Why is scamming bad

Detailed information about the use of cookies on this website is available by clicking on more information. What are scam website? How does a scam website work? Attackers using scam websites will typically use these steps to deceive users: Bait: Attackers draw internet users to the website through various distribution channels. Compromise: Users take an action that will expose their information or devices to the attacker. Execute: Attackers exploit the users to misuse their private information for personal gain or to infect their devices with malicious software for various purposes.

How does a scam website exploit you? These scammers will often attempt to create these feelings in their victims: Urgency: Time-sensitive offers or account security alerts can push you to immediate action before thinking critically. Excitement: Attractive promises such as free gift cards or a rapid wealth-building scheme can trigger optimism that may lead you to overlook any potential downsides. Fear: False virus infections and account alerts lead to panicked action that often ties in with feelings of urgency.

Types of scam websites Scam websites, like many other scam types, operate under different premises despite sharing similar mechanics. Here are some common formats of scam sites: Phishing Scam Websites Phishing websites are a popular tool that attempts to present false situations and get users to disclose their private information.

Online Shopping Scam Websites As one of the most prevalent schemes, online shopping scam websites use a fake or low-quality online store to collect victims' credit card information. Scareware Scam Websites Scareware website scams involve the use of fake security alert popups to bait you into downloading malware disguised as an authentic antivirus program. Sweepstakes Scam Websites Sweepstakes scams involve giveaways of large prizes that entice users to engage, ultimately providing financial information to pay a false fee.

Examples of scam websites Past internet scams have frequently involved the use of dedicated scam websites in their efforts. How to identify fake websites Fortunately, there are several simple ways to protect yourself from scam websites to ensure your family and your wallet stay safe as you navigate the World Wide Web.

By following the tips below, you can better protect against these threats: Emotional language: Does the website speak in a way that may heighten your emotions?

Proceed with caution if you feel an elevated level of urgency, optimism, or fear. Poor design quality: It may sound a little obvious but look closely at how a site is designed. Does it have the type of design skill and visual quality you would expect from a legitimate website?

Low-resolution images and odd layouts can be a warning sign of a scam. Odd grammar: Look for things like spelling mistakes, broken or stilted English, or really obvious grammar errors, such as the incorrect use of plural and singular words.

Absence of identifying web pages: Additionally, a proper business website should have basic pages, such as a "Contact Us" page and an "About Us" page. If you're uncertain, give the business a call. If the number is a mobile phone or the call isn't answered, be on guard. If a business seems to want to avoid verbal contact, there's probably a reason. How to avoid scam websites Avoiding scam websites requires moving through the internet with caution and care.

Check the domain name Sites set up to spoof a legitimate site often use domain names that look or sound similar to legitimate site addresses. Be careful how you pay One good practice is to never pay for anything by direct bank transfer. Too good to be true? Do an internet search If you still can't make up your mind about a website, do some searching to see what other people on the internet are saying about it. Always use a secure connection When you visit a legitimate site that asks for financial or secure data, the company name should be visible next to the URL in the browser bar, along with a padlock symbol that signifies you're logged into a secure connection.

What to do if you become a victim of a scam website If you fall victim to one of these malicious sites, you'll want to take immediate action. These are a few ways you can reduce the damage of a successful scam: Stop communication with the scammer if you've been in touch. Find and halt any pending or ongoing payments to scammers. Not so much, actually, says FTC. Why economists got it wrong on U. Kellogg files lawsuit against its striking cereal workers. All Sections. About Us. B2B Publishing. Business Visionaries.

Hot Property. Times Events. Times Store. Types of savings Help with meeting goals, tax-friendly saving, saving for children. Savings All Savings guidance. Calculator Savings calculator. Employment Basics, benefits, tax and National Insurance. Losing your job What to do, alternatives, redundancy pay. Self-employment Starting out, insurance, tax, self-assessment. Work All Work guidance. Tool Budget Planner.

Redundancy pay calculator. Universal Credit Find out how Universal Credit works and how to manage your payment. Tool Money Manager. Everyday money. Calculator Credit card calculator. Tool Couch to Financial Fitness.

Calculator Baby costs calculator. Calculator Mortgage affordability calculator. Calculator Mortgage calculator. Money troubles. Calculator Pension calculator. Calculator Workplace pension contribution calculator. Tool Find a retirement adviser. Calculator Redundancy pay calculator. Home Money troubles Scams. Money troubles Scams. What is a scam? Scams can come in many forms, but all are designed to get hold of your money. New emergency hotline.

Back to top. Types of scam. Help with scams. How to recognise a scam. Knowing what to look out for when it comes to scams is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Since January , there has been a ban on cold calling about pensions.

Is it a scam? If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This is something you normally find with pension or investment scams, where the fraudster guarantees you huge returns, but tells you it is low risk. Personal details, full PIN codes and passwords. These are things no legitimate company will ask you for. Quick decisions. If you are pushed into making a decision on the spot, be suspicious.

Use the phone number you find on letters from the company or the back of your card. You can find a more comprehensive list of the warning signs in our guide about specific types of scams. How to protect yourself against scams. Did you know? Avoid any unexpected contact. Avoid answering phone calls, letters or emails if they look unfamiliar. Never give out personal information. If a company is selling something, it needs your written permission to call you with a robocall.

Those calls are illegal. The scammer can even have a fake name or number show up on your caller ID to convince you. Scammers will offer to lower your credit card interest rates , fix your credit , or get your student loans forgiven if you pay their company a fee first. But you could end up losing your money and ruining your credit. Callers might promise to help you start your own business and give you business coaching, or guarantee big profits from an investment.

Scammers like to pose as charities. Scams requesting donations for disaster relief efforts are especially common on the phone. Scammers find out what kind of car you drive and when you bought it so they can urge you to buy overpriced — or worthless — service contracts. Loan scams include advance fee loan scams , where scammers target people with a poor credit history and guarantee loans or credit cards for an up-front fee. But after you pay, you find out there is no prize. Scammers promise free or low-cost vacations that can end up costing you a lot in hidden costs.

And sometimes, after you pay, you find out there is no vacation. When you get a robocall, don't press any numbers.