Top online scams and how to avoid them

⚡ Quick tips

• Don't click suspicious links in unexpected emails or text messages.
• Verify requests for money or personal information before responding.
• Avoid unusual payment methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels urgent or too good to be true, it probably is.

Whether you're shopping online, scrolling social media, or checking your email, scammers are constantly looking for new ways to steal your money and personal information.

The good news? Knowing what to look for can help you avoid most online scams.

AT&T ProTech experts help customers stay safe online every day. Here are the most common online scams—and how to avoid them.

Types of common online scams

Online scams often begin with an email, text, social media message, or phone call. Here's how to spot the most common scams and protect yourself.

1. Phishing

Phishing scams are the most common type of scam. Scammers use fake emails, text messages, social media posts, or websites to trick you into sharing passwords, financial information, or other personal details.

If you receive an unexpected message asking you to click a link or verify your account, don't respond. Just delete the message.

2. Online shopping scams

Online scammers create fake websites and advertise them on social media sites to lure shoppers with bogus sales on luxury products, like clothing, jewelry, and tech.

Before buying, make sure the website uses https://, research the retailer, and pay with a credit card whenever possible.

3. Banking and payment scams

Online banking scams occur when a cybercriminal tricks you into giving them access to your bank account. This can happen via phishing. Or it can happen in other ways, including:

• Brute force attacks: Scammers use automated tools to guess your password and access your bank account.
• Malware attacks: Clicking a malicious link or attachment can install malware that steals your personal and financial information.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Logging into your bank account on unsecured public Wi-Fi can expose your information to scammers.

Protect yourself by using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and avoiding banking on public Wi-Fi unless you're using a trusted VPN.

4. Impersonation scams

Have you ever gotten an urgent email or Facebook message from someone you trust—a cousin, a friend, a coworker—asking you for money? Maybe they've been arrested. Maybe they've been stranded in another country. Whatever it may be, chances are it's a scammer who has created a fake account or taken over a real one to steal your money.

If you're unsure, end the conversation and contact the person or company using a phone number or website you know is legitimate.

5. Online dating and romance scams

Not even love is safe from scammers. On dating apps and websites, catfishing is a common scam in which internet swindlers use fake profiles to woo you with romance. Their goal is to gain your trust, then ask you to pay for a plane ticket or bogus medical bills.

Never send money to someone you've only met online, and be cautious about sharing personal details too soon

6. Gift card scams

Gift card scams trick you into buying gift cards for a fake emergency or urgent request, then ask you to share the card numbers and PINs. Once the funds are used, they're nearly impossible to recover.

If you're asked to pay with gift cards, stop and verify the request by contacting the person or organization directly using a trusted phone number or website.

7. Tech support scams

Tech support scams involve criminals posing as trusted companies and claiming your device has a virus or security problem. They may ask for remote access to your device or payment for unnecessary repairs.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly claiming to be tech support, don't grant remote access or make a payment. Instead, contact the company using its official website or support channels.

How to spot a scam

Watch for these common warning signs:

• Messages that create urgency or pressure you to act immediately.
• Requests for passwords, account information, or verification codes.
• Offers that seem too good to be true.
• Requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
• Generic greetings, poor grammar, or suspicious email addresses.

What to do if you think you're being scammed online

If you think you've been the victim of an online scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). If you gave sensitive information to a scammer or gave money to someone you shouldn't have, report the identity theft to the FTC, your financial institution, and the police.

How to avoid online scams and protect yourself

There are many ways to protect yourself from online scams. We'll walk you through them.

Do your research

Verify websites and contact information before sharing personal information or making a payment. Be wary of urgent requests for remote access, passwords, or unusual payment methods. When in doubt, contact the company through its official website or customer support.

Pay safely

Shop only on secure websites that use https:// and display a padlock icon in the address bar. Pay with a credit or debit card whenever possible, and never send money or payment information to someone you don't know or trust.

Don't click

Don't click links or open attachments in suspicious emails, texts, or ads. Stick to websites and streaming services you know and trust.

Say no

Never grant remote access to your device unless you contacted the company directly. Legitimate businesses won't pressure you to install software or give them control of your computer.

Staying alert is one of the best ways to protect yourself from scams and keep your personal information secure.

Need help with your phone or another tech issue? AT&T ProTech experts are only a call or chat away.