Top 5 Ways to spot a scammer

The internet has brought many benefits to our lives, including convenience, speed, and accessibility. However, it has also brought new risks, such as online scams, which can lead to financial losses, identity theft, and other harmful consequences. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and creative in their tactics, making it more challenging to spot and avoid them. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and informed about the warning signs of online scams. In this article, we will discuss the top five ways to spot an online scammer and protect yourself from fraud.  You can swing by our Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook Group to find a running list of the scammers we catch in the act or that are reported to us, complete with receipts!

Unsolicited messages or emails

One of the most common ways scammers reach their victims is through unsolicited messages or emails. They might claim to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or a substantial discount on a rare plant, they may even post their “autistic son/daughter’s creative tshirt design” then reroute you to a phishing site. However, these messages often contain grammar or spelling mistakes, inconsistencies, and unrealistic promises. They might ask you to share your personal information or make an upfront payment, which is a red flag for a scam. Another red flag is buying “plant protection insurance” for an additional $50 to $150 dollars, often they want it as a down payment.

risky payment methods

Scammers are primarily motivated by obtaining your money quickly and through means that do not expose them to chargebacks when they fail to deliver the promised goods. They’ll encourage you to use payment methods like PayPal friends and family, Zelle, CashApp, or any other payment method that lacks buyer protection. To achieve this, scammers rely on using various high-pressure sales tactics and unethical behavior, banking on your eagerness to receive the product or service you desire.

Urgency or pressure

Scammers often use urgency or pressure to persuade their victims to act quickly and without thinking. They might claim that you have won a prize, but you need to pay a small fee to claim it, or that your account has been compromised, and you need to change your password immediately. These tactics aim to create a sense of fear, excitement, or urgency, which can cloud your judgment and make you more susceptible to fraud.

Poor website design or security

Legitimate websites invest in professional design and security to protect their users’ data and build trust. However, scammers might create fake websites that mimic the appearance of a legitimate one. For instance, they might use a slightly different domain name, such as “amazonstore.com” instead of “amazon.com,” or have missing or broken links. These websites might also ask you to enter your payment details or download malware, which can compromise your device and steal your data.

No physical address or contact information

If a website or business does not provide a physical address or contact information, it might be a sign of a scam. Legitimate businesses want their customers to reach them easily and have nothing to hide, so they provide clear and accessible contact details. On the other hand, scammers might use fake identities, fake addresses, or no contact information at all to avoid detection and evade responsibility. It’s important to reach out to your community and ask if you even question you’re getting scammed!

Online scams are everywhere. By knowing some of the warning signs, such as unsolicited messages, urgency, and lack of contact information, we can protect ourselves. Remember to stay informed, trust your instincts, and seek help from trusted sources.  If you ever need an unbiased opinion, get in touch with our admin team or post in the group, we’re happy to give our two cents.

References:

• Federal Trade Commission. “How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams.” Federal Trade Commission, 2021, https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-avoid-phishing-scams.
• Federal Bureau of Investigation. “Internet Fraud.” FBI, 2021, https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/internet-fraud.
• U.S. Department of Justice. “Avoiding Online Scams.” U.S. Department of Justice, 2021, https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/fraud-section/types-fraud/avoiding-online-scams.