Blog

(posted on 20 Nov 2024)

As a provider of online services for artists and the “go-to” tech person in my family and friends’ networks, I encounter a wide range of online scams. Recently, I’ve noticed a surge in payment receipt scams. These are deceptive emails that claim you’ve purchased something—often software—that you never actually bought.

Thankfully, most of these scam messages are poorly constructed and easy to spot. However, a growing number are much more convincing and could deceive even the most vigilant internet users. While many of these scams aim to lure you into clicking malicious links, some have evolved to appear more legitimate by taking you to real websites, as though you genuinely made the purchase.

The latest twist? They often include a customer support phone number, typically a toll-free 800 number. This small detail makes the scam seem more credible. Unfortunately, these phone numbers connect you directly to the scammers.

These fraudsters are highly skilled at manipulating people—yes, even thoughtful, cautious individuals. It doesn’t take much: a hectic day, a moment of distraction, or personal stress can make you overlook subtle warning signs and fall into their trap.

Once you engage with them by phone, the scam can unfold in various ways, each designed to exploit your trust. In this post, I want to focus on some general principles for staying safe online and avoiding these schemes:

Be Suspicious of All Incoming Emails

Regardless of how legitimate an email appears—or who you think it’s from—approach every message cautiously. Scammers are increasingly adept at mimicking professional communication, but you can protect yourself by:

Avoiding links and phone numbers in the email: Legitimate actions requested in an email (e.g., verifying an account or resolving an issue) can almost always be done by going directly to the company’s official website or contacting them through their verified phone number.
Looking up contact information independently: Never assume the phone number or link in an email is correct. Instead, search for the official contact details yourself.

Resist Emotional Manipulation

Scammers thrive on provoking strong emotional responses, such as fear, urgency, or excitement. They may:

Warn you of a security breach.
Threaten legal consequences.
Dangle offers or winnings that feel too good to be true.

If you feel compelled to act “just in case,” stop and evaluate the situation. Use a trusted source—like the company’s website or a search engine—to verify the claims independently of the email.

Seek a Second Opinion

If you’re unsure about taking an action—especially one involving significant consequences, like large financial transactions—talk to someone you trust.

A fresh perspective can help: Others might spot details or inconsistencies you missed.
It relieves pressure: Scammers aim to isolate you and create urgency, so reaching out to someone else can help break that cycle.

By staying cautious, questioning unusual requests, and leaning on trusted resources, you can outsmart scammers and protect your personal information. Remember: if something feels off, take the time to verify. It’s always better to pause and confirm than to act in haste and regret it later.