Scams: Know how they work

A scam is any fraudulent business or deceptive scheme performed by a dishonest individual, group or company to try to take money or any valuable from an innocent, often unsuspecting, person. Since the appearance of the internet, new forms of deception have emerged, and fraudulent behaviours have increased since then. Ultimately, it is up to us to be aware of common deceptive activities and to stay alert and be careful when we are active and use confidential information online.

How does a scam work?

Scams may come in many forms — email, SMS, phone call or computer virus — and anyone may fall prey to one. Scammers often ask for your personal details and confidential information, and this is the first step for them to know what to look for.

It may be a scam if …

  • The information presented to you seems too good to be true.
  • The offer, price or communication appears all of a sudden and you did not take part in the contest or did not ask for the information that is mentioned.
  • The message requires a very urgent response to clarify your information or win the prize. 
  • This puts you under pressure and does not give you much time to think about the veracity of the information or discuss the matter with persons whom you trust.
  • The information is received via free email accounts, e.g. Hotmail, AIM, Yahoo or Gmail.
  • You are promised large sums for little or no effort on your part.
  • You are asked to advance money, for any reason, before the transaction offered may take place.
  • You are asked to confirm personal and banking details via a hyperlink, icon or attachment contained in an email or by phone.