The web's classic scams (and how to dodge them)
Too-good gifts, miracle winnings, fake sellers: scams always follow the same recipes.
Scams change their outfit but keep the same engine: playing on your desire or your fear. An 'unbelievable' prize, an offer expiring in five minutes, a rushed seller: the moment it pressures you, be suspicious.
The all-time classics
The fake gift that asks for your bank details 'to cover shipping'. The seller of a rare item who insists on payment outside the platform. The fake tech support that wants to take control of your device. All play the same card: misplaced trust.
The rule that saves you: if it's too good to be true, it's fake. Never pay outside secure systems, never share your bank codes by message, and always check who you're dealing with.
If you got caught
It happens even to the most careful, so zero shame. Contact your bank quickly if money is involved, change the passwords concerned, and report the scam. Acting early often means you can stop the damage.
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