Online Scams and Frauds
Cybercriminals are using big social media platforms like Facebook to target more victims at one time.
Cybercriminals are using big social media platforms like Facebook to target more victims at one time. Fake invitations and fraudulent solicitations are sent to prospective victims with the aim to steal personal information and conduct fake transactions. Examples of online scams and frauds include:
- Money Laundering Scam (Nigerian Scam)
- Greeting Card Scam
- Guaranteed Bank Loans or Credit Card Scam
- Lottery Scam
- Romance Scam
- Fake Anti-Virus Software
- Facebook Impersonation Scam (Hijacked Profile Scam)
- Make Money Fast Scam
- Travel Scam
I am victim of an online scam – what to do?
- Report the scam to the service provider
- If you are victim of financial scam, contact your bank immediately
- Report it to MAUCORS
- Alert others to the scam
- Change your passwords
- Avoid follow up scams
How to protect from online scams and Frauds?
- Be alert to the fact that scams exist.
- Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or emails.
- Keep your personal details secure.
- Choose your passwords carefully.
- Review your privacy and security settings on social media.
- If you recognise suspicious behaviour, clicked on suspicious link or have been scammed online, take steps to secure your account and report the conduct.
- Beware of any requests for your details or money.
- Never send money or give credit card details, online account details or copies of personal documents to anyone you do not know or trust.
- Do not agree to transfer money or goods for someone else – money laundering is a criminal offence.
- Be careful when shopping online through social networking sites.