Scammers have taken over the internet using a variety of techniques as a result of the pandemic, which has caused an increase in online scams of 600 percent. In the US, 1.3 million youngsters experience identity theft, while one in ten adults falls prey to online fraud.
Scams today are flourishing in the world of the internet as everyone today uses the internet for both business and pleasure because they think it is far from dangerous.
Hence, it is always advised to conduct a reality check and be on the lookout for online frauds, which are increasing more than ever. Internet platforms, online shopping, dating applications, charity and donation websites, and other similar businesses have all seen a sharp rise in the risk of scams. These online con artists can access your personal and professional lives without you even having a slight knowledge. In fact, they know you more than you know yourself!
If this seems to have caught your attention and you want to learn more about different types of scams, their rapid increase, and the dangers surrounding them, then continue reading; this article is all about it!
Scams, Statistics & More
The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center received 351,936 reports about internet crimes in 2018, resulting in damages of more than $2.7 billion, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Report. Everyone who uses a device connected to the internet has the potential to fall victim to online fraud, according to a 2017 Federal Trade Commission study.
Scammers have taken over the internet using a variety of techniques as a result of the pandemic, which has caused an increase in online scams of 600 percent. In the US, 1.3 million youngsters experience identity theft, while one in ten adults falls prey to online fraud. Additionally, phishing efforts increased by 65% in 2019, while payment fraud affected 82% of firms. Mind; Blown!
How Dangerous Are Call & Text Scams?
Have you ever received a text message or a call from someone asking for money that turned out to be a scam? Or are you one of those millennials feeling immune to all scams or an older adult who thinks he has had enough experience to fall for a scam? Congratulations, the scammers on the internet have you right where they want!
According to recent research from Allstate Identity Protection (AIP), scams are becoming more prevalent, and the volume of shady calls and messages being sent to Americans has increased to a large degree.
According to the research “Identity Fraud in Focus,” 74% of Americans have reported receiving a fraudulent text message this year. In the meanwhile, 83% reported getting a fraudulent phone call. Nearly half of those who received a scam call or text reported receiving 11 or more spam attempts every week.
In addition, according to AIP, spam calls surged significantly by 32% to 72.2 billion in 2021, despite new FCC regulations. In addition to increasing frequency, phone and text scam victims have also increased. According to AIP, who cited data from the FTC, in 2021, Americans reported losing $131 million to fraud schemes started by text, a more than 50% rise over 2020. Unbelievable!
Lost money to online fraud? We will recover your funds !
WhatsApp Scams – A Grocery Story
Scammers frequently use WhatsApp to disseminate fake coupons for Sephora, Tesco, Walmart, and Marks & Spencer. The communications, which seem to have come from a kind friend, are meant to get you to click the link and redeem the voucher.
Here’s an example: “Hello, Tesco is giving you a £150 free voucher to commemorate their 50th anniversary. To grab yours, head here. Enjoy and remember to thank me afterward!” However, the retailer is not handing out any £150 vouchers. The wording and language errors, as well as the fact that if you type on the URL specified in the offer, you will see that the page does not exist on Asda, are typical signs of this fraud.
Women, take care! Your dream Sephora shopping trip could quickly turn into a nightmare.
Charity Scams – Is Humanity Alive?
In addition to phone, text, and WhatsApp scams, charity scams also annoy and frustrate Americans to a large extent.
These scams include fake nonprofit websites on recently registered domains to nefarious attempts to steal personal information from donations meant for underdeveloped nations. It has come to light that many con artists used fictitious contact information on websites to make their schemes appear real. As a result, many con artists simply used standard Email accounts to trick their victims. How sad?
According to AIP, the COVID-19 pandemic, natural calamities, and even geopolitical upheaval like the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine have all been exploited by crooks to start new charity schemes.
So it’s high time that before donating, we are aware that when a major crisis like Covid causes a surge of charitable donations, it can bring along some heartless com artists who are always out there trying to take advantage of global goodwill by creating scam charities. After taking over a victim’s social media account, these con artists begin planning how to contact the victim’s friends and relatives. They exert pressure on them to donate right away. So, if you ever receive a message from one of your friends, be aware!
However, to avoid such scams, it is essential to know about the triggers they bring. If you’re unsure when donating, consider phoning the charity you are willing to support because once you have sent the money, it’s forever gone!
If you’re a victim of a similar scam please get in touch with us to that we can help you get your money back!
Zelle, Venmo & Other Cash Apps Scams
P2P frauds are also becoming more prevalent than ever. Since they do not come with the same consumer protections as credit card fraud, payment services like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App have become popular targets for scammers.
For example, a common scam might be an email or text message asking a user to confirm a large, fake Zelle payment. When the user responds that they did not authorize the transfer, the con artist calls them again while posing as the bank and using a phone number that belongs to the financial institution. They lead the caller through fictitious instructions on rejecting erroneous claims and sending money to the criminals. How devastating!
GlobalPayback To Your Aid 24/7!
Millions of people have fallen victim to numerous internet scams, and online fraud has become a major issue in many countries. Why are they expanding so quickly? It lists several causes, such as the diversity of fraud, the small amounts of money sought, the authority and legitimacy of the con artists, emotional appeals, coercion and pressure, grooming, fraud at a distance, and several other strategies.
Nevertheless, if you or someone you know has already been a victim of these scams, contact GlobalPayback! They ensure you receive the most reputable recovery service possible and help you get back on your feet – within your desired budget!
Sources
- https://www.androidpolice.com/stolen-venmo-zelle-account-payment-app-fraud/
- Author: Lyle Adriano – https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/breaking-news/allstate-reveals-huge-spike-in-scams-408842.aspx
- Author: Craig Mccart – https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/avoid-whatsapp-scams/
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