Basic Ways to Protect Yourself from Online Scams

The most common online scams. Learn how to protect yourself from phishing, malware, fake e-shops, and social engineering attacks.

1. Phishing (Fake Emails and SMS)

How to protect yourself:

• Do not click links in messages you were not expecting.
• Always check the URL before logging in to any service.
• Banks never ask for passwords via SMS or email. δεν ζητούν ποτέ κωδικούς μέσω SMS/email.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA).

ENISA Threat Landscape (ETL) reporτ

2. Fake Websites and E-Shops

How to protect yourself:

• Buy only from well-known or certified websites.
• Check for HTTPS and the correct domain.
• If the price is extremely low, it is probably a scam.
• Avoid bank transfers to IBAN accounts for online purchases.

3. Social Engineering (Manipulation)

How to protect yourself:

• Do not trust calls or messages from “technicians,” “banks,” or “police” asking for personal information.
• Hang up and call the official service number yourself.
• Never share passwords, OTPs, PINs, or personal information with anyone.

Social Engineering Explained

4. Malware

How to protect yourself:

• Do not download attachments from unknown senders.
• Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Avoid pirated software and suspicious websites.
• Perform regular backups.

5. Marketplace Scams

How to protect yourself:

• Do not give card details to any buyer or seller.
• Do not click links “to receive money.”
• Prefer face-to-face transactions when possible.
• Check the buyer’s or seller’s profile.

6. Poor Investment Opportunities and Crypto Scams

How to protect yourself:

• Avoid investments that promise guaranteed or excessive returns.
• Check whether a company is registered with the Capital Market Commission.
• Do not invest through strangers on social media.
• Use only official, well-known platforms.

7. Social Media Offers That Seem Too Good to Be True

How to protect yourself:

• Always check the page running the advertisement.
• Discounts of 70–90% on expensive products are almost always scams.
• Avoid payments outside secure platforms.
• Do not provide personal information in contests that request sensitive data.

8. Credential Theft Due to Weak Passwords

How to protect yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable 2FA wherever available.
• Use a password manager.
• Do not reuse the same password.

9. Public Wi-Fi Without Protection

How to protect yourself:

• Do not access e-banking or personal accounts through public Wi-Fi.
• Use a VPN if necessary.
• Avoid using sensitive applications on open networks.
• Disable automatic Wi-Fi connection.

10. Excessive Trust

How to protect yourself:

• Always question strange messages and offers.
• Do not rush to reply or complete a transaction.
• Double-check before sharing personal information.
• Stay informed about new types of scams.

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