{"id":150729,"date":"2025-03-20T00:45:41","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T07:45:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/?p=150729"},"modified":"2025-07-29T17:46:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-30T00:46:02","slug":"how-to-recognize-an-online-scammer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mcafee.com\/blogs\/tips-tricks\/how-to-recognize-an-online-scammer\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Recognize an Online Scammer"},"content":{"rendered":"

Online scams are evolving faster than ever, with cybercriminals using AI, deepfake technology, and social engineering to trick unsuspecting users. <\/span><\/p>\n

In the past year, Americans have been targeted by an average of 14 scam messages per day, and deepfake scams have surged 1,740% in North America, according to McAfee\u2019s State of the Scamiverse report<\/a>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These scams go beyond simple phishing emails\u2014scammers now impersonate trusted companies, friends, and even loved ones, making it critical to recognize the warning signs before falling victim. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how you can spot an online scam and protect yourself:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5 tips to help you recognize an <\/span><\/b>online scam<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Scams<\/span> are scary, but you can prevent yourself from falling for one by knowing what to look for. Here are a few tell-tale signs that you\u2019re dealing with a <\/span>scammer<\/span>. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They say you\u2019ve won a huge prize<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

If you get a message that you\u2019ve won a big sum of cash in a <\/span>sweepstakes<\/span> you don\u2019t remember entering, it\u2019s a <\/span>scam<\/span>. <\/span>Scammers<\/span> may tell you that all you need to do to claim your prize is send them a small fee or give them your banking information.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you enter a real <\/span>sweepstakes<\/span> or lottery, it\u2019s generally up to you to contact the organizer to claim your prize. <\/span>Sweepstakes<\/span> aren\u2019t likely to chase you down to give you money.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They want you to pay in a certain way<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Scammers<\/span> will often ask you to pay them using <\/span>gift cards<\/span>, <\/span>money orders<\/span>, <\/span>cryptocurrency<\/span> (like <\/span>Bitcoin<\/span>), or through a particular money transfer service. <\/span>Scammers<\/span> need payments in forms that don\u2019t give consumers protection.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gift card<\/span> payments, for example, are typically not reversible and hard to trace. Legitimate organizations will rarely, if ever, ask you to pay using a specific method, especially <\/span>gift cards<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you have to make online payments, it\u2019s a good idea to use a secure service like <\/span>PayPal<\/span>. Secure payment systems can have features to keep you safe, like end-to-end encryption.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They say it\u2019s an emergency<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Scammers<\/span> may try to make you panic by saying you owe money to a government agency and you need to pay them immediately to avoid being arrested. Or the criminal might try to tug at your heartstrings by pretending to be a <\/span>family member<\/span> in danger who needs money.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Criminals want you to pay them or give them your information quickly \u2014 before you have a chance to think about it. If someone tries to tell you to pay them immediately in a <\/span>text message<\/span>, <\/span>phone call<\/span>, or email, they\u2019re likely a <\/span>scammer<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They say they\u2019re from a government organization or company<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Many <\/span>scammers<\/span> pretend to be part of government organizations like the Internal Revenue Service (<\/span>IRS<\/span>). They\u2019ll claim you owe them money. Criminals can even use technology to make their <\/span>phone numbers<\/span> appear legitimate on your caller ID.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If someone claiming to be part of a government organization contacts you, go to that organization\u2019s official site and find an official support number or email. Contact them to verify the information in the initial message.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scammers<\/span> may also pretend to be businesses, like your utility company. They\u2019ll likely say something to scare you, like your gas will be turned off if you don\u2019t pay them right away.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The email is littered with grammatical errors<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Most legitimate organizations will thoroughly proofread any copy or information they send to consumers. Professional emails are well-written, clear, and error-free. On the other hand, <\/span>scam<\/span> emails will likely be full of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It might surprise you to know that <\/span>scammers<\/span> write sloppy emails on purpose. The idea is that if the reader is attentive enough to spot the grammatical mistakes, they likely won\u2019t fall for the <\/span>scam<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

