Online scams are becoming harder to spot. Fake emails, text messages and websites can look almost identical to the real thing, putting both individuals and Christchurch businesses at risk.
Knowing what to look for is one of the best ways to protect yourself.
Here are 5 common online scams to watch out for in your daily life.
1. Phishing Emails
Phishing emails try to trick you into clicking a link or giving away passwords, banking details or personal information.
They may appear to come from your Bank, Microsoft, Gmail, or company you trust like your Power or Internet Company.
Tip: Don’t click unexpected links. Go directly to the company’s official website instead or ring them.
2. Fake Tech Support Scams
Have you ever seen a pop-up saying your computer has a virus and telling you to call a number?
Be careful.
Scammers can pretend to be Microsoft or a reputable Computer Support Company and try to convince you to give them remote access to your computer.
Tip: Never give remote access to someone who unexpectedly contacts you.
3. Fake Delivery Messages
“Your parcel could not be delivered.”
Sound familiar? It should. It happens to all of us to miss a courier visit.
Fake courier texts often contain a link asking you to pay a small fee or update your delivery details. The website may be designed to steal your credit card or personal information.
Tip: Check your delivery directly through the retailer or courier company’s official website.
4. Fake Invoices & Payment Scams
Businesses need to be particularly careful with invoice scams.
A scammer may impersonate a supplier and ask you to send future payments to a new bank account.
Tip: Always verify changes to bank details by contacting the supplier directly using a trusted phone number.
5. Social Media & Marketplace Scams
Fake profiles, fake products and fraudulent payments are common on social media and online marketplaces.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Tip: Be careful with unusual payment requests and verify who you’re dealing with before sending money.
How to Stay Safe Online
Most scams rely on getting you to act quickly without thinking.
Before clicking a link, opening an attachment, transferring money or giving someone access to your computer:
Stop. Think. Check.
Keep your software updated, use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
If you’re unsure about a suspicious email, computer problem or potential security issue, getting professional advice can save you a lot of trouble.
Canterbury Computer Repairs provides IT support, computer repairs and cybersecurity assistance for businesses throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
Need help keeping your business IT secure? Contact Canterbury Computer Repairs today.
