Online Scams
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115 articles
8 common gift card scams and tips to avoid them
Uncover 8 gift card scams, from drainage to phishing, that fraudsters can use to steal your money.
Updated: December 20, 2024 ·11 min read
Don’t get Scrooged—9 Holiday shopping scams to avoid
Learn how to avoid holiday shopping scams this season with our top tips to help you shop online safely.
Published: December 03, 2024 ·6 min read
How to spot counterfeit websites when holiday shopping
Before holiday shopping, learn how to spot counterfeit websites and avoid deals that are too good to be true.
Published: December 03, 2024 ·5 min read
Package tracking scams—How to protect your data and orders
Worried about package tracking scams? Discover how to protect your personal information from these common threats.
Published: December 02, 2024 ·4 min read
Cyber Monday safety tips for online shopping in 2024
Here’s help for protecting against Cyber Monday scams in 2024. Shop safely online and avoid having your holiday spoiled by fraud.
Updated: November 28, 2024 ·4 min read
7 Black Friday scams + how to avoid them in 2024
Learn how to recognize some of the most common Black Friday scams and find out what to do if you’ve been scammed in this simple guide.
Updated: November 28, 2024 ·10 min
What is email spoofing? A complete guide
Wondering if that email in your inbox truly came from the listed sender? Learn about email spoofing, including how and why people do it.
Updated: November 28, 2024 ·6 min read
Is TikTok Shop legit? How to shop safely on social media
TikTok Shop is generally safe to use but it has its fair share of scams—learn what to look out for.
Published: November 26, 2024 ·5 min read
What is spam? 6 types of spam messages and how to avoid them
Spam is an unsolicited, unwanted, annoying, and sometimes scammy message. Learn how to stop spam here.
Published: November 22, 2024 ·13 min read
Beware of fake charity scams—9 Tips to help protect yourself
Ensure your contributions make a real impact. Learn how to spot charity scams and protect your donations and personal information.
Published: November 20, 2024 ·5 min read
Brushing scams: How free stuff becomes a security issue
A brushing scam is the falsification of a product review in your name. Learn how to protect yourself here.
Published: November 18, 2024 ·8 min read
Deck the halls with Cyber Safety—7 tips to use AI securely
‘Tis the season of giving! And now with the help of AI, holiday prep can feel smoother, more exciting and stress-free.
Updated: October 29, 2024 ·6 min read
Election scams—Donations, surveys, and voter registration
Election season is here. Check out how you can avoid election scams to help protect your information, money, and vote.
Published: October 02, 2024 ·5 min read
9 NFT scams and how to avoid them
Learn the best ways to spot and avoid NFT scams, including 9 of the most common types of scams involving non-fungible tokens, in our updated guide.
Updated: September 30, 2024 ·15 min read
Don’t fall for eBay scams: 15 common scams and how to spot them
Discover how to protect yourself from eBay scams with our comprehensive guide. Learn about common fraud tactics, warning signs, and tips for safe transactions.
Updated: September 30, 2024 ·16 min read
6 back-to-school scams and how to avoid them
While kids are prepping for going back to school or college, scammers are looking to bait students and parents into their schemes.
Updated: August 14, 2024 ·5 min read
11 types of Facebook Marketplace scams and what to do if you fall for one
Learn about the most common Facebook Marketplace scams and how to protect yourself as a buyer or seller.
Updated: August 13, 2024 ·11 min read
5 infamous online scams faced by celebs
In the glittering world of fame and fortune, even celebrities are not immune to cyber attacks and the burden they leave behind.
Published: July 31, 2024 ·4 min read
10 real phishing email examples
Review the most common phishing email examples to help you identify and avoid phishing email scams.
Updated: July 30, 2024 ·12 min read
What is phishing? How to spot and avoid it
Clicking a phishing link doesn’t automatically spell disaster. Learn what phishing is, signs to spot it, and how to help reduce the risk.
Updated: July 25, 2024 ·7 min read
How to stop spam texts: An easy 4-step guide
Learn how to stop spam texts by blocking numbers, reporting scams, using spam filters, and adding your number to a list.
