The complex panorama of online scams continues to evolve, with deceptions ranging from personal relationships to business proposals. In the digital world, nothing is as it seems, especially financially. THE FBI data they point to over $10 billion in losses from online scams this year, with also widespread in Italy, especially in Milan.
Online scams, from phishing to banking scams
In the United States, online scams show a particular incidence among people over the age of 60 years, although cybercriminals target users of all age groups, both in the United States and abroad.
Projections from Var Group's Digital Security division, known as Yarix, suggest that by 2023 online fraud will cause global losses in the e-commerce sector of $48 billion, recording a 20% increase compared to 2022 estimates.
Online pitfalls, however, are not limited to e-commerce. Scams hide behind phishing emails, Fraudulent SMS, false judicial notices e bank alerts counterfeit. Every aspect of online life is susceptible to some form of scam.
The main problem lies in the fact that, in most cases, we provide it ourselves sensitive data, unintentionally contributing to these deceptions.
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By closely examining the most widespread scams and defense measures, a rapidly spreading technique emerges in Italy too: fake fines. These alerts, which incorporate QR codes directed at fraudulent sites, represent an example of how scams adapt to new technologies.
Other common examples include online shopping scams, promising advantageous deals that turn out to be disappointing, and "romantic" scams, exploiting the human need for relationships.
Although less frequent, some scams are equally harmful, such as emails announcing little-known lottery wins and scams disguised as charitable organizations, collecting fraudulent donations.
A historical case of Nigerian scam, an intricate scam cult, exploits individuals' trust by pushing them to transfer funds in exchange for fictitious promises of wealth.
Sophisticated frauds and useful tips
More advanced scams involve sophisticated techniques such as phishing, vishing (via telephone) and smishing (via SMS), often combining to maximize deception. The spoofing, a cyber attack based on identity falsification, represents a further tool in the hands of fraudsters, frequently requiring the acquisition of information through abusive access to databases.
The recent increase in police action in the sector highlights the importance of awareness. A specific scam case highlights how timeliness and awareness are essential to prevent greater damage.
In this context, an SMS apparently coming from the bank led to a clone site, followed by a phone call from a scammer, underlining the importance of carefully verifying the authenticity of communications.
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In the digital age, acquiring detailed information and cloning web pages have become relatively simple tasks. We are vulnerable to unwanted surprises, and any online procedure that seems excessively advantageous should arouse suspicion.
Adopting active verification behaviors and constant awareness are key to avoiding online pitfalls and ensuring safety security of our data personal and financial.
Always keep your software and password up to date, proceed with caution when entering personal data and check carefully Shopping web pages are crucial steps in protecting yourself from scams.
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