Fraud and internet safety

What are you at risk of on the internet?

The internet is a very useful tool. Unfortunately, there is another side to the coin in the form of the various dangers it brings. These include various malware and viruses that can damage your computer or mobile device, steal sensitive information , etc. For example, ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files and then demands a ransom to unlock them.

Cyberbullying is another major problem on the Internet, especially among children and teenagers. This consists of harassment, intimidation or blackmail via the Internet, social networks, etc. Another risk is the access of children and adolescents to inappropriate or illegal content such as violent, pornographic or hateful material.

But one of the biggest dangers is internet fraud. These include phishing,in the form of fraudulent emails or websites. Social engineering, which involves manipulating a person to obtain their confidential information or extort money from them, is also common. Identity theft is another danger where someone uses your personal information to commit fraud or other criminal activity. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular scams of today.

The most common internet scams

Phishing

Phishing is a method in which scammers send fraudulent emails or messages pretending to be legitimate communications from a bank, social network or other trusted institution. The goal is to get your login details, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. These emails often contain links to fake websites that look like the institution’s real website.

Online shopping scams

Scammers often use social networks to advertise goods at attractive prices. However, when you pay, you either never receive anything or you receive something completely different and less valuable.

Fake dating sites

Scammers can create profiles on legitimate dating sites to establish a trusting relationship with a victim and then extort money from them. To do this, they use various excuses such as health problems or travel expenses. However, there are also dating sites that are fake throughout. You won’t come across any real people here, as all the profiles are managed by moderators and their only goal is to extract as much money from you as possible.

Pig butchering

Pig butchering is a scam in which fraudsters establish a long-term relationship with a victim, often through dating or social networking sites, and gradually persuade them to invest large sums of money in bogus investment schemes.

Fraudulent e-shops

Fraudulent e-shops are websites that look like legitimate shops but you never receive your product or receive counterfeit goods when you pay for your order. These shops often lure customers with very low prices and special offers.

Fraudulent apartment rental offers

This scam works by having the scammer put up an enticing-looking advertisement for an apartment to rent. However, it asks for a deposit upfront and then disappears once the deposit is paid. The apartment either does not exist or is not available for rent.

Identity theft

In this case, fraudsters steal your personal information, which they use to open accounts or obtain loans in your name. They may obtain your information through phishing, malware or other fraudulent methods.

The theft of your internet account itself is no exception. In this case, the fraudster obtains the login details for your online account (e.g. email account) and then uses them to make unauthorised transactions or steal personal data. They may also change passwords to prevent you from accessing your account.

Fake lotteries and competitions

The scam involves receiving a notification of a lottery or competition prize that you have never entered (often a prize of a voucher for shopping at various supermarkets). However, in order to collect the prize, you need to pay something or enter your personal details, which the scammer then uses.

Internet safety principles

Because of all sorts of pitfalls, you need to follow certain safety guidelines on the internet :

• Use strong and unique passwords: Create passwords that contain a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. Use a unique password for each account.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible as an additional layer of protection for your accounts.
• Be cautious when clicking on links and attachments: do not click on links or attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders. Verify the authenticity of messages, even if they appear to be from known contacts.
• Use antivirus software and a firewall: Install and regularly update antivirus software and use a firewall to protect against malware and unauthorized access.
• Be careful when sharing personal information: don’t post too much personal information on social media and other public forums.
• Use secure and trusted websites: Only make purchases and financial transactions on secure websites (with HTTPS protocol).
• Back up your important data: regularly back up your data to an external device or cloud storage so you can restore it in the event of loss or attack.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks: Use public Wi-Fi networks with caution and don’t access sensitive information (e.g. online banking) on them. Consider using a VPN (virtual private network) for added security.
• Be wary of social engineering: Be sceptical of unusual requests for information or money, even if they come from known contacts. This is because scammers often use manipulation and social engineering to obtain sensitive information.
• Adjust your social media privacy settings to limit who can see your personal information and posts.
• Educate Yourself: Stay up-to-date with news and information about new types of scams and security threats so you’re prepared to defend yourself.

Internet safety for kids

Internet safety is not just about you, it’s about your children. In addition to scams, they are also at risk from cyberbullying, inappropriate websites and people posing as their peers.

It is important to set privacy and security measures. Set privacy on their social networks to as tight a circle as possible. Use parental controls and content filters to restrict access to inappropriate websites. Teach children how to recognize and respond to cyberbullying, including that they should report any bullying to you or other trusted adults immediately. Save evidence of cyberbullying, such as screenshots and messages, andreport incidents to the school or police if necessary.

Theemphasis on critical thinking is also important. Teach children to be critical of the information they find online and to always check the sources of information. Warn them about scams and false information that may appear in emails, messages or on social media. Use apps and platforms that allow you to monitor and block suspicious contacts , while also using apps in the education itself.

Internet safety apps

A great way to educate children about internet safety is through various apps. There are a number of these and they usually work on the principle of various quizzes. In addition, it’s also a good idea to bet on apps that allow you to monitor your child’s online activities. The most popular internet safety apps include:

• Google Interland: Google Interland is part of the “Be Internet Awesome” program. It’s an interactive game that teaches kids how to be safe online through a variety of fun activities. The game focuses on topics such as privacy, critical thinking, and good online behavior.
• KasperskySafe Kids. These modules help children understand how to stay safe online and how to protect themselves from various threats.
• Bark: Bark is an app that monitors children’s online activity and also provides educational materials about internet safety. The app offers tips and advice on how to stay safe online and helps parents and children identify potential threats.
• Be safe online: Be Safe Online is an Avast initiative to educate children, parents and teachers about internet safety. It offers interactive lessons, quizzes and videos that explain to children how to use the internet safely, identify threats and protect their personal information.

Summary

The Internet offers many benefits, but it also brings significant risks in the form of various scams and security threats. The most common include phishing, online shopping scams, fake dating sites, fraudulent e-shops, identity theft and fake lotteries.

To protect against these threats, it is crucial to follow basic internet security principles such as using strong and unique passwords, two-factor authentication, antivirus software, firewalls and being careful when sharing personal information and clicking on links.

Internet safety also affects children, who are vulnerable to cyberbullying, inappropriate content and scammers. Parents should set privacy and security measures, use parental controls and educate children about safe online behaviour.