Protecting Yourself Online Has Never Been More Important
Online fraud is becoming more sophisticated every year, and even tech-savvy users can fall victim if they aren’t careful. Thankfully, you can protect yourself with services from Lumen and Aura, which we discuss later in this article. They both offer online security tools that help monitor for data breaches, identity theft and suspicious activity across the web. Understanding how online scams are targeting everyone—and how to recognize them—can help you stay protected from costly mistakes and identity theft.
1. Phishing Email Scams
Phishing emails are designed to look like legitimate messages from banks, retailers, delivery companies or even coworkers. These emails trick users into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Often, they create a false sense of urgency by claiming your account has been compromised. The safest way to avoid phishing is to never click on unexpected links, verify the sender’s email address carefully and log into your accounts directly instead of through email prompts.
2. Fake Online Shopping Websites
Scammers create realistic-looking online stores that advertise popular products at unbelievably low prices. Once payment is sent, the item never arrives or counterfeit merchandise is delivered. These sites may vanish within days. Always research unfamiliar online retailers, look for verified reviews and avoid websites that lack clear return policies or customer service contact information.
3. Social Media Impersonation Scams
Impersonation scams occur when criminals create fake social media profiles pretending to be well-known brands, influencers or even friends and family. They may offer giveaways, investment opportunities or emergency requests for money. If someone you know requests money through social media, verify their identity using a separate communication method before responding.
4. Tech Support Scams
Tech support scammers claim that your computer or phone has been infected with a virus and urge you to contact their “support team.” Once connected, they request remote access or payment for unnecessary repairs. Legitimate companies will never contact users out of the blue about technical problems. If you receive such a warning, close the message and run your own security scan instead.
5. Online Romance Scams
Romance scammers build emotional relationships through dating apps and social media before requesting money for fabricated emergencies. These scams can last for months and result in devastating financial loss. Be cautious of romantic partners who avoid video calls, move too quickly emotionally or consistently have crises that require your financial help.
6. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams
Scammers promote fake investment platforms that promise guaranteed returns with little risk, often involving cryptocurrency. Once funds are deposited, users lose access to their accounts. Real investments always carry risk, and no legitimate opportunity guarantees profits. Avoid unsolicited financial advice online and research any investment platform thoroughly.
7. Job and Remote Work Scams
Fake job scams offer high pay for minimal work and often require upfront fees for supplies or training. In other cases, scammers send fake checks and ask victims to send some of the money back. Legitimate employers never require payment to secure a job and will not send money before any work is performed.
8. Online Marketplace Scams
Fraud is common on resale platforms when scammers pose as buyers or sellers. Buyers may use fake payment confirmations, while sellers may never ship items after receiving payment. Stick to platform-approved payment systems and always be cautious when dealing with off-platform transactions.
9. Account Takeover Attacks
Scammers use stolen passwords from data breaches to access email, shopping and banking accounts. Once inside, they can steal money, personal data and stored payment methods. Using strong, unique passwords for every account and enabling multi-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of account takeover.
10. Identity Theft and Data Breaches
Personal data stolen through breaches and shady websites is often used to open credit accounts, commit tax fraud or apply for loans. Victims may not realize their identity has been stolen for months. Regularly monitoring financial statements and credit reports is critical for early detection.
How Lumen Helps Protect Your Online Security
Lumen provides proactive digital security by helping monitor online activity and alerting users when their personal data may be exposed. With real-time alerts for potential threats and data breaches, Lumen allows individuals to respond quickly before scammers can cause serious harm. This early warning system adds a strong layer of defense against identity-related crimes.
How Aura Helps Protect You Online
Aura offers comprehensive identity protection by monitoring for stolen personal information, unauthorized financial activity and suspicious account behavior. In addition to real-time alerts, Aura provides fraud resolution support to help users recover if identity theft occurs. By combining monitoring, alerts, and recovery services, Aura helps reduce the long-term damage caused by online fraud.
How to Avoid Online Scams
The most effective defense against online scams is slowing down before responding. Scammers rely on panic, urgency and emotional pressure to force quick decisions. Always verify sender information, avoid clicking suspicious links, use secure payment methods and never share personal or financial information with unsolicited contacts. Keeping software updated and using strong, unique passwords across accounts adds another layer of protection.