Updated: July 10, 2024 ·10 min read
Life savings gone––How a woman lost all her money to a scam
A scam victim shared her story with us. This is what we can learn from it.
Published: July 10, 2024 ·6 min read
The toll of a phishing scam on a small business owner
The scammers hacked into the business owner’s PayPal account, stealing his money, personal details, and peace of mind.
Published: July 09, 2024 ·5 min read
E-card scams—Beware of what lurks in your inbox
E-card scammers pounce on your inbox with a "sweet" message. But don't be fooled—these sneaky scams can swipe your personal info in a snap.
Updated: July 01, 2024 · 6 min read
Going on an adventure? Watch out for travel booking scams
Booking travel reservations online is easy, but not always safe. Help protect yourself from travel scams.
Published: June 12, 2024 ·5 min read
How to report a website for scamming: 7 essential steps
Find a suspicious website? Learn how to report a website for scamming in this guide.
Published: June 11, 2024 ·10 min read
Zelle, Venmo, or Cash App? Why scammers love P2P apps
Payment apps can be very convenient––as long as you don’t send money to a scammer. Recovering your money may be harder than you think.
Published: June 05, 2024 ·5 min read
Unmasking the part-time job scam—how does it work
Our Norton experts volunteered themselves as targets to uncover the ins and outs of part-time job scams. This is what we learned.
Published: May 23, 2024 ·5 min read
Don’t click on it! It may be a malicious tag
If someone tags you in a post with a provocative headline or a weird link, think twice before clicking on it. It might be a scam.
Published: May 21, 2024 ·5 min read
$3.4 billion were lost to scams targeting seniors in 2023
Compared to the $3.1 billion lost in 2022, there was an 11% increase in losses to elderly fraud in 2023 as reported by the FBI.
Published: May 13, 2024 ·5 min read
Did scammers train AI to sound like this woman’s daughter?
It’s time that we start a conversation about vishing. It’s sophisticated, AI-powered, and it’s on the rise among hackers and scammers.
Published: April 24, 2024 ·3 min read
How is AI affecting online dating? How to stay safe
With 59% of people considering using AI as their online dating coach, looking for love is more complicated than ever before.
Published: April 23, 2024 ·6 min read
USPS scam texts: what you need to know
Avoid falling victim to USPS scam text alerts. Learn more about these fraudulent messages, what’s at risk, and how to avoid them.
Published: April 08, 2024 ·4 min read
Clone phishing: What it is and how to prevent it
In clone phishing scams, cybercriminals send fake messages from real brands to steal your personal information.
Updated: March 23, 2024 ·10 min read
DDoS? Botnet? 2FA? What does it all mean? We can explain
Sometimes we get a little caught up in the verbiage of Cyber Safety. Despite the language of the trade, the concepts are actually easy to understand.
Published: March 20, 2024 ·4 min read
Who TF Did I Marry?: What we all can learn from Reesa Teesa’s epic tale of love and deception
Reesa Teesa's wild series"Who TF Did I Marry?” had us all glued to our phones. Here's what we can learn from her experience.
Published: February 23, 2024 ·5 min
Watch out for these party scams when you’re planning your big night out
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, ringing in the new year, or scoring tickets to that must-see concert, don’t let scammers spoil the fun. Learn about these scammer’s party ploys.
Published: February 22, 2024 ·8 min read
What is vishing? Tips to spot and avoid voice phishing scams
What is vishing? Learn more about vishing scams, how to spot voice-based phishing, and tips to avoid these cyberattacks.
Updated: February 20, 2024 ·5 min read
Romance scams in 2024: What you need to know + online dating scam statistics
Romance scams are continually evolving. To learn more about them, pore over these online dating scam statistics, plus tips to help you stay safe in 2024.
Updated: February 13, 2024 ·6 min read
15 PayPal scams to know and avoid in 2024
PayPal scams can lead to identity theft and financial loss. Learn more about the scams on the payment platform and how to avoid them.
Updated: February 01, 2024 ·15 min read
Norton's playbook for a Cyber Safe playoff season
It’s time for playoff football! As the teams' prep for battle on the gridiron, you should be preparing your own digital defenses.
