(NewsSpace.com) – Scammers are always looking for new ways to make hard-earned people part with their money. They keep the cons simple yet believable so as not to draw suspicion. The best way to protect yourself against becoming a victim is to know what to look for. Here are some of the most common simple scams people run.
Millions of people adopt pets each year, and that’s one of the ways scammers reach their victims on social media. They create a heart-rendering post with a sob story about a cute animal that needs your help now. The adoption fee is usually too good to be true—a typical adoption runs a few hundred dollars for a dog and around $100 for a cat. After paying the fee, contact stops, and you are out of money. To avoid this, only adopt through reputable agencies or breeders.
It’s tempting to work from a coffee shop or library where you can access free Wi-Fi, but scammers are even taking advantage of this opportunity to gain access to your private information. They do it by setting up hotspots with names similar to the ones your establishment named their Wi-Fi network. Once you access the unsecured network, they can use it to their benefit. If you do work from another location, always verify the network name with staff to ensure you log onto the right one, and try to avoid signing into bank or credit card accounts if it’s not secured.
Overpayment scams are another way fraudsters trick you out of your money, and often goods. If you own an online store, they might purchase a large order and pay you by check. Or if you’re selling something on a social media marketplace, they might do the same. They con you by sending too much money and asking for a refund of the overpayment. Once you send that money back, the initial payment falls through, leaving you on the hook for it all—and usually out of whatever you “sold.”
Always do your research and listen to your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it usually is.
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