Trend Micro</a></em></p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Text","_identifier":"block-63982","data":{"text":"<p>We are now living in the digital age where most of our time is spent browsing online and checking things over the internet. And as we continue to live the digital lifestyle, there are looming threats that could affect not just us, but also those we love like our kids or parents who are in their old days.</p>\r\n<h2>Top 10 online scams on the list</h2>\r\n<p>Today, we will discuss different online scams out there that could invade our experience online.</p>\r\n<p><strong>1. Nigerian Scam</strong><br />One of the oldest scams out there. Someone will send an email claiming that they are from a wealthy family in Nigeria or an African country and will seek your help to transfer their wealth. They will promise to provide you with a share of their riches in return for covering a certain fee needed to do the deed.</p>\r\n<p><strong>2. Cryptocurrency scam</strong><br />Since cryptocurrencies boomed and became popular, cybercriminals found ways to lure people to deceive them. They will encourage folks to invest in certain companies that are about to go up, but eventually, your investment will lead to nothing.</p>\r\n<p><strong>3. Dating and Romance Scam</strong><br />One of the ongoing and popular scams now. With the rise of dating and love apps, there are soulless hackers that will pray on the weak and lonely users that will make people fall in love via Fake user profile,s and afterward, they will ask for money.</p>\r\n<p><strong>4. Shopping Scam</strong><br />E-commerce and online stores are now a trend since it provides convenience to people by buying stuff without stepping out of the house. With this, there will be online stores or an email offering Branded, high-end, or quality products at reasonable or cheaper prices. But at the very end, you ended up with no product delivered to your doorstep.</p>\r\n<p><strong>5. Fake Antivirus Software</strong><br />There are non-technical people that go online and get deceived by some messages informing them that their machine is infected with viruses and threats and would require them to download certain Antivirus products. But alas, what users will download is most likely the virus itself.</p>\r\n<p><strong>6. Account Failure</strong><br />In this scam, you will receive an email informing you that there’s an issue or error with your account and you need to sign in or provide more details to have it fixed. Once you provide your account details, cyber attackers will now have your account credentials.</p>\r\n<p><strong>7. Free-stuff Scam</strong><br />Upon visiting a certain site, a message will appear that you need to answer a survey so that you will receive stuff like iPhone, new gadgets, and more. You also need to provide personal information to qualify. After answering, they now have your details. This also applies to free travel offers via cruise lines or air travel.</p>\r\n<p><strong>8. Digital Greeting Cards</strong><br />Even if it’s no longer rampant, there are still few traces of this scam where a scammer will send Digital Greeting Cards to various email addresses. Once it is opened, it will download malicious software that could potentially steal your information.</p>\r\n<p><strong>9. Fake Charities</strong><br />Every time that there’s a catastrophe or calamity in different parts of the world, there will be donations and charity drives created by scammers so that they can milk money from kindred spirits and kind-hearted souls that are willing to give aid.</p>\r\n<p><strong>10. Work from Home Scams</strong><br />When the pandemic hits, Work from home becomes one of the solutions for people that still need to earn their keep. And thus, scammers try to fool people by providing offers that job seekers will not resist. But in the end, after doing the jobs, scammers will not pay for your hard work and effort.</p>\r\n<p>Other scams out there:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/10/20/how-to-remove-iphone-calendar-spam//">Calendar Scam</a></li>\r\n<li><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/11/03/tips-to-stop-spam-texts-2021//">SMS Scam</a></li>\r\n<li>Pre-Approval Scam</li>\r\n<li><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/24/youve-won-an-iphone-13-pro-6-hot-raffle-text-scams-bestbuy-walmart-t-mobile-costco-att-and-amazon-survey//">Fake Lottery</a></li>\r\n<li><a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://news.trendmicro.com/2021/09/24/youve-won-an-iphone-13-pro-6-hot-raffle-text-scams-bestbuy-walmart-t-mobile-costco-att-and-amazon-survey//">False Surveys</a></li>\r\n<li>Fine Print Scams</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Avoiding online threats</h2>\r\n<p>Usually, the top scams share common denominators and there will be situations and scenarios where you can avoid being fooled by the cyber scammers.</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If it's too good to be true, it probably is.</li>\r\n<li>Visit reputable sites.</li>\r\n<li>Avoid clicking ads and weird links.</li>\r\n<li>Close windows or tabs that suddenly appear while browsing.</li>\r\n<li>Verify contact and information.</li>\r\n<li>Cross-check details of promotions.</li>\r\n<li> Read and examine the End User License Agreement.</li>\r\n<li>Guard and protect your personal information.</li>\r\n<li>Use antivirus software.</li>\r\n<li>Avoid public wifi and use VPN.</li>\r\n<li>When in doubt, NEVER click.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<h2>Protection from Scams</h2>\r\n<p>To safeguard yourself from various scams out there in the wild, you can opt to try <a href=https://www.scamadviser.com/"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=scamadviser&utm_content=top-10-online-scams\%22>Trend Micro Check</a>. It is an all-in-one browser extension that detects scams and misinformation. It provides the following:</p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Blocks dangerous websites in real-time.