Published: January 31, 2024 ·7 min read
9 social media scams to watch out for in 2024
Learn about the top social media scams of 2024, how to identify fake social media accounts, and what you can do to protect yourself from attacks.
Updated: January 31, 2024 ·17 min read
How to spot and stop Google Chat scams in 2024
Google Chat scams rely on cybercriminals tricking their targets with tactics like phishing and impersonation scams. Learn how to identify and avoid these scams.
Published: January 23, 2024 ·9 min read
13 OfferUp scams and how to avoid them
Protect yourself from OfferUp scams with our guide. Learn common OfferUp scams, tips to avoid them, and what to do if you fall victim.
Published: January 23, 2024 ·17 min read
All bark and no byte: Staying Cyber Safe during Walk Your Dog Month
Before you enjoy the soothing sound of paws on the pavement, there are steps you should take to stay Cyber Safe during Walk Your Dog Month.
Published: January 23, 2024 ·4 min read
Is that message a scam? Ask the AI behind Genie
In our digital lives, cyber threats evolve faster than ever. Norton is taking a groundbreaking leap with Genie, our latest innovation in scam detection and cybersecurity.
Published: January 17, 2024 ·6 min read
16 Venmo scams to know and avoid in 2024
Because Venmo is an easy way to send money online, scammers have taken note. Learn about Venmo scams and how to avoid them.
Published: December 21, 2023 ·13 min
What is a Phantom Hacker scam, and how can you avoid this apparition?
A new kind of scam that uses multiple actors to steal money is making the rounds. Educate yourself and your loved ones so you never fall for a Phantom Scam.
Published: December 14, 2023 ·6 min read
Protecting yourself from charity scams
As the holidays approach, many of us are feeling the spirit of giving and looking for ways to spread cheer to those less fortunate. But beware! Scammers are lurking, ready to take advantage of good intentions.
Published: November 28, 2023 ·5 min read
What is typosquatting and how to avoid it
Learn what typosquatting is, how it works, the different forms it can take, why people do it, and how to avoid URL scams and fake websites in this guide.
Published: November 24, 2023 ·10 min
16 holiday scams to watch out for in 2023
Protect against holiday scams this year. Learn about the most common online holiday scams and how to keep your data safe.
Published: November 22, 2023 ·15 min
The alarming rise of fake fashion e-shops
Online fashion's latest trend: a surge in fake boutiques. What they are, how to spot them, and what to do if you get scammed.
Published: November 13, 2023 ·5 min read
Tis the season for holiday scams
Are you concerned about getting scammed this holiday season? Check out these common holiday scams and how to avoid them.
Published: November 02, 2023 ·4 min read
Protecting yourself from disaster-related scams
When people are at their lowest, criminals go even lower. The dark side of disasters: where scammers prey on those who are most vulnerable.
Published: October 27, 2023 ·3 min read
What is pretexting?
Pretexting is a social engineering attack that hackers use to access people’s private information. Learn the warning signs and how to protect yourself.
Published: October 26, 2023 ·9 minutes
Is Etsy safe? 8 Etsy scams to know and avoid in 2024
We love their cool vintage and handmade items, but is Etsy safe? Learn about 8 common Etsy scams and how to tell if an Etsy seller is legit.
Published: October 06, 2023 ·13 min
13 WhatsApp scams to know and avoid in 2024
Watch out for WhatsApp scams while you chat with family and friends online. Learn about common WhatsApp scams and how to avoid them.
Published: September 25, 2023 ·11 min
Do you know the common tactics of scammers, thieves, and used car salesmen?
What do scammers, thieves and used car salesmen have in common? Understand how the tactic they use are similar and how to keep an eye out for loss aversion methods.
Published: September 13, 2023 ·4 min read
5 common Tinder scams to avoid in 2024
Follow this guide to learn more about common Tinder scams, their warning signs, how you can help stay safe, and what to do if you're affected by a scam.
Published: August 16, 2023 ·4 min read
5 Types of phishing emails to watch out for
If you spot one of these in your email inbox, it’s a red flag. We’ve got some tips to help you spot when an email is true—and when it’s just playing you.
