Scammers use professional emails and websites that look similar to real banks or online shops. They may also trick you into giving them your bank or credit card details.

Don’t click on links in unsolicited emails – they could contain malware that allows cyber thieves to steal your personal information.

1. Do your research

Many online scams such as the Chase bank scam rely on the fact that you don’t know how to identify them. This is why it’s so important to learn how to do your research and recognize the warning signs of an online scam.

When you are unsure about an online deal, try to find out information about the person or company who is contacting. If you are unable to do this, do not reply and don’t give out personal information via text or email unless you have a relationship with the person.

Be wary of online deals that seem too good-to-be true. If the price seems too low, the product promises miraculous results, or promos include limited stock and rapid sales, this is likely a red flag that indicates a scam.

Hackers often create fake shopping sites that look like retail sites. They will often use ‘formjacking,’ to capture shoppers’ banking information when they click to make a sale.

Many scammers will attempt to trick you into divulging your bank account or money details by pretending that they are your bank or another organisation you trust. They may tell you, for instance, that you won the lottery or have inherited money. Then they will ask you for your bank details so that it can be transferred to you. This scam is called a money mule and can lead you to fraud, identity crime or financial loss.

It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and use password security and two-factor authentication when purchasing items online. This will help prevent cybercriminals from accessing your information to guess your passwords, craft targeted phishing messages or steal your money or identity. Scamwatch should be notified if you notice any suspicious activities on your account.

2. Do not trust strangers

Internet and email can be used to commit online fraud. You can fall victim to scams such as phony ‘free trials’, phishing (fraudulent email), counterfeit goods and social media fraud.

Scammers will often use false identities in order to trick victims into providing personal information and money. They might pretend to represent a trustworthy company or contact, such a a bank, well-known retailer or service provider. They may also use a technique called pharming, where they hack into a legitimate website and redirect you to a fake one to steal your personal information and passwords.

Many scammers use high-pressure tactics to convince you that you need to act immediately. They may say that the offer is only available for a limited period of time or that stock is running low, or that you have won a prize but need to pay upfront.

They may also ask you to keep money for them on your bank account, or offer free accommodation or travel but never deliver. Scammers can also try to steal your credit card or banking details by convincing you there is a problem with your account or that someone in your family has been sick.

Some people find comfort in chatting online with strangers, but it’s important that you remember that anyone who you meet on a site unknown is a possible fraudster. Scammers use Craigslist, dating websites, and other sites to find victims. They may pretend to be friends or loved ones, and you might give them your personal details without realising.

Never share your personal information with strangers – including your email address, phone number, or passwords – over the internet or by phone. Even if a person seems trustworthy, it is important to be cautious about unsolicited requests for personal information. You should also be suspicious of any messages that come out of nowhere. Never click on links from unsolicited emails or text messages unless they are absolutely safe. By clicking a link you can download malware to your computer, smartphone or tablet, which cybercriminals use to steal personal information and money.

3. Don’t give out personal information

Remember the age-old parental advice “Never talk to strangers?” That’s good advice in any environment, but it’s particularly important online. If you receive an email, text or phone call asking for personal information such as your name, address, credit card number or passwords. It could also be a scam.

Scammers could use this information in order to steal your identity or hack into your account and make fraudulent purchases. They could also send you fake invoices or fake products or services. This can damage your reputation as well as making it difficult to track your finances.

Many scammers will try to get you to pay them by threatening to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you. Others will tell you that you won a lottery or sweepstakes but have to pay taxes or fees before they will release your winnings. Some will also say that there’s a problem with your computer and trick you into downloading software to help fix it, which in fact installs malware on your device.

Another way scammers steal your money is to ask you to wire money, use an app for payment or buy prepaid card with your information. Never send money in this way as it is impossible to track and you are almost certain to never see your money.

Scammers may also use people to act as “money mules” in order to receive and transfer funds obtained through fraudulent activities without their knowledge. This type of activity is often known as “wire fraud” and can be very expensive to victims. Scammers send you a check that turns out to be a fake and then instruct you to deposit the check or use numbers on the back of your card to transfer them money.

Always be cautious when someone asks you for personal or financial details, even if it seems legitimate. Do a quick Google search to verify that they are who they say they are. Also, be careful of sharing information on social media and be sure to change your passwords regularly to protect your accounts from hackers.

4. Don’t send money

Never send money or personal details to someone you do not know. This includes email or text messages and especially unsecure WiFi. Even if a message or link appears to be from a trusted bank, company or other entity, the malware (computer virus and other malicious codes) could steal your information. If you are unsure, call the organisation or go to their website directly to confirm they sent you the message.

Many scams involve people sending money to a ‘loved one’ who has been arrested or stranded overseas. Others involve scammers enlisting people to act as ‘money mules’, receiving and moving money on their behalf. These requests should never be accepted, especially if they come over the phone or if you do not have a verified contact number.

A common tactic is to create a sense of urgency to persuade you to act quickly, without thinking. This can be achieved by claiming the person or organization is in danger and requires immediate payment, or by using a fake emergency phone number. If you are uncertain, ring back to known numbers or use secure mobile payments.

Scammers can also use social media platforms to gain your trust, and then trick you into giving them your hard-earned money. They can do this by creating a copycat account of someone you know on Facebook, Instagram or other platforms. They then request that you friend them to gain access to their private posts, where they can see photos, names, addresses and other personal details. They can then use this to commit identity theft or other scams.

Another common way to avoid scams online is to be cautious about sharing your financial or personal information on any platform, including over the phone, on WhatsApp or on Skype. If you do share information on these platforms, be sure to use strong passwords and security settings and keep antivirus software up-to-date.