</li>\r\n<li>Remove browsing history risks</li>\r\n<li>Fact-check what you have read.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\n<p>We hope this article provides more insights and details on how to be safe and knowledgeable in the digital world!</p>"}},{"_template":"Articles\\Button","_identifier":"block-63995","data":{"text":"Get Trend Micro Check It's Free","link":"https://api.link.trendmicro.com/events/landing-page?product_id=4cc29&source=scamadviser&utm_content=top-10-online-scams"}}],"sidebarBlocks":[{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Cta","_identifier":"block-157084","data":{"title":"Report a Scam!","consumer":null,"description":"Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!","image":"https://files.scamadviser.com/thumbs/tell-your-story-8910e.png_200x200.png","button":"Report a Scam!","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/leave-review"}},{"_template":"Small\\Content\\Taxonomy","_identifier":"block-157123","data":{"title":"Scam Categories","taxonomies":[{"id":7,"name":"Scam Alerts (1025)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts"},{"id":6,"name":"Scam Trends (372)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends"},{"id":8,"name":"Global Scam Country Guide (44)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/global-scam-country-guide"},{"id":87,"name":"Product Reviews (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/product-reviews"},{"id":88,"name":"Fact Check (43)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/fact-check"},{"id":3,"name":"News about Scamadviser (42)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/news-about-scamadviser"},{"id":5,"name":"Reliable Sites (37)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites"},{"id":1,"name":"Tips & Support (32)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/tips-support"},{"id":2,"name":"Research & Reports (26)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports"},{"id":4,"name":"Advice for Companies (2)","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies"}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59407","data":{"align":"left","text":"Help & Info","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157795","data":{"articles":[{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157824","data":{"title":"Scam Alerts","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-alerts","icon":"fa-exclamation-triangle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-scam-alert-f348b.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157839","data":{"title":"Learn Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/scam-trends","icon":"fa-tags","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-learn-scam-737a6.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157854","data":{"title":"Reliable Sites","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/reliable-sites","icon":"fa-check-circle","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-website-213fb.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157869","data":{"title":"Advices","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/advice-for-companies","icon":"fa-comment","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-advice-f32d8.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-157884","data":{"title":"Studies","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/research-reports","icon":"fa-search","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-report-ebc61.svg"}},{"_template":"Home\\Articles","_identifier":"block-161131","data":{"title":"Global Scams","link":"https://www.scamadviser.com/global-scam-country-guide","icon":"fa-globe","bgImage":"https://files.scamadviser.com/uploads/img-global-scam-005ad.svg"}}],"buttonText":"See all","buttonLink":"https://www.scamadviser.com/help-info"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-167997","data":{"align":"left","text":"Top Safety Picks","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Lists","_identifier":"block-167811","data":{"heading":"Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety","hint":"Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.","description":null,"listItems":[{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167891","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - iOS","titleUrl":"https://apps.apple.com/us/app/scamadviser/id6480509109","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-167944","data":{"title":"ScamAdviser App - Android","titleUrl":"https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tech.scamadviser","linkTarget":"1","text":"Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android."}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-169734","data":{"title":"NordVPN","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-13382109","linkTarget":"1","text":"NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!"}},{"_template":"Default\\Items\\ListItem","_identifier":"block-171573","data":{"title":"Incogni","titleUrl":"http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-101566658-15718702","linkTarget":"1","text":"Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!"}}]}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Heading","_identifier":"block-59517","data":{"align":"left","text":"Popular Stories","size":"large"}},{"_template":"Default\\Content\\Blogs","_identifier":"block-59530","data":{"items":[{"id":1406,"title":"7 Best VPN Services for Security, Speed, and Privacy","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/7-best-vpn-services-for-security-speed-and-privacy","excerpt":"In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.