarcity: Scammers may claim that there is only a limited supply of a product or service, creating a sense of exclusivity and urgency.
• Fear: Scammers may use fear to manipulate victims into making hasty decisions, such as threatening to revoke a benefit or taking away an opportunity.
• Guilt: Scammers may use guilt to manipulate victims into making decisions, such as claiming that a donation is required to save children or animals.
• Social proof: Scammers may use testimonials, endorsements, and other forms of social proof to create a false sense of trust and urgency.

Examples of high-pressure sales pitches:

Some common examples of high-pressure sales pitches include:

Investment Scams:

Scammers may use pressure tactics to convince victims to invest in a fraudulent scheme, such as a “can’t miss” opportunity or a limited-time offer. They may use fear tactics, such as claiming that the investment will double in value if acted upon immediately, or use guilt tactics, such as implying that the victim is missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Fake Charities:

Scammers may use pressure tactics to manipulate victims into donating to a fake charity, using guilt tactics such as implying that the victim’s failure to donate will result in negative consequences for others. They may also use fear tactics, such as claiming that a disaster is imminent and that immediate action is required.

Pyramid Schemes:

Pyramid schemes often use high-pressure sales tactics to recruit new members and keep existing ones engaged. They may use scarcity tactics, such as claiming that there is only a limited number of spots available or that a product is in high demand. They may also use fear tactics, such as implying that the victim will lose out on an opportunity if they don’t act quickly or that their position in the scheme is at risk.

Strategies for dealing with pressure tactics and recognizing them early:

To protect yourself from high-pressure sales pitches, it’s important to be aware of the tactics used by scammers and to take a deliberate and informed approach when making decisions. Some strategies for dealing with pressure tactics include:

• Take your time: Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision. Take the time to research and consider all of your options.
• Check for red flags: Be on the lookout for common scam tactics and red flags, such as high-pressure sales techniques, unrealistic promises, and requests for personal information.
• Verify the source: Always verify the identity of anyone soliciting you, whether it’s a charity, investment opportunity, or other offer.
• Say no: If someone is using high-pressure sales tactics to manipulate you, don’t be afraid to say “no” and hang up the phone or walk away from the situation.

By staying informed and taking a deliberate approach, you can protect yourself from high-pressure sales pitches and make decisions that are in your best interests.

Red Flag #3: Suspicious Email Addresses or URLs

Email addresses and URLs are crucial components of online communication. However, they can also serve as red flags for potential phishing, malware, or other cybersecurity threats. Here’s why it’s essential to check them for legitimacy:

Importance of checking email addresses and URLs for legitimacy

Cybercriminals often use deceptive email addresses or fake websites to trick users into sharing sensitive information, downloading malware, or transferring funds. For instance, a seemingly legitimate email from “[email protected]” asking for your password is actually from a scammer attempting to steal your credentials.

Description of how to identify suspicious email addresses

Suspicious email addresses may have:

• Misspelled domain names: e.g., “microsoft.com” becomes “microsof.t.com”.
• Lack of company logo or branding: legitimate emails usually have the sender’s branding and a professional appearance.
• Generic email addresses: e.g., “[email protected]” instead of a specific contact address.

Techniques for verifying URLs and websites before engaging with them

Suspicious URLs or websites can be identified by:

Checking domain registration information using WHOIS:

This tool can help you find the registrant details, IP address, and other information related to a domain. Look for inconsistencies or unknown entities.

Analyzing URL structure:

Suspicious URLs may contain long strings of random characters or include subdomains that don’t belong to the company.

Using URL validation tools:

Tools like VirusTotal can scan a URL for known malware and viruses.

Checking SSL certificate:

Look for the padlock icon and “https” in the URL to ensure a secure connection.

Remember, taking a few extra minutes to verify email addresses and URLs can help you avoid falling victim to online scams and protect your digital security.

5. Reporting suspicious emails or websites:

If you come across a potentially fraudulent email or website, report it to your IT department or the relevant authorities.

Red Flag #4: Requests for Personal Information

Scammers often use social engineering tactics to manipulate their victims into unwittingly sharing their personal information. One common ploy is to send a request for personal data, which can include a wide range of sensitive details that scammers can use to impersonate you or steal your identity. Here’s a closer look at what personal information scammers might target and how to protect yourself.

Explanation of why scammers ask for personal information:

Scammers may ask for your personal information to validate their own identity, create a sense of urgency, or make you believe they have access to sensitive data that can be used against you. They may claim they need this information to process a request, verify your account, or resolve an issue. However, their true intentions are often malicious, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or blackmail.

