Online scams pose a bigger threat than ever. In the past few years alone, these attacks have grown in both number and complexity, with official reports indicating billions of dollars are lost annually to cyber crooks.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) reported that victims in the United States lost nearly $10 billion to online scams in 2023 alone. This alarming trend is set to continue, and governments and private entities are calling us to be more vigilant and take action to keep ourselves and our communities safe.
To combat this growing threat, Bitdefender spent the past year developing automated anti-scam technologies. At the same time, though, we know that education is as important as technology when it comes to scams.
That’s why we’re so eager to announce the launch of a new forum category — Scam Busters.
Its mission is to provide a dedicated space for people to share information, raise awareness, and collaborate to stay ahead of scammers. This initiative aligns with our global efforts, such as Bitdefender's latest partnership with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, to turn the tide against fraudsters.
As we get the first conversations going, you might want to check out our existing coverage of online scams or go through these 7 basic tips that help you spot a scam.
Basic Tips and Tricks to Steer Clear of Scams
- Verify Sources: Always double-check the authenticity of emails, messages, and websites before giving out personal information. Look for official verification marks if they exist (and cannot be spoofed) and contact the organization directly if in doubt.
- Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Offers: Scammers often lure victims with offers that seem too good to be true. Remember that strangers don’t share money-making tips with random people, so be wary of unsolicited messages promising huge rewards or urgently requesting money.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Protect your online accounts by using complex passwords for every account and changing them regularly. Consider a password manager to keep track of your credentials. Speaking of which, we have a great one available for download here.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security to your accounts can keep intruders out, even if they manage to steal your password.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Bookmark this link or add it in your favorite RSS reader to stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family. Awareness is a powerful tool against fraud.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam or suspect fraudulent behavior, report it to the relevant authorities and platforms, including this one. Your action can help prevent others from falling victim.
- Use Scamio by Bitdefender: Take advantage of tools like Scamio to check for scams.
Scamio helps you identify and avoid phishing sites, ensuring you stay safe while browsing online. For those not familiar with this tool, Scamio is a free, multi-channel AI scam-checking chatbot that can analyze any text, email, social media message, link, or even QR code!
Join our community to share your experiences amid the rising tide of online scams, consult with cybersecurity experts, and learn effective strategies to protect yourself. Whether you’ve encountered phishing attempts, fraud, or other digital threats, this forum is a safe space to discuss, get advice, and stay updated on scammers’ latest tactics.
Together, we can enhance our online security and stay a step ahead of cybercriminals.
