Things Schools Should Actually Teach | How to Spot a Scam Online | Emails, Pop-ups, and Phishing Tricks
The internet is full of scams, and they’re getting more sophisticated. Whether it’s a fake email from your bank, a “you’ve won a prize” pop-up, or a social media message asking for money, scammers prey on people who don’t know how to spot the red flags. This guide will teach you how to spot a scam online. You’ll learn how to recognize them, avoid phishing attempts, and protect yourself from falling victim to online fraud.
The Most Common Online Scams
Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, but most online scams fall into these categories:
Phishing Emails & Messages
Phishing is when scammers send fake emails, texts, or social media messages pretending to be a trusted company. They try to get you to click a link and enter your personal information.
Red Flags:
- Urgent language like “Your account will be locked in 24 hours!”
- Poor grammar or misspellings
- A link that looks suspicious (hover over it before clicking)
- The sender’s email doesn’t match the official company’s domain
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never click links in emails unless you’re sure they’re real
- Go directly to the company’s website instead of using email links
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on important accounts
Fake Pop-Ups & Tech Support Scams
Have you ever seen a pop-up that says, “Your computer is infected! Call this number now!”? That’s a scam. Legitimate companies don’t use scare tactics like this.
Red Flags:
- Claims that your device is hacked or infected
- A phone number asking you to “call now”
- Pop-ups that won’t close unless you restart your computer
How to Protect Yourself:
- Close the tab or restart your computer
- Never call the number or download anything from a pop-up
- Use a reputable antivirus program
Fake Websites & Online Shopping Scams
Scammers create fake versions of real websites to steal your credit card info.
Red Flags:
- The website URL looks slightly different (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”)
- No HTTPS (secure padlock symbol in the address bar)
- Prices that are too good to be true
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always check the URL before entering payment info
- If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is
- Use PayPal or a credit card (never a debit card) for purchases
Social Media & Messenger Scams
Scammers send messages pretending to be friends or businesses, asking for money or personal info.
Red Flags:
- A friend suddenly asks for money via DMs
- Messages from brands claiming you won a giveaway
- Links that ask for your login info
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify by calling or texting the person directly
- Never enter your password after clicking a random link
- Report scam accounts to the platform
Learn more about how to protect yourself in our article, How to Spot and Stop Fake Friend Impersonators on Social Media.
How to Identify a Scam Website or Email
Before clicking anything or entering personal details, check for these red flags:
Look at the URL:
- A legitimate website will have HTTPS and a properly spelled domain.
- Scammers create lookalike sites with slight misspellings.
Check the Email Sender:
- If the email is from Netflix, but the sender is netflix-support123@gmail.com, it’s fake.
- Legitimate companies don’t use free email services like Gmail or Yahoo.
Verify the Contact Info:
- Does the website have a real address and phone number?
- Fake sites often hide contact details.
Trust Your Instincts:
- If it feels rushed, overly urgent, or too good to be true, it’s likely a scam.
What to Do If You Encounter a Scam
If you spot a scam, don’t panic. Follow these steps:
Don’t click any links or respond. Scammers rely on urgency to trick you.
Report it:
- Email scams: Forward to reportphishing@apwg.org
- Fake social media accounts: Use the platform’s report button
- Fake shopping sites: Report to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Change your passwords if you accidentally clicked a scam link.
- Educate others! Share this guide with friends and family to protect them.
Stay Smart, Stay Safe
Scammers rely on deception, but once you know the signs, they become easy to spot. The key is to stay skeptical, verify information, and never rush when handling online requests. Now that you know how to spot a scam online, stay safe by following these rules:
- If something seems too good to be true, it is.
- Always verify links, emails, and contacts before taking action.
- Trust your instincts. If something feels off, walk away.
Glossary
- HTTPS: A secure version of a website that encrypts data (look for the padlock icon in the browser).
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): A security measure that requires two steps to log in, like a password plus a text code.
- Phishing: A scam where someone pretends to be a trusted company to steal your personal information.
- Scam Website: A fake website designed to trick users into entering personal data or payment details.
- Spam: Unwanted or unsolicited messages, often promotional or fraudulent.
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