\r\n\r\nIn an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.\r\nBut with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.\r\nWhat to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars\r\n1. Ironclad Security Features\r\n\r\nStrong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.\r\nSecure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.\r\nKill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.\r\nLeak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.\r\n\r\n2. Verified Privacy Practices\r\n\r\nNo-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.\r\nIndependent Audits: Verification by third parties.\r\nSafe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.\r\n\r\n3. High-Speed Performance\r\n\r\nFast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.\r\nLarge Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.\r\n\r\n4. Essential Usability Features\r\n\r\nMulti-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.\r\nSimultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.\r\nUnblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC ","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false},{"id":1475,"title":"Data Breach Victim? Your Emergency Action Plan Starts Now","url":"https://www.scamadviser.com/articles/data-breach-victim-your-emergency-action-plan-starts-now","excerpt":"How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach\r\nWhen Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands\r\nJust received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.\r\nThe numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.\r\nThis guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.\r\nPart 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage\r\nThe very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?\r\nStart with the basics:\r\n\r\nCheck Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.\r\nCheck Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if","buttonText":"Read more","renderAsInertiaLink":false}]}}],"meta":{"title":"Top 10 ongoing Online Scams","description":"We are now living in the digital age where most of our time is spent browsing online and checking things over the 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We are now living in the digital age where most of our time is spent browsing online and checking things over the internet. And as we continue to live the digital lifestyle, there are looming threats that could affect not just us, but also those we love like our kids or parents who are in their old days.
Top 10 online scams on the list
Today, we will discuss different online scams out there that could invade our experience online.
1. Nigerian Scam
One of the oldest scams out there. Someone will send an email claiming that they are from a wealthy family in Nigeria or an African country and will seek your help to transfer their wealth. They will promise to provide you with a share of their riches in return for covering a certain fee needed to do the deed.
2. Cryptocurrency scam
Since cryptocurrencies boomed and became popular, cybercriminals found ways to lure people to deceive them. They will encourage folks to invest in certain companies that are about to go up, but eventually, your investment will lead to nothing.
3. Dating and Romance Scam
One of the ongoing and popular scams now. With the rise of dating and love apps, there are soulless hackers that will pray on the weak and lonely users that will make people fall in love via Fake user profile,s and afterward, they will ask for money.
4. Shopping Scam
E-commerce and online stores are now a trend since it provides convenience to people by buying stuff without stepping out of the house. With this, there will be online stores or an email offering Branded, high-end, or quality products at reasonable or cheaper prices. But at the very end, you ended up with no product delivered to your doorstep.
5. Fake Antivirus Software
There are non-technical people that go online and get deceived by some messages informing them that their machine is infected with viruses and threats and would require them to download certain Antivirus products. But alas, what users will download is most likely the virus itself.
6. Account Failure
In this scam, you will receive an email informing you that there’s an issue or error with your account and you need to sign in or provide more details to have it fixed. Once you provide your account details, cyber attackers will now have your account credentials.
7. Free-stuff Scam
Upon visiting a certain site, a message will appear that you need to answer a survey so that you will receive stuff like iPhone, new gadgets, and more. You also need to provide personal information to qualify. After answering, they now have your details. This also applies to free travel offers via cruise lines or air travel.
8. Digital Greeting Cards
Even if it’s no longer rampant, there are still few traces of this scam where a scammer will send Digital Greeting Cards to various email addresses. Once it is opened, it will download malicious software that could potentially steal your information.
9. Fake Charities
Every time that there’s a catastrophe or calamity in different parts of the world, there will be donations and charity drives created by scammers so that they can milk money from kindred spirits and kind-hearted souls that are willing to give aid.
10. Work from Home Scams
When the pandemic hits, Work from home becomes one of the solutions for people that still need to earn their keep. And thus, scammers try to fool people by providing offers that job seekers will not resist. But in the end, after doing the jobs, scammers will not pay for your hard work and effort.
