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Most common scams online: examples of the most common scams online, protecting your information online.
Objectives&Goals Click to read 
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Be aware of online security in the digital cultural world
This unit will focus on:
- Most common scams online: examples of the most common online scams, protecting your information online
- Online security in cultural world, how to avoid scams specific to the cultural world (fake tickets, hacking or phishing)
- Online Security Tips
IntroductionClick to read
Internet fraud is becoming more and more common due to the increasing number of people using the Internet on a daily basis.
These scams not only want your money, they also want your information, and the latter are more difficult to detect.
The basic operation of the scams has not changed, they offer products or services in exchange for a "too good to be true" amount of money or in exchange for a few questions to obtain information.
They may also offer loans or job offers as a means of getting you to take the bait.
Job offer scamsClick to read
For example, a job advertisement propones a full-time salary only with part-time daily hours and does not demand any previous experience. Salary is too high and this could be considered a first indication that the ad could be a scam.
Before filling in the form or providing information it is always good:
- to check the authenticity of the website where the advert is published
- the quality of the images or comments in case of selling products
- the company publishing the advertisement
- the job allowances offered
Bank scamClick to read
Other fraud attempts can impersonate an entity such as your bank or a site you frequent with the excuse that there is a great offer or something is wrong with a suspicious link.
If you think it might be important, as in the case of your bank, call them instead of clicking on the link.
Third-party productsClick to read
Some websites sell third-party products. In these cases you should also investigate the company from which the product comes.
- It is a good sign if the site is clear in displaying cost and shipping information, accepts several forms of payment, and sends a purchase invoice.
- If you believe the site is genuine and you make a purchase, never save your credit card information. This will prevent someone from accessing your device and making unwanted purchases.
- Periodically check your balance and if you see any suspicious movements report them to your bank quickly.
- If the product does not arrive, try to contact the seller or the platform where it is sold.
Inheritance via whatsapp. Click to read
On WhatsApp a person talks to you saying that they are very old and that they have an inheritance with no heirs, and offers you to inherit it yourself.
Another person talks to you directly about a trick to invest without risk, promising you that you can make €100,000 in just one month.
Attractive man/woman in love with youClick to read
A person with an attractive photograph who you don't know at all tries to talk to you and talks to you about suggestive topics.
Be cautious of anyone you meet online from overseas.
Learn the signs of a relationship scam. Know what to watch for.
Never send money.
If you've already given them money, don't go overseas to try to get it back
Always confirm their identity and they're legitimate before going overseas to meet them.
SMS from your bank Click to read
An SMS arrives on your mobile phone from your supposed bank saying that there is an error with your bank account and you have to fill in a form.
A person pretends to be a moderator of a social network and asks you to give him your password to fix a problem.
On a third-party job offer website, they offer double the amount of money of a normal salary.
When you try to make a purchase from an individual, he asks you to pay him the money before he can ship the product, or he cannot give you any shipping information.
Lottery scam Click to read
A lottery scam is a type of advance-fee fraud which begins with an unexpected email notification, phone call, or mailing (sometimes including a large check) explaining that "You have won!" a large sum of money in a lottery. The recipient of the message—the target of the scam—is usually told to keep the notice secret, "due to a mix-up in some of the names and numbers," and to contact a "claims agent." After contacting the agent, the target of the scam will be asked to pay "processing fees" or "transfer charges" so that the winnings can be distributed, but will never receive any lottery payment.
Fake charitiesClick to read
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major events.
Fake charities try to take advantage of your generosity and compassion for others in need. Scammers will steal your money by posing as a genuine charity. Not only do these scams cost you money, they also divert much needed donations away from legitimate charities and causes.
Fake charity approaches occur all year round and often take the form of a response to real disasters or emergencies, such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes and bushfires.
Online shoppingClick to read
Online shopping is becoming more and more common so here are some tips for safe shopping online.
- The website must have a secure encrypted connection, the web protocol must be https.
- Make sure you are on a trusted website. A website that has abnormally low prices, all prices the same, no reviews, or suspicious product pictures are an indication that the website is a scam.
Online security in cultural world, how to avoid scams specific to the cultural world (fake tickets, hacking or phishing)
How scammers performClick to read
Scammers can:
• set up fake websites
• use genuine websites to post fake ads for concert ticket and museum pass
• offer fake V.I.P. entrance and ticket packages
To avoid a ticket scam:
• make a considered choice when you look at the ticket reseller website
• use a reputable website
There are legal ticket resellers but if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Steps to protect youself Click to read
- Employ common sense before handing over sensitive information.
- Never trust alarming messages.
- Do not open attachments in these suspicious or strange emails — especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint or PDF attachments.
- Use a reputable website
Online Security Tips Click to read
Once you have a social networking account, you can use it just to talk to people you know in real life and post opinions or pictures (better without sensible data).
Always be mindful to abide by the site's terms of use and do no wrongdoing.
1. Stop believing unknown images. You should stop believing images like chats and screenshots.
2. Don't click on unknown attachments.
3. Check the source of your messages.
4. Never share personal details.
5. Beware of possible scamming.
6. Protect your financial data.
7. Avoid sharing basic details.
8. Use passwords or PINs with character such as &, *. __, minuscule and MAIUSCULE.
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