8 most common <\/span><\/b>online scams<\/span><\/b> to watch out for<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

There are certain <\/span>scams<\/span> that criminals try repeatedly because they\u2019ve worked on so many people. Here are a few of the most <\/span>common scams<\/span> you should watch out for.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phishing <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

A <\/span>phishing <\/span><\/a>scam<\/span> can be a phone or email <\/span>scam<\/span>. The criminal sends a message in which they pretend to represent an organization you know. It directs you to a fraud website that collects your <\/span>sensitive information<\/span>, like your passwords, <\/span>Social Security number<\/span> (SSN), and <\/span>bank account<\/span> data. Once the <\/span>scammer<\/span> has your personal information, they can use it for personal gain.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Phishing emails<\/span> may try anything to get you to click on their fake link. They might claim to be your bank and ask you to log into your account to verify some suspicious activity. Or they could pretend to be a <\/span>sweepstakes<\/span> and say you need to fill out a form to claim a large reward.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

During the <\/span>coronavirus<\/span> pandemic<\/span>, new phishing <\/span>scams<\/span> have emerged, with <\/span>scammers<\/span> claiming to be part of various charities and nonprofits. Sites like <\/span>Charity Navigator<\/span><\/a> can help you discern real groups from fake ones.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Travel insurance <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

These <\/span>scams<\/span> also became much more prominent during the <\/span>pandemic<\/span>. Let\u2019s say you\u2019re preparing to fly to Paris with your family. A <\/span>scammer<\/span> sends you a message offering you an insurance policy on any travel plans you might be making. They\u2019ll claim the policy will compensate you if your travel plans fall through for any reason without any extra charges.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You think it might be a good idea to purchase this type of insurance. Right before leaving for your trip, you have to cancel your plans. You go to collect your insurance money only to realize the insurance company doesn\u2019t exist.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Real travel insurance from a licensed business generally won\u2019t cover foreseeable events (like travel advisories, government turmoil, or <\/span>pandemics<\/span>) unless you buy a Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) addendum for your policy.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Grandparent <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Grandparent <\/span>scams<\/span> prey on your instinct to protect your family. The <\/span>scammer<\/span> will call or send an email pretending to be a <\/span>family member<\/span> in some sort of emergency who needs you to wire them money. The <\/span>scammer<\/span> may beg you to act right away and avoid sharing their situation with any other <\/span>family members<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, the <\/span>scammer<\/span> might call and say they\u2019re your grandchild who\u2019s been arrested in Mexico and needs money to pay bail. They\u2019ll say they\u2019re in danger and need you to send funds now to save them.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you get a call or an email from an alleged <\/span>family member<\/span> requesting money, take the time to make sure they\u2019re actually who they say they are. Never <\/span>wire transfer<\/span> money right away or over the phone. Ask them a question that only the <\/span>family member<\/span> would know and verify their story with the rest of your family.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Advance fee <\/span><\/b>scam<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

