Life Hack: The signs of some common scams you should know about
If a business or caller is trying to pressure you, tell them you will call them back, and end the call.
Unfortunately, online scams have become a persistant problem of modern life. While you may think yourself savvy, others in your life may fall for ‘obvious’ scams, and other more sophisticated techniques may catch you unawares.
If you or someone you know have been the victim of a scam, you should report it to your local Garda station, and use the online reporting service of the website or forum on which you were scammed, if applicable.
Bring copies of all emails, account details, and any other relevant information you may have to the gardaí.
Retailer Chums has shared some of the biggest scams that impact Irish people and the signs to know that show someone has fallen victim to a scam.
Fake bank alerts, unfamiliar login notifications, or missed delivery notifications about parcels you didn't order can often try to lead you into giving personal details or making a small payment.
These phishing scams can use your data to create false accounts or make larger payment withdrawals using your bank details. Always contact the bank or business directly to confirm if the message is legitimate.
Have you received a ‘you’re a winner’ message for a competition you don’t remember entering? This is most likely a scam designed to steal your personal information or social media login details.
If you receive a notification like this, check your previous emails and/or messages to confirm if you actually entered a competition — and if you can’t find a record of entering, it is best to ignore these messages.
Most internet users are familiar with pop-ups warning of computer infections and slow performances, or, again, competition wins. It is best to ignore browser pop-ups. Clearing your cache, history, and cookies will help remove them and you can take your device to a trusted device repair shop if the issue persists.
Spotted an advert with a deal that’s too good to be true? It probably is. Online ads that offer products at unusually low price could be promoting fake websites designed to steal your payment information.
Instead, look for products on trusted and familiar sites, and always ensure you are ordering from the official site – not a dupe or scam site.
Some scammers will play on emotions, particularly the urge to help friends and family in trouble. Often, scammers will send feigned messages of distress asking for financial help, including some sophisticated scams that involve cloning voices and deepfake videos.
Before replying, check that the messages are legitimate by contacting that person on their usual number, on social media, or through another loved one.
If you see a friend or family member sharing a strange link on social media, either in a post or direct message, their account may have been hacked. Never click on the link and instead contact them directly through a different channel, such. Send a text message or make a phone call, to confirm if they sent the link. Flag these messages or posts to the social media platform too.
Scammers often use urgency to pressure their targets into making immediate decisions, hoping to prevent them from thinking clearly. Legitimate businesses and organisations will never rush you.
If a business or caller is trying to pressure you, tell them you will call them back and end the call. Contact a trusted person or organisation to confirm if the caller is legitimate.
Any email that does not attempt to use your name is something to be suspicious of, especially if they are trying to make claims about your banking or services. Scammers will often use titles and address you as 'Sir' or 'Madam' instead of using your name.
Legitimate organisations, especially your bank or service providers, will typically know your name. Never give away your personal information to these individuals, and if they cannot confirm your identity contact the organisation they are claiming to be directly, and check if the call is genuine.
If you’re contacted by a scammer, and when you try to speak to someone else, such as a friend or family member, scammers will typically try to keep you on the phone or prevent you from discussing the situation with others.
This is a major red flag. Never hesitate to consult with a trusted friend or family member before making any decisions, and feel confident in ending calls and contacting the organisation they claim to be directly, using a number or email from their official website.
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