Published: August 14, 2023 ·3 min read
10 Ticketmaster scams and how to spot them
Ticketmaster scams like fake fan support numbers and counterfeit ticket sales are on the rise, but there are ways to spot a scam and avoid becoming a target.
Published: July 25, 2023 ·3 min
11 LinkedIn scams to avoid in 2024
LinkedIn scams range from phishing to even account takeover. Learn more about common scams on LinkedIn here
Published: July 24, 2023 ·3 min
17 Amazon scams to know and avoid in 2024
Follow this guide to learn more about Amazon scams, the warning signs to watch for, and the steps to protect yourself while shopping on Amazon in 2024.
Published: July 24, 2023 ·6 min read
13 Airbnb scams + how to avoid them
Learn about Airbnb scams you should look out for when booking your next vacation and discover practical tips to avoid them.
Published: July 20, 2023 ·3 min
Spear phishing: Definition + protection tips
Spear phishing is a targeted and invasive type of cyberattack. Learn how spear phishing works, examples, and how to keep yourself safe.
Published: July 19, 2023 ·2 min
Phictionary – the phishing dictionary every digital citizen should read
Phictionary is a guide to phishing attacks with a dictionary twist that exposes real-life examples of scams to help people proactively identify fraudulent communications.
Published: July 11, 2023 ·3 min
What is a sugar daddy scam? How to avoid them in 2024
Has a stranger ever offered you money online? If so, it may be a sugar daddy scam. Follow this guide to learn how to spot and avoid sugar daddy scams in 2024.
Published: June 14, 2023 ·5 min read
What is an evil twin attack? How to spot and avoid them
If you use public Wi-Fi, you may be at risk of an evil twin attack. So how do these attacks work, and how can you spot and avoid them? Read along to find out.
Published: June 13, 2023 ·5 min read
Caller ID spoofing: How to spot and avoid spoofed calls
Thanks to caller ID spoofing, scammers can place phone calls under different names and numbers. To learn more about this scamming technique, follow this guide.
Published: March 13, 2023 ·
Special Issue Norton Cyber Safety Pulse Report – The Cyber Risks of ChatGPT
In this special issue of the Norton Pulse Report, Norton Labs explores how cyber criminals could leverage Chat GPT to enhance their scams.
Published: March 02, 2023 ·5 min read
IRS scams: 10 types + warning signs in 2024
Don’t let IRS scams scare you. Use this as your go-to guide on the types of IRS scams used to steal your information and the tax refunds you're entitled to.
Published: February 08, 2023 ·3 min read
Bloatware: What it is + how to spot and remove it
Is your new device running slow? Bloatware could be the problem. Follow this guide to learn about different types of bloatware, plus how you can find and remove it.
Published: November 28, 2022 ·3 min read
20 types of phishing attacks + examples and prevention tips
Have you ever received a suspicious email? If so, it may have been phishing. To ensure you’re prepared for all types of phishing scams, read this helpful guide.
Published: October 03, 2022 ·4 min read
What is a robocall? A definition + how to avoid robocalls
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a robocall?” then you’ve come to the right place. Follow along to learn about robocalls and what you can do to prevent them.
Published: September 15, 2022 ·3 min read
What is a pharming attack? An overview + prevention tips
Don’t let a pharming attack threaten your cybersecurity. Continue to learn the basics of pharming scams as well as tips to help keep devices protected.
Published: August 30, 2022 ·2 min read
Elderly scams: Scammers target seniors, and tech makes it easier
Elderly scams target senior citizens, with the goal of scamming the elderly out of the money they’ve saved. The internet, online banking, and social media can fuel such scams. Here’s help.
Published: August 26, 2022 ·4 min read
12 Instagram scams to know and avoid in 2024
Many scammers are now using Instagram to scam people online. Check out this guide to learn more about Instagram scams and how to spot, report, and avoid them.
Published: August 26, 2022 ·2 min read
7 ways to teach your kids about online scams
Teach your kids about online scams to help them avoid becoming a victim. Think of it as an ongoing conversation with children and teens that you need to build on.
