The 81 Common Online Scams Cybercriminals Use in 2024

Ruheni Mathenge  - Streaming Expert
Last updated: January 8, 2024
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The internet is very helpful in many ways. But it can also be a dangerous place. Check out these common online scams that cybercriminals are using to extort innocent people.

THE TAKEAWAYS

Unfortunately, the increasing number of internet scams and fraud schemes has seriously threatened the online existence of netizens. Fraudsters and scammers employ unique tactics to steal money and sensitive information from their targets. Fake emails, phishing, extortion, and social media are effective ways of targeting people of different ages. Through this detailed guide, let’s learn about the common online scams and frauds still operative today and how you can detect and report them.

The World Wide Web (www) is a massive network facilitating the connectivity and communication of millions of people and machines. But this online world is also rife with different scams that are becoming common with each passing day.

It doesn’t mean that the internet is dangerous to use. Undoubtedly, the internet has transformed the world into a global village, connecting you with anyone from anywhere in real-time. Other benefits of the internet include access to immediate information, the massification of knowledge, creating jobs, and much more.

However, today, the same internet can be used for unpleasant things like scamming and extorting innocent people. While some forms of online fraud employ advanced tactics, others are outdated, but they still work.

It doesn’t mean that one should stop using the internet — it’s practically impossible now. But knowing more about the scams and fraud schemes will help you stay safe online.

Quick list of the most widely used scamming schemes

Here is a summary of the common online scams if you are short on time to go through the entire article.