Other scams out there:
Avoiding online threats
Usually, the top scams share common denominators and there will be situations and scenarios where you can avoid being fooled by the cyber scammers.
- If it's too good to be true, it probably is.
- Visit reputable sites.
- Avoid clicking ads and weird links.
- Close windows or tabs that suddenly appear while browsing.
- Verify contact and information.
- Cross-check details of promotions.
- Read and examine the End User License Agreement.
- Guard and protect your personal information.
- Use antivirus software.
- Avoid public wifi and use VPN.
- When in doubt, NEVER click.
Protection from Scams
To safeguard yourself from various scams out there in the wild, you can opt to try Trend Micro Check. It is an all-in-one browser extension that detects scams and misinformation. It provides the following:
- Blocks dangerous websites in real-time.
- Remove browsing history risks
- Fact-check what you have read.
We hope this article provides more insights and details on how to be safe and knowledgeable in the digital world!
Report a Scam!
Have you fallen for a hoax, bought a fake product? Report the site and warn others!
Your Go-To Tools for Online Safety
- ScamAdviser App - iOS : Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on iOS
- ScamAdviser App - Android : Your personal scam detector, on the go! Check website safety, report scams, and get instant alerts. Available on Android.
- NordVPN : NordVPN keeps your connection private and secure whether you are at home, traveling, or streaming from another country. It protects your data, blocks unwanted ads and trackers, and helps you access your paid subscriptions anywhere. Try it Today!
- Incogni : Incogni automatically removes your personal data from data brokers that trade in personal information online, helping reduce scam and identity theft risks without the hassle of manual opt-outs. Reclaim your privacy now!
In a nutshell: A good VPN protects your privacy with strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and fast protocols like WireGuard. The best VPNs also offer wide server coverage, leak protection, and easy-to-use apps for all devices. For 2025, the top providers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and Mullvad—each excelling in speed, security, or value.
In an age where every click is tracked, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer just a luxury—it's an essential tool for digital privacy and security. A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, masking your real IP address and protecting your sensitive data from prying eyes.
But with hundreds of providers out there, how do you sort the secure from the suspect? This guide breaks down the non-negotiable features of a quality VPN and highlights the 7 top-rated services for 2025.
What to Look for in a Good VPN: The 4 Non-Negotiable Pillars
1. Ironclad Security Features
Strong Encryption: AES-256, the gold standard.
Secure Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, NordLynx, Lightway. Avoid PPTP.
Kill Switch: Ensures no accidental IP leaks.
Leak Protection: Covers DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC.
2. Verified Privacy Practices
No-Logs Policy: No activity or metadata tracking.
Independent Audits: Verification by third parties.
Safe Jurisdiction: Prefer countries outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances.
3. High-Speed Performance
Fast Protocols: WireGuard and equivalents.
Large Server Network: Less crowding, more reliable speeds.
4. Essential Usability Features
Multi-Device Apps: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers.
Simultaneous Connections: One account, many devices.
Unblocking Power: Netflix, Hulu, BBC
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family After a Data Breach
When Your Data Falls Into the Wrong Hands
Just received that terrifying notification? Or perhaps you've noticed suspicious activity in your accounts? Take a deep breath. A data breach, the unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive, protected, or confidential data, is a deeply unsettling event. It can plunge you into a world of worry, bringing risks from financial losses and identity theft to significant emotional distress and reputational damage.
The numbers don't lie: according to a 2024 report, the number of data breach victim notices has grown by a staggering 211% year-over-year. This isn't just a distant threat; it's a stark reality many individuals face. This year alone, we've seen major organizations like Adidas and Qantas grapple with high-profile data breaches, affecting countless customers. This underscores a critical truth: nobody is untouchable. Subsequently, strategic action is the only way to minimize the risk and protect your future.
This guide is your emergency action plan, designed to walk you through every crucial step—from confirming the breach to fortifying your digital life for the long term.
Part 1: Confirming the Breach and Understanding the Damage
The very first step is to answer the question definitively: Was my data compromised, and if so, how badly?
Start with the basics:
Check Official NotificationsReputable companies are legally obligated to inform you if your data was part of a breach. Look for official emails, letters, or public announcements.
Check Verified Breach DatabasesPlatforms like HaveIBeenPwned help you see if