Internet Scams Debunked

We recently shared some information with you about Bitdefender 2013’s Search Advisor and how this specific feature improves your online threat protection. Reread the post here: Bitdefender 2013 - Search Advisor: Improves Online Threat Protection

Protecting yourself from possible attacks by knowing which search results to avoid, is one thing. Understanding the manner in which the ill-intentioned out there run their schemes, scams and dodgy plans is another altogether.

Malware, phishing and proxy websites can easily get you in their snares but, when you know what to look out for (or have a handy little feature [Bitdefender Search Advisor] doing it for you…), are easy enough to avoid. The “untrusted websites” are the ones that are really scary. These are the ones that people fall for and come in many seemingly innocuous guises: banks and donation sites, for example.   

How do they work?

Fake banks, although they “offer” online banking, loans and financing, are banks that do not actually exist. These “banks” are not registered with any government institutions and have no physical headquarters. The websites offer minimal contact information and any personnel profiles featured on the site are, ordinarily, staff identities that have been lifted from other, legitimate, banks.  

The scam targets people looking for credit and a percentage of the requested loan amount is deposited into the “bank’s” account before the loan is granted. And then no money is ever paid over to the victim. 

Lottery scams, very worryingly, claim many victims. After receiving an e-mail or SMS congratulating them on winning the lottery, the target is instructed to contact an operator in order to claim the reward. To walk off with the prize, the victim must first pay processing and transfer charges. Then receives nothing.

If you have not entered a competition, you cannot win it; let common sense prevail.

Donation scams are, quite possibly, the most heartless scams out there. Playing on people’s emotions and their desire to do good, websites are set up and e-mails sent out, imploring the soft hearted to look inwards and donate money to rescue the outer Mongolian flying squirrels from imminent extinction or save young George Henry from his very serious and terminal illness. The pictures used to tug at your heart strings are, very often, real but have nothing to do with the “funds” that are set up. Because most people are essentially kind and caring by nature they will donate to help these causes. And no orphanage or charity ever sees the money.

Ensure the charities to which you donate are registered and legitimate. Some background research could save both your money and your faith in humanity.

Jobs that boast earning potential of thousands each month from the comfort of your own home, with very little effort on your part, are almost always money-making schemes – and, in most cases, illegal. 

If you are required to a pay a deposit for information about a job – walk away. More importantly, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

When purchasing goods online, use reputable e-stores that have a service record and if there are any international delivery charges, suck it up and pay them. Do not risk shopping around and looking for cheaper shipping as you may just stumble upon a “company” that has no intention of delivering your goods. After you have paid them.

Of all the things that you can buy online, medicine does not fall into the “this is a good idea” category. Trying to save money and buying cheaper medication could make you very ill; if the goods are even delivered, the chances of them being fake and cooked in a dirty back room are high.

The things people will do to make money are alarming. Vigilance, common sense and Bitdefender 2013 Search Advisor can help you avoid falling prey to these scams.

Have we missed any evil plans? Do you have a story to tell about any schemes? Let us know in the comments section below.