Top 7 Most Common Online Scams And How To Avoid Them In 2025
A scam has been part of the internet since its very beginning, but it has evolved over the years. These days, an internet scam can be extremely sophisticated.
As more aspects of our lives move online, we become more exposed. That’s why it’s important to stay on your guard and know about the most common online scams.
Internet scams are evolving every day, and there have been more than $12.5 billion in losses because of internet crimes in 2023. This is a 10% rise from 2022, and it is still growing.
Most Common Online Scams?
Let’s look at some of the most common online scams out there today – and how you can avoid them.
1. Romance Baiting Scams
Sometimes called “pig butchering,” these scams require a fraudster to build a relationship over time. They usually happen through social media or dating platforms.
The scammer pretends to be someone they are not and builds a false relationship with the victim. Then, once they have the victim’s trust, they ask for money.
They might come up with an investment opportunity that involves cryptocurrency, because it is more difficult for banks and authorities to trace. You should also learn how to avoid cryptocurrency scams, as they are growing every day.
Moreover, they can also come up with a story about them being in trouble and needing money, and prey on your trust and sympathy.
These scams have been around for years and are becoming a significant threat. In 2024, pig butchering scams cost Ethereum blockchains $3.6 billion. It is one of the most significant fraud schemes of the year.
How to Avoid:
- Don’t trust online investment advice, especially from online acquaintances.
- Verify the legitimacy of investment platforms and opportunities through independent research.
- Don’t believe everyone online is who they say they are. That goes double if they are not willing or claim to be unable to meet you in real life.
2. AI-Generated Deepfake Scams
AI is changing the online world rapidly. And scammers have found a use for this emerging new technology.
Artificial intelligence can create realistic audio and even video impersonations of real people, as seen with Brook Monk Deepfake. It could be your boss, your family, or even a celebrity.
The scammer will then use these fakes, known as ‘deepfakes’, to request money transfers or sensitive information.
How to Avoid:
- Always be skeptical of unexpected requests for funds or information, even if they seem to come from people you know.
- Verify requests before sending any money. If the request comes from someone you know, ask them about it, ideally offline. Phone them or talk to them face-to-face.
3. Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are nothing new. This scam dates back to at least 1994, but they are still common today. And the growing power of AI tools may make them even more convincing.
Phishing scammers use fraudulent emails and websites to get people to hand over sensitive information. For example, they may send you an email pretending to be your bank.
The email will tell you to sign in with your password on a site that mimics the real thing. This action gives them your information, which they can use to log into your real bank and take your money.
How to Avoid:
- Do not click on random links. Also, do not download attachments from unknown sources.
- Always contact the organization directly and verify the message. Do not reply to the unknown sender without thinking it through.
- Remember, banks and most organizations handling sensitive information know this scam. They will never send you a link to sign in via email, text, or a messaging app.
4. Online Shopping Scams
Scammers often create a fake online store offering some really attractive deals on products. However, the catch here is that you will send money for the product, but then never hear from them again.
You will not get the product in hand, and will not be able to contact them any longer. Moreover, even if they send you the product, it will be something entirely different, and you will find no way to contact them again.
The worst part is, they have your credit card number or other bank details, and have the chance to steal more money from you.
How to Avoid:
- Always shop from reputable websites and marketplaces.
- Always double-check a deal if it seems too good to be true.
- Use secure payment methods that offer buyer protection. Many banks and credit card companies will refund your money if you get tricked in this way.
5. Tech Support Scams
Someone might contact you and identify themselves as a tech support agent from a renowned company like Apple or Microsoft. They will tell you that your computer has been hacked. Their goal is to get into your system and charge for some repairs that you don’t need.
How to Avoid:
- Never trust unsolicited pop-ups or calls claiming your device has a problem.
- Legitimate companies don’t make unsolicited tech support calls.
- Don’t give remote access to your computer unless you first contact a verified support channel.
6. Disaster Relief Scams
When a disaster strikes, fraudsters emerge, regardless of whether it’s a weather-related event or a pandemic. They disguise themselves as an actual aid organization and use a natural disaster or a tragedy to scam you and get some money.
You will think you are donating to an emergency relief fund, and give them your e-payment or credit card details.
How to Avoid:
- Check the background of the organization and find out if they are legitimate.
- Visit Charity Navigator or GuideStar to verify the organization.
7. Lottery Scams
In this kind of scam, the fraudster will send you a message, congratulating you. They will say that you have won a lottery or a large amount. However, in reality, you have not. This is one of the most common online scams that you will come across.
This message or email claims that they are an international sweepstake, mentioning that you have won a large amount and need to send them a processing fee to start the process.
How to Avoid
- If you have not signed up for a legitimate lottery, there is no reason to believe that you have won a jackpot.
- Even if you have enrolled, contact the retailer and not anyone else, or through other mediums.
Avoiding Scams In 2025
The internet is a wonder and a useful palace, but it can turn out to be dangerous as well. When you are aware of the common online scams, like AI-generated deepfakes, romance baiting, and phishing, you know how to protect yourself.
This reduces your chance of falling victim to fraud. Scammers are constantly adapting to new tools, and it is important that you stay ahead of them to keep your personal information and finances safe.
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