Description of different types of personal information that can be targeted:

• Financial Information:: Scammers can use your bank account numbers, credit card details, or other financial data to steal your money or open fraudulent accounts in your name.
• Contact Details:: Scammers can use your email address, phone number, or mailing address to contact you directly, send spam or phishing emails, make unwanted calls, or even show up at your door.
• Passwords:: Scammers can use your passwords to access your online accounts, change your settings, or steal your data.
• Social Security Number:: Scammers can use your Social Security number to create a new identity or commit other types of fraud.
• Personal Identification Number (PIN) or other security codes:: Scammers can use this information to access your accounts, make transactions, or reset your passwords.

Tips for protecting personal information online and strategies for dealing with requests:

To protect your personal information online, follow these best practices:

1. Never share sensitive data with unverified sources.
2. Use strong and unique passwords for each account.
3. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
4. Regularly review your account settings and activity logs.
5. Keep your software up to date and use a reputable antivirus program.

When you receive a request for personal information, take these steps:

• Verify the sender’s identity and legitimacy.
• Check your account or contact the company directly to confirm the request.
• Use a secure method, such as encrypted email or a secure messaging app, to communicate sensitive information.
• Be wary of time-sensitive or urgent requests.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to a personal information scam.

VI. Red Flag #5: High-Risk Websites or Applications

Description of high-risk websites or applications: High-risk websites or applications refer to platforms that host potential scams, malware, and security threats. These sites often operate outside the law, offering pirated content, counterfeit goods, or illegal services. The allure of free or discounted offerings can be tempting, but engaging with these sites comes with significant risks.

Potential for hosting scams:

Scammers frequently use high-risk websites and applications to lure unsuspecting victims. They might offer seemingly legitimate deals or services but instead, steal sensitive information, install malware, or ask for payment without delivering any goods or services. In some cases, users might even become unknowing participants in cybercrime schemes.

Examples of common types of high-risk sites:

• Pirated content: Websites offering free movies, music, games, or software often carry malware and can lead to legal consequences. Users may also unwittingly support copyright infringement and funding for criminal enterprises.
• Free streaming platforms: Sites offering free access to TV shows, movies, or sports events may contain malware, track user activity, and even sell personal information.
• Counterfeit goods: Marketplaces selling counterfeit items might seem harmless, but they can lead to receiving poor quality or dangerous products. In some cases, these marketplaces may be fronts for human trafficking or other criminal activities.

Strategies for avoiding these sites and protecting your computer or device:

To protect yourself from high-risk websites and applications, consider the following strategies:

1. Use trusted sources: Stick to reputable websites, software providers, and applications from well-known companies.
2. Keep your security updated: Ensure that your operating system, antivirus software, and browser are up-to-date.
3. Avoid clicking suspicious links: Be wary of emails, messages, and pop-ups with unsolicited offers or links.
4. Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can help protect your privacy and shield you from malicious websites.
5. Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.

By being aware of high-risk websites and applications, implementing security measures, and making informed choices, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to scams or cyber attacks.

Conclusion:

By understanding the risks associated with high-risk websites and applications, and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can browse the web with greater peace of mind.

VI. Red Flag #6: Unrealistic Offers or Promises

Scam artists often use unrealistic offers or promises as bait to lure victims into their schemes. The allure of quick wealth, free vacations, or other seemingly too-good-to-be-true opportunities can be hard to resist. However, it is important to recognize and avoid these scams before they cause financial or emotional harm. Here’s how:

Explanation of how unrealistic offers or promises are used to lure victims into scams

Scammers use unrealistic offers and promises as a way to gain your trust and get you to let down your guard. They may promise you large sums of money, expensive gifts, or other enticing rewards. These offers are often accompanied by a request for personal information or payment upfront. The scam artist then disappears with your money and leaves you with nothing but a broken promise.

Examples of common types of unrealistic offers or promises

Getting Rich Quick Schemes: Scammers may promise to help you make large sums of money quickly and easily. They might claim to have a secret formula for investing, trading stocks, or making money online. However, these schemes are almost always fraudulent and can result in significant financial losses.

Free Vacations: Scammers may offer you a free vacation or all-expenses-paid trip as a reward for participating in a survey, signing up for a timeshare, or providing your personal information. However, these offers are often just a ploy to get you to reveal sensitive information or pay hidden fees.

Phony Charities: Scammers may pose as legitimate charities and promise to donate large sums of money in your name if you make a small contribution first. However, these charities do not exist, and the scam artist keeps the money for themselves.

Strategies for recognizing and avoiding these scams

To protect yourself from unrealistic offers or promises, followsese these strategies:

Be Skeptical: Don’t believe everything you hear, especially if it seems too good to be true.

Do Your Research: Before responding to an offer or promise, verify the legitimacy of the source and the offer itself.

Be Wary of Upfront Costs: Legitimate offers and opportunities do not require upfront payments or personal information.

