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Various types of fraud are becoming increasingly common nowadays. Being scammed is an extremely unpleasant and violating experience that, unfortunately, affects more and more people of all ages. Criminals are constantly finding new digital ways to deceive. Below are the most common scams and our best advice on how to avoid them.
Emails and SMS Messages
Scammers often send fake emails and SMS messages that appear to come from an organization or company you know and trust.
The messages typically contain a link or button they try to lure you into clicking – often by claiming that something needs to be resolved urgently.
If you click the link, you will be redirected to a fake, highly convincing login page that steals your information.
How to avoid this type of fraud
Never click on a link in an email or SMS that you did not request to receive.
And remember: You should never trust a company that unsolicitedly asks for sensitive information via SMS or email.
Buying and selling used goods
Every day, people buy and sell mobile phones, clothes, and much more from one another. This happens at flea markets, but it also takes place on digital platforms and websites.
When dealing with private individuals, be aware that there are many fake profiles and ads that exploit our trust in others.
So, slow down when you come across a great deal. If an offer seems too good to be true, it often is a scam.
Your alarm bells should go off if:
- The seller has creative excuses for why you can't come by and inspect the item.
- The item is being sold significantly cheaper than elsewhere.
- The seller's or buyer's profile doesn't look trustworthy.
- The buyer sends a "proof" of payment, but you can't see the money in your account.
Investment fraud
Many dream of getting rich by investing their money, and scammers take advantage of this. With fake ads on social media, scammers lure people with promises of fantastic returns on investments. They often exploit well-known personalities, who are featured in these ads without their consent.
If you sign up to learn more, you'll be contacted by a trained scam seller, a so-called "investment advisor." The scammer's goal is to get you to invest as much money as possible into the fraudulent scheme.
If you fall for the trap, unfortunately, you will neither get your money back nor see any fantastic returns.
How to avoid this type of fraud
Trust your common sense and verify the credibility of the offer. If you have any doubts or a bad feeling, it's often because something is wrong.
Romance fraud
Romance fraud typically starts online, either on social media or a dating site, where the scammer often pretends to be a "beautiful woman" or a "colonel on a mission abroad."
The contact quickly evolves into phone or video calls, where the scammer declares their love and starts talking about a shared future. After some time, the scammer begins to ask for money for things like travel or medical expenses.
How to avoid this type of fraud
It can be a good idea to talk to someone you trust if you get a romantic interest online. It can be incredibly difficult to spot warning signs when you're in love.
Say no when you're asked to transfer money via phone, share your MitID details, or click on a link in an SMS or email. Also, speak to your bank about ways to protect your account, such as setting a limit for money transfers. That way, you’ll be on the safe side.
Avoid being a mule
Be cautious
Be cautious if strangers or acquaintances ask you to do simple tasks, possibly in exchange for payment.
Easy money is rarely legitimate. Being a mule is illegal, and it's not worth the risk.
Protect your bank information
Never let others use your bank account or share your bank details – these are for your use only.
Go to the police
If you suspect that you’ve been used as a mule or are asked to be one, report it to the police. Help stop the crime and protect yourself.