Published: July 12, 2022 ·2 min read
What is catfishing? Warning signs and protection tips
While a message from an unknown sender might be harmless, it could be a catfishing scheme. But what is catfishing exactly? Read through this guide to find out, including how to avoid it.
Published: July 01, 2022 ·3 min read
What is a fake antivirus software? An overview of rogue security software
What is fake antivirus software? Follow this guide to learn more and discover helpful tips on how to spot and avoid fake antivirus scams online.
Published: July 01, 2022 ·4 min read
Your travel guide to public Wi-Fi, security, and privacy
When you travel, public Wi-Fi can increase privacy and security risks. Learn how to protect yourself against cybercriminals when you’re traveling.
Published: May 01, 2022 ·2 min read
Charity scams: 9 tips to help avoid fakes
The opportunity for fake-charity scams is high, with so many people in need due to COVID-19.
Published: March 01, 2022 ·3 min read
Romance scams in 2022: What you need to know + online dating scam statistics
Romance scams remain on the rise. Pore over these online dating scam statistics, plus protection tips, to safeguard your heart — and online privacy.
Published: February 04, 2022 ·3 min read
Tips for safe holiday online shopping
Safe holiday online shopping means taking steps to keep yourself, your gift fund, and your personal information safe from scammers. Learn how.
Published: December 02, 2021 ·4 min read
What is scareware? And how to spot online scareware scams
Scareware is a scam in which cybercriminals attempt to gain access to your credit card information. Scammers want you to buy their fake product so you're more likely to buy it. Scare-ware pop-ups are hard to close, and some are difficult to close. If you can't close your browser, do a hard shutdown of your computer.
Published: September 15, 2021 ·3 min read
7 types of gift card scams: How to spot them and avoid them
Gift card scams can start off with a phone call, email or text. Learn how fraudsters trick victims into sending them online gift cards or reading the numbers on the back of a gift card over the phone.
Published: June 29, 2021 ·2 min read
Q&A: How do I know if clicking on those unsubscribe links is safe?
Scammers sometimes use fake emails with a phony "unsubscribe" link at the bottom. Learn how to unsubscribe safely. | Norton
Published: June 15, 2021 ·4 min read
14 ways to avoid vendor fraud and other precautions for a cyber-safe wedding
Vendor fraud can pose a real threat to your wedding. Learn how to avoid it and other risks for a Cyber Safe wedding.
Published: June 03, 2021 ·4 min read
Ready to travel again? Watch for online ticket, travel scams
Booking travel reservations online is easy, but not always safe. Phony travel websites might be trying to scam you, so learn how to book online more securely by following these tips.
Published: May 27, 2021 ·2 min read
How to recognize and avoid tech support scams
Tech support scammers use social engineering and fear tactics to get victims to take the bait. There are three main ways this scam is executed: cold calls, pop-up messages, and incorrect search engine results.
Published: March 23, 2021 ·3 min read
Event scams: 5 things to avoid as big events come back
Scammers target big-event goers with fake tickets, malicious event apps, and more. Here’s what you need to know to help protect against event scams.
Published: February 24, 2021 ·2 min read
Job-posting scams and how to avoid them
Hunting for a new job? Beware of job-posting scams. Here’s how to identify fake job postings and what to do if you fall victim to one.
Published: February 12, 2021 ·2 min read
Home title theft: An overview plus protection tips
Is home title theft real? It’s definitely a growing concern related to identity theft. Learn more and consider these home title protection tips.
Published: February 01, 2021 ·2 min read
COVID-19 stimulus check scams: Frauds target consumers and small businesses
Beware of scams related to COVID-19 stimulus checks the government is sending to Americans. Another target? Small businesses.
Published: January 05, 2021 ·3 min read
Want a puppy to keep you company during COVID-19? Avoid puppy scams and puppy mills
Puppy scams have proliferated during the COVID-19 era. Learn how to help avoid pet disasters during the pandemic.