Protect Your Personal Information: Don’t share sensitive information with anyone unless you are certain of their identity and legitimacy.

5. Report Suspicious Offers: If you receive an offer or promise that seems suspicious, report it to your local consumer protection agency or the Federal Trade Commission.

VI Red Flag #7: Demands for Payment or Upfront Fees

When dealing with potential scams online, one red flag that should always raise suspicion is a demand for payment or upfront fees. Cybercriminals often use this tactic to extract money from unsuspecting victims. Here’s how it works:

Description of how demands for payment or upfront fees can be part of a scam

Scammers may send you an email, text message, or even make a phone call demanding payment for various reasons such as taxes, fees, fines, or prizes. The message may appear official and urgent, pushing you to pay immediately using a specific payment method. Some scams involve fake invoices or phishing emails that look like they’re from legitimate companies, while others might ask for payments through unsecured websites.

Examples of different types of payment scams:

• Fake Invoices: Scammers send a fake invoice for services you didn’t order, asking for payment through wire transfer or money orders.
• Phishing Emails: You receive an email that appears to be from a legitimate company, asking you to click on a link and enter your payment information.
• Government Impersonation: Scammers pose as government agencies demanding payment for unpaid taxes or fines, often threatening arrest if not paid immediately.

Tips for protecting yourself when making payments online and strategies for recognizing and avoiding these scams

To protect yourself from payment scams, follow these guidelines:

1. Verify the Request: Contact the company or organization directly using their official phone number or website to confirm any payment requests.
2. Secure Payment Methods: Use secure payment methods like credit cards, PayPal, or reputable online billing systems.
3. Check the URL: Ensure that the website’s URL is spelled correctly and secure (look for the “https” prefix).
4. Be Wary of Urgent Requests: Legitimate organizations typically do not demand immediate payment through unsecured methods.

By staying informed and following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to payment scams. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to your local authorities and financial institution immediately.

IX. Red Flag #8: Request for Access to Your Accounts

Scammers often ask for access to your accounts as part of their schemes to steal personal information or money. Why would they do this? The answer is simple: access equals control. By gaining access to your accounts, scammers can manipulate the information or conduct fraudulent activities in your name.

Explanation of why scammers ask for access to your accounts

First and foremost, scammers may request access to your bank accounts to transfer funds directly into their own accounts. They might also ask for access to your social media accounts in an attempt to impersonate you, gather sensitive information from your friends, or spread malware through your network.

Description of different types of account access scams

Phishing emails: Scammers may send fake emails that appear to be from a trusted source, such as your bank or a popular service like Google. These emails ask you to click on a link and enter your login credentials or other sensitive information. Once the scammer has this data, they can access your account.

Tech support scams: Scammers might call you pretending to be from a well-known tech company, claiming that they need remote access to your computer to fix an issue. Once they have control of your system, they can install malware, steal your data, or demand payment for their “services.”

Strategies for protecting your accounts and recognizing these scams

To protect your accounts from unauthorized access, follow these steps:

Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

Make sure each account has a unique, complex password. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.

Be cautious of suspicious emails and phone calls

Always double-check the sender’s email address or the caller’s identity before providing any sensitive information. Legitimate organizations will not ask for your login credentials over email or phone.

Install reputable antivirus software and keep it updated

Antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware, making it harder for scammers to gain access.

Educate yourself on common scams and red flags

Stay informed about the latest scams and how to recognize them. For example, be wary of unexpected calls or emails requesting access to your accounts.

5. Report any suspicious activity

If you suspect that someone has gained unauthorized access to your account, report it immediately to the affected service provider and any relevant authorities.

Red Flag #9: Impersonation of Trusted Entities

Impersonation scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to deceive individuals online. The goal is to trick you into believing that the contacting entity is trustworthy, such as a bank, government agency, or reputable company. By impersonating these entities, scammers can gain your trust and manipulate you into sharing sensitive information or sending money. Here’s a closer look at how impersonation is used in different types of online scams.

Description of Impersonation Scams

Phishing emails: In this common form of impersonation, scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate source. The email may contain a link or attachment that, when clicked, installs malware on your device or directs you to a fake login page designed to steal your credentials. For instance, an email might claim to be from your bank, asking you to confirm your account details.

Phone Calls

Phone calls: Scammers can also impersonate trusted entities over the phone. They might claim to be from your bank, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), or even the police, asking for personal information or remote access to your computer. Always remember that legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone.

Strategies for Recognizing and Avoiding Impersonation Scams

Verify the sender’s email address: If you receive an email from a suspicious source, examine the email address closely. Scammers might use addresses that are similar but not identical to legitimate ones.

Use two-factor authentication:

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your online accounts to add an extra layer of security. This will require a code or token that only you have access to, even if your password is compromised.

