The internet is now part of your everyday life. You can access tons of information with the internet. You have built valuable networks with people you could not meet physically. You get to see beautiful pictures of interesting places you have never visited before. It has given you so much convenience to the point that you sit in the comfort of your home and then complete your education online, order your favorite food, and get updates on the important things happening around the globe. 

The Internet comes with unlimited opportunities. It gives you comfort but can be a threat to your life. It got a dark side users must deal with. One challenge most internet users deal with is internet scams. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, more than $194 million is lost to scams. Thompson Rivers University defines a scam as a fraudulent scheme that lures people to give their money away for nothing. Scammers use deception to get what they want from victims. Internet scams happen online, and scammers use platforms like social media, e-commerce sites, and other websites to deceive people online. 

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Some people have lost their property and hard-earned money. According to Frontiers in Psychology, fraudulent activities can result in permanent financial loss and create room for negative emotions like depression, anger, and anxiety. Anyone can become a victim of an internet scam. How do you distinguish between genuine people and scammers? 

Ransford Nana Addo Jnr, a Professional Certified Investigator and Certified Fraud Examiner, shares tips on how to spot internet scams especially romance scams where people pretend to be in love with you just to lure you to give them money. Other types of scams can also be identified with these warning signs  

1. Unsolicited messages or calls 

Scammers may start their process by unexpectedly calling or sending unknown messages. They pretend to know you and may go the extra mile to give accurate information about you. Most of them use information you have put or displayed online and use that to connect to you. Don't just accept calls or messages from unknown people but probe further.

2. They avoid physical meetings or video calls 

Online scammers try to avoid physical meetings because they always want to hide their identities. They normally use fake identities and refuse anything that will expose them or reveal who they are. 

3. They create stories of emergency or urgency 

Your account has been hacked and you need to act now. There is a fire outbreak. A relative needs money for surgery. A friend has been arrested. They use some of these stories to get your attention. They fabricate these stories to be able to connect with you emotionally and then deceive you to give out money or your personal information. 

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The official website of Northern Ireland also confirms that scams can be identified if something looks too good to be true. You must think twice when you see prices of products that are far below the standard prices or investments that promise high levels of return with low risk. 

Online scamming can look genuine and tricky. Be careful of how you use and present yourself on the internet. Be vigilant and conduct your research well before you make any decision on the internet.