Online Scams
Online scams is a method of deception or identity theft with the aim of committing fraud, resulting in a wide range of potential damage among its victims.
Victims may suffer the following losses
To victims of identity theft
- Damage to reputation, or social condemnation
- Being a criminal suspect and subject to legal penalties
To third parties (those deceived by fraudsters using a stolen identity)
- Funds transfers resulting in an emptied bank account
- Loss of money and failure to receive legitimately ordered goods
How do scams work?
Social media account hacking
A fraudster hacks a social media account and impersonates an owner of that account, then instructs their account owner’s friends to carry out a particular action, such as funds transfer.
Fake social media profiles
The victim is tricked into chatting with someone in a fake social media profile and carrying out a particular action, such as funds transfer.
How to protect yourself from scams
Do not disclose personal or confidential information.
Check others’ profiles thoroughly before adding them as a friend.
Avoid chatting with strangers.
Be cautious Do not be hasty while making financial transactions, and examine them thoroughly.
If you must transfer funds, make sure that the recipient’s account number and name are correct.
What to do when falling victims to scams
Collect evidence related to the fraud and report to the police.
If your social media accounts have been hacked or forged, report it to the Help Center of the affected social media programs.