The 5 Most Dangerous Online Scams and How to Spot Them

Every day, millions of people receive emails, texts, or calls that look legitimate—but are actually carefully crafted traps. Cybercriminals are becoming more convincing, and if you're not paying attention, it's easy to fall for a scam. The good news? If you know what to watch for, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are five of the most dangerous online scams today—and how to spot them before they get to you.

RECOGNIZING THREATS

5/19/20252 min read

1. Phishing Emails (Still the #1 Threat)

What it is: Emails that look like they’re from trusted companies (banks, delivery services, or even your employer) asking you to click a link or download an attachment.

How to spot it:

  • The sender's address is slightly off (e.g., support@amaz0n.com)

  • It urges you to “act fast” or lose access

  • Hovering over the link shows a suspicious URL

✅ What to do: Don’t click. Visit the site directly through your browser or contact the company through official channels.

2. Tech Support Scams

What it is: A pop-up says your computer is infected—or you get a call claiming to be from Microsoft or Apple.

How to spot it:

  • It uses fear: “Your system is severely infected.”

  • They ask for remote access to your computer

  • They request payment via gift cards or wire transfer

✅ What to do: Close the pop-up or hang up. No legitimate company will cold-call you about an issue you didn’t report.

3. Fake Job Offers

What it is: Emails or LinkedIn messages offering a high-paying job that sounds too good to be true.

How to spot it:

  • The job requires no interview

  • You're asked to pay for “training materials” or equipment

  • They want your personal info (like bank account numbers) up front

✅ What to do: Research the company. If you can’t verify it independently, it’s likely a scam.

4. Online Shopping Scams

What it is: You find an amazing deal on a website you’ve never heard of—but your order never arrives.

How to spot it:

  • No reviews or fake-looking reviews

  • Payment is by wire transfer, Zelle, or crypto only

  • The site has spelling errors and vague contact info

  • ✅ What to do: Stick with reputable platforms. Search for reviews or complaints about the site before buying.

5. Romance & “Pig Butchering” Scams

What it is: You meet someone online who eventually asks for money—or convinces you to invest in fake crypto.

How to spot it:

  • Fast emotional escalation

  • Requests for money, gift cards, or investments

  • Excuses for why they can’t meet in person

✅ What to do: Don’t send money to anyone you haven’t met and verified in real life. When in doubt, talk to a friend.

🛡️ Final Thoughts

Scammers are getting smarter—but so are we. By learning to recognize the signs of common online scams, you protect not just yourself, but your whole digital circle. Share this article with someone who might need it—it could stop them from falling into a trap.

Digital iNSIGHTS