Most common online scams & how to avoid them (2026)

Saving money on most common online scams does not need to be complicated. Here is a clear, no nonsense rundown of what works and how to make the most of it.

Key Takeaways

• Worth noting: instead, log in to your account separately to check for any new notices.
• You can also call the company about the information sent via email.    Don’t click on any links in an email you weren’t expecting.
• Do a search about whatever the sender claims to wish or be offering you to be sure it’s legitimate.
• If you aren’t sure, do a search for the company and call them directly.

Getting the Most From Most Common Online Scams

Phishing is a method for criminals to carry out identity theft by applying fake websites, emails and robocalls to try and steal your personal information , including passwords, banking info, Social Security number and other sensitive data. Here are a few methods to avoid these types of scams: When it comes to spotting potentially-dangerous websites, before you go to an unknown site, double-check the spelling of the web address/URL by first doing a search for it.

• The site could be a fake scam site, and in some cases, criminals have created fake sites by applying common misspellings of sought after websites.   If you receive an email claiming to be from your bank or other company that has your personal information, don’t click on any of the links.
• It could be a scam.
• More importantly, most common online scams Fake coupon scams The old coupon scam is back and causing some serious trouble.  Each year billions of fake coupons are posted online by criminals trying to trick you.

Tips That Make a Difference

And highly frequently it works, since the coupons look real and the deals look excellent. The scammers will even apply brands’ official logos, making it nearly impossible to tell that it’s fake if you don’t know what you’re after. But like so numerous other scams, if it seems too solid to be true, it probably is.

• Here’s how this scam frequently works: First, share the deal with all your friends.
• Remember that second, ‘like’ the page associated with the ‘deal.’ And third, fill out a survey with various questions and enter your email address so they can ‘send you your coupons.’ But by clicking the link to redeem the deal or discount, you could be exposing yourself to identity theft or end up with malware on your computer.
• And if you share the ‘excellent deal’ with your friends, it could put them at risk, too.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Below are some recent fake coupons that went viral:  Publix: A fake coupon for Publix claimed you could receive $100 off your grocery bill of $120 or more.  Kroger: A phony $250 Kroger gift card giveaway that claimed if you shared the gift card you would be entered to win a $250 Kroger gift card. On the group’s website, they provide this advice: ‘If a friend e-mails you coupons, especially high-value or free product coupons, the coupons are most likely counterfeit.’  Facebook profile tracker scam So numerous people would love to know who has been ‘Facebook stalking’ them (looking at their profile).

• As a rule, and scammers know that offering this type of service is an straightforward method to get people to click on a malicious link.
• But any time you see an offer like this, you can be sure it’s a scam , and in fact, it’s against Facebook’s policy.
• According to Facebook, “If you come throughout an app that says it can reveal you who’s viewing your profile or posts, please report the app.” How to avoid it At no point click on an offer that promises this type of service.

Is Most Common Online Scams Worth It?

If you do, it could expose your information to criminals or download malware onto your computer or other device. : Top 10 financial scams targeting seniors Facebook friend request scam Since social media sites began to increase in popularity, scammers have joined posing as other people, attempting to gain access to your personal or financial information. In short, now, criminals are posing as people’s friends and family members to gain their trust , and the crooks will even apply your contacts’ actual Facebook profile picture to convince you.

• This scam is happening not only to regular old people, but also to celebrities and anyone (or group) with a large following , even companies and non-profit organizations are at risk.
• If they did not, you’ll wish to let them know about the fake profile so they can let their friends and contacts know that it isn’t them.    Report the profile. Once you know for sure the profile is fake, delete the request and mark the user as spam.
• You’ll then require to complete several steps to let Facebook know what kind of scam this is, and if the person is pretending to be you or someone else.

Where the Real Savings Hide

Worth noting: you can also report it by following these instructions. Underhanded scammers will do anything to try to get a hold of your personal information , even going so far as to pose as people you already know.

• Be sure to consistently report it , and at no point accept a friend request posing as someone else!  Closed account phishing scam With this scam, you get an email that appears to be from a social media site ,  like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram , claiming that you require to reactivate your account, since it’s been closed or canceled.
• To get your account reinstated, the email will provide you a link to click on or an attachment to download.
• More importantly, don’t do it!

A Closer Look at Most Common Online Scams

Providing your information could not only provide criminals access to that one account, but it also provide them enough info to hack your other online accounts as well. If you download the attachment, it would most likely install malware onto your computer.  How to avoid it If you think there could be a problem with your account, log in directly (NOT via the email) and contact the company’s shopper support staff from there.

• Fake package tracking scam This is an ugly email scam that continues to resurface in different variations.
• Remember that any time you order something online, or something is being shipped to you, you typically get an email with the order confirmation and shipment tracking information.
• Criminals have found a method to make almost identical replicas of these emails - appearing to be from various shipping sources - to trick people into clicking on a malicious link.

What to Know About Most Common Online Scams

If you click on the link in the email, a virus is promptly loaded onto your computer, smartphone or other device. And then… nothing happens.

• As a rule, you forget all about it while the virus sits there lurking in the background - capturing your each keystroke to get your username and password for sensitive financial and other accounts.
• How to spot and avoid it The takeaway here is straightforward: Do not click on any link in any email you were not expecting. If there’s a question and you think there’s a legitimate message or notification intended for you, go directly to the official website of whatever business it is and check for any notifications there.
• Some variations of the scam have even involved asking an employee to wire money to an overseas bank account.

How Most Common Online Scams Really Works

And the problem is, if you genuinely thought your boss needed money, would you send it? In short, plenty of people would.

• Here’s an example email requesting W-2 information: ‘I wish you to send me the list of W-2 copy of employees wage and tax statement for 2015, I require them in PDF file type, you can send it as an attachment.
• Kindly prepare the lists and email them to me asap.’ If the person receiving the email think it’s real, there goes plenty of employees’ personal information to criminals.
• How to avoid it & wish to do if you’re a victim First, at no point send sensitive information via email unless you’ve confirmed that the request is legitimate and that you’re sen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on most common online scams?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. Here are a few methods to avoid these types of scams: When it comes to spotting potentially-dangerous websites, before you go to an unknown site, double-check the spelling of the web address/URL by first doing a search f....

Is it worth shopping around for most common online scams?

Usually yes. The site could be a fake scam site, and in some cases, criminals have created fake sites by applying common misspellings of sought after websites.   If you receive an email claiming to be from your bank or other company....

Smart Ways to Save More on Most Common Online Scams

• Compare the final price including shipping, not just the headline number.
• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.

Final Thoughts

Put these ideas to work and most common online scams gets a lot less expensive. Bookmark this page, check back for fresh deals, and let the savings do the talking.

Originally published at clark.com.