A new branch of law was developed to regulate the internet and keep users safe, but cybercriminals still exist.
By Hannah Hilst | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq. | Last reviewed October 24, 2024
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The internet has become a powerful social and economic force. Things such as online shopping, social media, and everything else have become more advanced, and scams have kept pace.
Cybersecurity is essential, especially when you share sensitive details like credit card information and personal photos. Learn how to protect yourself by avoiding and reporting scams.
Your antivirus software can protect you from some online threats, but not all. The most effective scams often use social engineering to gain your trust.
Some of the infamous online scams in recent years include:
There are many other forms of fraud online. As a rule of thumb, avoid sharing sensitive information on the internet as much as possible. In general, legitimate parties such as the IRS or your bank won't ask you to share details like passwords or social security numbers.
Once many people know the red flags of a scam, it's less likely to work. That's why scammers create new ways to trick their targets.
Online scammers exploit new technology that isn't familiar to the average person. Laws and regulations often can't keep up with the rapid pace of technical advancements. Consumers have fewer protections against scams that use unregulated technology.
The rise in cryptocurrency fraud and theft shows how fraudsters evolve. Be wary of any requests to transfer cryptocurrency while online shopping or investing.
Cryptocurrency transactions don't offer the same legal protection and paper trail as a credit card charge. Scammers know they face a lower risk of getting caught and losing the stolen assets.
As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, it could also play a role in new online scams.
For example, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers that scammers can already use AI to fake the voices of their family members on a phone call. It's possible that online video calls might also mimic real people in the near future.
Checking the phone number and asking personal questions can help you verify a speaker's identity. Unfortunately, many people aren't yet aware of voice impersonation. They might not take precautions, which some scammers see as an opportunity.
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation, robbing its victims of time, money and peace of mind. Identity thieves often use the Internet but can also obtain sensitive personal data from trash cans and other unsecured locations.
The virtual world is fraught with real world dangers, which is why consumers should exercise caution online. A lot of questions come to mind when dealing with the online world, like: Should you post photos of your children online? How do you protect your identity online? How do you respond to "spam" email? FindLaw's resources on Online Scams provide answers to those questions and more.
In many scams, the scammer aims to take the target's money, but your personal information could be more valuable than a one-time gift card or wire transfer.
Identity theft is a crime in which a thief uses your information to commit fraud and steal more from you. Thieves could unlock your bank account, medical records, personal emails, and other data.
Fighting online identity theft can be complicated. The process starts with reporting the cybercrime as soon as possible.
Multiple government agencies can investigate a report. The type of scam or hacking crime determines which agency can best respond to it. You can use USA.gov to find the right agency for your report.
Federal consumer protection agencies that handle online scams include the FTC and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center. You can also contact your state's attorney general.
Online scams are complex crimes that often have many victims across the globe. These agencies may be more responsive and better equipped to help you than local law enforcement.
Non-government resources can help you address the fallout from a scam. Speak with a company or institution's fraud department to close stolen accounts. You can also temporarily freeze your credit score with a credit bureau to minimize the damage. A consumer protection attorney can help you evaluate your legal options for an online fraud case.
Cybercriminals use complicated forms of deception. Anyone could become the target of a phishing email or malicious popup, no matter how digitally savvy they are.
Learn how to protect your financial information and privacy from hackers and scammers. In this section, FindLaw offers tips and resources to stay safe online.