Published: September 29, 2020 ·2 min read
Unemployment scams and COVID-19: How to identify scams and help protect against them
Newly idled Americans have filed millions of unemployment claims during the COVID-19 outbreak. Scammers are pretending to represent government entities. Their goals include stealing claimant’s benefits, money, and personal information to commit crimes such as identity theft and other frauds.
Published: April 10, 2020 ·2 min read
Coronavirus phishing emails: How to protect against COVID-19 scams
Scammers are using phishing emails to profit from the coronavirus outbreak. Learn how to help avoid getting scammed.
Published: March 05, 2020 ·3 min read
What is pharming and how to protect yourself
Pharming is a form of online fraud involving malicious code and fraudulent websites.
Published: September 12, 2019 ·2 min read
Social media scams based on current events
We are sure youve seen them lurking in your news feeds- breaking news reporting a celebritys death, photos of natural disasters striking major cities, video footage of riots and outrage over an...
Published: August 08, 2018 ·2 min read
Celebrate senior citizens by helping to protect them with tips from Norton LifeLock
Seniors are vulnerable to fraud, and criminals use online methods to trick seniors into falling for IRS and tax, sweetheart and tech support scams. Norton + LifeLock can help you protect the senior citizen in your life with these easy tips.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·2 min read
Cybersecurity tips for small businesses
When you own a small business, it's crucial invest in the best internet security software for your business as well as educate your employees
Published: August 08, 2018 ·2 min read
Social engineering scams on social media
Nobody likes being manipulated—and that’s exactly what happens to people when they fall victim to social engineering scams online. In addition to using more sophisticated malware, ransomware, and viruses, online criminals have become increasingly aware of the use and power psychology plays in weaving believable online fiction.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
Don't fall for online employment and job scams
Online job scams are a way for scammers to gain access to either your money or your bank account or credit cards.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·4 min read
Avoiding ransomware scams on social media
Ransomware is a form of malware that allows cybercriminals to hold your PC, or files on it, for ransom. This is typically much worse than your average spyware or spam, as the crooks behind the ransomware can ask for a great deal of money.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·2 min read
Government checks and the coronavirus: Watch out for scams
The FTC is warning Americans to watch out for scams related to the government’s financial-relief effort due to the coronavirus.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·2 min read
Protecting yourself from online shopping scams
Constant connectivity to the Internet has improved our lives by leaps and bounds. From booking dinner reservations and buying movie tickets to keeping in touch with long-distance friends and finding the perfect gifts, the web offers a wealth of information.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·4 min read
Top 5 cybercrimes in the U.S., from the Norton Cyber Security Insights Report
The Norton Cyber Security Insights Report announces the top 5 cybercrimes in America
Published: August 08, 2018 ·4 min read
How to share safely on social media
Giving out too much information on social media could end up putting your privacy and identity at risk. Learn these 5 tips so you can practice safer online sharing.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
Top 5 social media scams
Social media sites like twitter and facebook have a dark side. Phishing requests are a common ploy by cybercriminals. Beware of blindly clicking on shortened URLs. Check your antivirus and anti-spyware protection.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
DocuSign phishing emails: 4 signs of an attack, and how to protect yourself
Electronic signature service DocuSign has warned consumers about new phishing campaigns. Here’s help in avoiding scams.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
Is that website you are on safe?
Not all websites are safe. Some could be malicious sites waiting to download malware onto your device. Learn what to look for.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·4 min read
What to do if you fall victim to an Equifax-related scam
When disaster strikes — like a major data breach — fraudsters create scams to take advantage of people. Here’s what to do if you’re a scam victim.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
5 tips to protect yourself from online travel booking scams
Thanks to the Internet, booking travel online is simple. But as your ideas of a spring break or summer vacation take shape, remember to be cautious when making reservations online.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·4 min read
Video games and COVID-19: How to avoid scams as more people play online
People are spending more time playing online video games due to lockdowns and the coronavirus. Watch out for these scams.
Published: August 08, 2018 ·3 min read
What to do if you fall for an email scam
Email scams can steal sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, account data, addresses, and more. Phishing emails are crafted to appear legitimate, such as messages from your bank or another trusted source. They request personal information, which criminals then use for identity theft.
Published: July 23, 2018 ·4 min read
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