Information About Online Scams

Online scams are dishonest schemes that trick people into giving away money or personal information. Common types include fake emails, phishing websites, and unusually good offers. Scammers often create a sense of urgency or fear to persuade victims. It is important to verify sources and be cautious when sharing information online.

There is an increasing problem in society with online scams, which are deceptive schemes on the internet designed to trick people into giving away personal information or money. Someone may receive an email that appears to be from the bank, stating that their account has been compromised and they need to click a link to verify their information. Then they click the link, it takes them to a fake website that looks like their bank’s site, where they might unknowingly enter their login credentials and personal information, which the scammer then uses to complete fraudulent activities.

When someone falls for a scam, they might lose their life savings, have their identity stolen, or face other financial troubles. It is a widespread issue because it can happen to anyone, and can be hard to find scammers, or recover the lost money. This makes it important for people to be careful when putting their information online.

Scam statistics | Scamwatch

The impact of online scamming can go further than affecting an individual, it can also create significant problems for companies, and the economy as a whole. As shown on Scam Watch, there have been $134,470,447.85 reported losses from scams, with the top scam being investment.

Online scams tend to impact a wide range of people, but certain groups are most vulnerable. Older adults generally get targeted, as they tend not to be as familiar with technology and online safety. Another common victim of online scams are individuals who are struggling financially, as they are more likely to fall for scams that promise quick money, or easy solutions to their problems. Anyone can be affected, but these groups are at a higher risk.

Once scammers have lured someone in, they use fear and urgency, insisting that you need to act quickly to avoid a loss, or gain something valuable. They often promise big rewards for small investments or offer prizes that require a payment to claim. Many scammers ask for sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers, claiming they need this information to help you. They rely on deception, manipulation and exploiting emotions to carry out their scams, often disappearing once they have what they want.

Online scamming happens because scammers want to make money quickly and easily by tricking people. The internet gives them the chance to reach a large number of targets with minimal effort, making it an option for dishonest individuals. Things like anonymity and low risk of getting caught contribute to the frequency of online scams.

People are affected by online scams because they cause financial loss and emotional distress. Victims often feel shame or embarrassment which can make them hesitant to report the crime. It can also hurt businesses by damaging their reputation and increasing their security costs.

Online scams | eSafety Commissioner

https://youtu.be/GT7_bPVZuq4

The article I’m reviewing for this vlog is Online Scams from eSafety Commissioner which contains information on how to spot scams, and what you should do if you have been scammed. I will be reviewing this article using the CRAAP method.

This website was last updated on March 14, 2024, so is very current. I give it a 10/10 for being up to date.

The intended audience is the general public. The information doesn’t contain complex terms or jargon, so it is accessible to the relevant audience. I rate this a 10/10 for relevance.

It is an Australian government website, so I assume it is authoritative, which is backed up by referenced research. Contact is available by email to the organization, but not to a specific individual, which makes it less accessible to some people. It isn’t clear if the information has been peer reviewed, so I give it an 8/10 for authority.

It is hard to gage the accuracy of the website, but the information seems to be backed up by some other resources. I rate this a 7/10 as I am assuming it is accurate but can’t confirm it.

The purpose of the information is to provide details and statistics about types of scams and what to do if you are scammed. The intentions are very clear and based on facts, rather than opinions. There are no apparent biases in the article, and I give it a 10/10 for that.

In conclusion, I give this website 45/50, which is excellent.