E-commerce has experienced huge growth due to the expansion of the Internet. Customers and online retailers have reached a level of trust between each other — but this took quite some time, and, unfortunately, new security threats are cropping up that threatens this relationship. These threats do not come from the online sites, but rather third-party individuals and groups. Here are a few online security threats you should be aware of:
Phishing
This is one of the worst threats to online security. Generally what happens is that the scammer is attempting to get the user to reveal private information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers, home addresses, passwords, and so on. Phishing is generally sent in the form of an email that looks legitimate, usually from a bank. The user is told to click on a link to provide information because his or her account has been compromised in some way. Once the person has entered personal information, the scammer has access to the bank account and will then drain the account. Be aware that banks will NEVER send these types of emails asking that you verify your information.
Lottery Winnings
You may receive an email from scammers telling you that you have just won the lottery. Many times these emails request that you send money in order for the winnings to be released to you. However, there was no lottery and you didn’t win — but you could lose thousands if you fall for this scheme.
Other Money Frauds
Other fraudulent e-mail scams ask that the person send money in order to share in a portion of a newly found bank account. You will need to send thousands of dollars first, before you can receive your share. These emails generally come from outside of the United States.