Look for typos and poor grammar:

Scammers often make mistakes in their emails or messages. Be on the lookout for typos, incorrect company names, and poor grammar.

Hover over links:

Before clicking on any link in an email or message, hover your mouse pointer over the link to see the URL below it. If the URL doesn’t match the sender’s domain, or if it’s misspelled, do not click on it.

5. Contact the entity directly:

If you’re unsure about an email or phone call, contact the organization directly using a trusted phone number or website to confirm their identity.

Conclusion

Being aware of impersonation scams and taking steps to protect yourself is crucial in today’s digital world. Always remember that legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information through email or unsolicited phone calls. Stay vigilant and follow the strategies outlined above to safeguard your personal information.

XI. Red Flag #10: Requests for Emotional Responses

Scammers often use emotional manipulation to gain trust and control over their victims. By eliciting strong emotional responses, they can create a sense of connection or urgency that makes people more susceptible to making impulsive decisions or sharing sensitive information.

Explanation of how scammers manipulate emotions

Scammers may use various tactics to manipulate emotions, such as sympathy, anger, or even fear. For example, in a romance scam, the scammer may express deep emotions and profess love to their victim to create an emotional bond. In a fake charity scam, they may use images of suffering children or victims of natural disasters to evoke sympathy and compassion. Once the emotional connection is established, scammers can then ask for financial help or personal information, which they can later use for their gain.

Examples of different types of emotional manipulation scams

Romance Scams:

Scammers in romance scams often use a variety of tactics to manipulate emotions. They may claim to be military personnel or diplomats stationed overseas, making grand gestures of love and affection while also asking for financial help. Victims may be asked to send money to cover travel expenses to meet in person or to pay off debts.

Fake Charity Scams:

Scammers may use fake charity scams to evoke strong emotional responses by appealing to people’s sense of compassion and generosity. They might set up fraudulent crowdfunding campaigns, posing as victims or families in need, or use fake charities to solicit donations. The scammers may then disappear with the funds raised or ask for additional money for supposed emergencies.

Strategies for recognizing and avoiding these scams, including tips on maintaining emotional control and skepticism when online

To protect yourself from emotional manipulation scams, it’s essential to maintain a healthy level of skepticism and emotional control. Here are some strategies for recognizing and avoiding emotional manipulation scams:

• Research: Always verify the authenticity of charities, individuals, or organizations before donating money or sharing personal information.
• Be cautious: Be wary of unsolicited messages and requests for emotional responses. Do not share personal information or financial details with strangers, especially those who have manipulated your emotions.
• Take time to think: Do not make hasty decisions. If you feel pressured or overwhelmed, take a break and consult with trusted friends or family members before taking any actions.
• Maintain privacy: Keep your personal information private, especially on social media. Be cautious about posting sensitive information that can be used against you.

By following these strategies and staying vigilant, you’ll be better equipped to recognize and avoid emotional manipulation scams online. Remember, maintaining emotional control and skepticism is key to protecting yourself from these types of fraudulent activities.

X Conclusion

As we wind down our discussion on online scams, it’s essential to recap the top 10 red flags that can help identify and avoid potential scams:

1. Unsolicited emails or messages

   : Be wary of unsolicited communications, especially those requesting personal information or money.

2. Too-good-to-be-true offers

   : If an offer seems excessively enticing or too good to be true, it likely is.

3. Request for personal information

   : Scammers often ask for sensitive information such as social security numbers, bank details, or passwords.

4. Demand for immediate action

   : Urgency is a common tactic used by scammers to pressure victims into making hasty decisions.

5. Suspicious links or attachments

   : Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.

6. Poor grammar and spelling

   : Scam emails often contain poor English, misspelled words, or awkward phrasing.

7. Phishing attempts

   : Phishing scams aim to trick users into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware.

8. Unknown callers

   : Unsolicited phone calls, especially those requesting personal information or offering unsolicited prizes or services, should be viewed with suspicion.

9. Unverified websites

   : Only conduct online transactions on verified, secure websites.

10. Pressure to keep a secret

    : Scammers may try to convince victims to keep their involvement in a scam a secret.

In an increasingly digital world, staying informed about online scams and taking proactive steps to protect your personal information is more important than ever. Be sure to report any suspected scams to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission or your state’s Attorney General’s office.

Stay informed

: Keep up-to-date on the latest scams and fraud trends through reputable sources like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency.

Secure your devices and accounts

: Use strong, unique passwords for all online accounts, enable multi-factor authentication where possible, and keep all software up to date.

Avoid sharing sensitive information

: Be cautious about the personal information you share online, and never give out sensitive details to unsolicited callers or emails.

Trust your instincts

: If a communication or situation seems suspicious, trust your gut and err on the side of caution.

By staying informed and taking these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams.