But just like in the real world, not everyone you meet online
has good intentions.
Hidden among the games, chats, and cute cat videos are people who spend their time trying to trick others.
They might look friendly, professional, or even helpful—but they have one goal:
To get something from you, whether it’s your money, your personal information, or access to your digital life.
These digital tricksters are called scammers, and their tricks?
Those are called online scams.
They come in all shapes and sizes—from fake emails that look like they’re from your bank, to pop-ups offering unbelievable prizes,
to imposters pretending to be someone you know.
And the worst part?
These scams are everywhere.
According to global cybersecurity reports, millions of people fall for online scams every year—some losing money, others losing their personal identities, and many losing trust in the online world altogether.
But here’s the good news:
You can learn to spot them before they get to you.
Online Safety Starts With Awareness
Scammers rely on one thing to succeed: your reaction.
They craft their messages to make you feel something intense—excitement ("You’ve won a free iPhone!"), panic
("Your account has been locked!"), curiosity
"Click here to see who’s been searching for you!"), or even guilt
("Please help me. I’m stuck overseas and need money to get home.").
Why?
Because when you feel something strong, you’re more likely to act quickly without thinking—exactly what scammers want.
When your heart is racing or you’re imagining what you could win, you’re less likely to ask:
“Does this seem real?”
That’s why learning to recognize the signs of a scam—the red flags
—is so important.
Once you know what to look for, you can spot trouble even in the most convincing disguise.
121 pages.