You get an email from a prince. They\u2019ve recently inherited a huge fortune from a member of their royal family. Now, the prince needs to keep their money in an American <\/span>bank account<\/span> to keep it safe. If you let them store their money in your <\/span>bank account<\/span>, you\u2019ll be handsomely rewarded. You just need to send them a small fee to get the money.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are several versions of this <\/span>scam<\/span>, but the prince iteration is a pretty common one. If you get these types of emails, don\u2019t respond or give out your financial information.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tech support <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Your online experience is rudely interrupted when a <\/span>pop-up<\/span> appears telling you there\u2019s a huge virus on your computer. You need to \u201cact fast\u201d and contact the support <\/span>phone number<\/span> on the screen. If you don\u2019t, all of your important data will be erased.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you call the number, a fake tech support worker asks you for remote access to your device to \u201cfix\u201d the problem. If you give the <\/span>scammer<\/span> access to your device, they may steal your personal and financial information or install <\/span>malware<\/span>. Worse yet, they\u2019ll probably charge you for it.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These <\/span>scams<\/span> can be pretty elaborate. A <\/span>scam<\/span> pop-up<\/span> may even appear to be from a reputable software company. If you see this type of <\/span>pop-up<\/span>, don\u2019t respond to it. Instead, try restarting or turning off your device. If the device doesn\u2019t start back up, search for the support number for the device manufacturer and contact them directly.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Formjacking and retail <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Scammers<\/span> will often pose as popular e-commerce companies by creating fake websites. The fake <\/span>webpages<\/span> might offer huge deals on <\/span>social media<\/span>. They\u2019ll also likely have a URL close to the real business\u2019s URL but slightly different.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes, a criminal is skilled enough to hack the website of a large online retailer. When a <\/span>scammer<\/span> infiltrates a retailer\u2019s website, they can redirect where the links on that site lead. This is called formjacking.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you might go to an e-commerce store to buy a jacket. You find the jacket and put it in your online shopping cart. You click \u201ccheck out,\u201d and you\u2019re taken to a form that collects your <\/span>credit card information<\/span>. What you don\u2019t know is that the checkout form is fake. Your <\/span>credit card number<\/span> is going directly to the <\/span>scammers<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whenever you\u2019re redirected from a website to make a payment or enter in information, always check the URL. If the form is legitimate, it will have the same URL as the site you were on. A fake form will have a URL that\u2019s close to but not exactly the same as the original site.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Scareware <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b> (fake <\/span><\/b>antivirus<\/span><\/b>)<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

These <\/span>scams<\/span> are similar to tech support <\/span>scams<\/span>. However, instead of urging you to speak directly with a fake tech support person, their goal is to get you to download a fake <\/span>antivirus<\/span> software product (scareware).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll see a <\/span>pop-up<\/span> that says your computer has a virus, <\/span>malware<\/span>, or some other problem. The only way to get rid of the problem is to install the security software the <\/span>pop-up<\/span> links to. You think you\u2019re downloading <\/span>antivirus<\/span> software that will save your computer.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What you\u2019re actually downloading is <\/span>malicious software<\/span>. There are several types of <\/span>malware<\/span><\/a>. The program might be <\/span>ransomware<\/span> that locks up your information until you pay the <\/span>scammers<\/span> or spyware that tracks your online activity.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To avoid this <\/span>scam<\/span>, never download <\/span>antivirus<\/span> software from a <\/span>pop-up<\/span>. You\u2019ll be much better off visiting the website of a reputable company, like McAfee, to download <\/span>antivirus<\/span><\/a> software<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Credit repair <\/span><\/b>scams<\/span><\/b><\/h3>\n

Dealing with <\/span>credit card<\/span> debt can be extremely stressful. <\/span>Scammers<\/span> know this and try to capitalize off it. They\u2019ll send emails posing as credit experts and tell you they can help you fix your credit or relieve some of your debt. They might even claim they can hide harmful details on your credit report.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All you have to do is pay a small fee. Of course, after you pay the fee, the \u201ccredit expert\u201d disappears without helping you out with your credit at all. Generally, legitimate debt settlement firms won\u2019t charge you upfront. If a credit relief company charges you a fee upfront, that\u2019s a red flag.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you enter into an agreement with any credit service, check out their reputation. Do an online search on the company to see what you can find. If there\u2019s nothing about the credit repair company online, it\u2019s probably fake.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What can you do if you get scammed online?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n

Admitting that you\u2019ve fallen for an <\/span>online scam<\/span> can be embarrassing. But reporting a <\/span>scammer<\/span> can help stop them from taking advantage of anyone else. If you\u2019ve been the victim of an <\/span>online scam<\/span>, try contacting your <\/span>local police<\/span> department and filing a report with the <\/span>Federal Trade Commission<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>FTC<\/span>).\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Several other <\/span>law enforcement<\/span> organizations handle different types of fraud. Here are a few examples of institutions that can help you <\/span>report scams<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n