Don’t get scammed on the internet. Read and you will protect your finances

In this article, we will discuss the most popular methods used by cybercriminals and present practical ways to protect your finances.

Internet fraud. The most common methods

1. Phishing

Phishing involves impersonating trusted institutions such as banks, courier companies or shopping portals in order to obtain login details, passwords or payment card information. Fraudsters often send fake e-mails or text messages with links to websites that are confusingly similar to the original ones.

How to protect yourself?

• Check the sender’s e-mail addresses – official institutions use professional domains (e.g. “@bank.pl”).

• Don’t click on suspicious links. Enter the website address manually in your browser.

• Install antivirus software with anti-phishing functionality.

2. Fake investments

Investment scams promise quick and high profits, often through fake trading platforms. They may concern cryptocurrencies, forex or “novel” financial programs.

How to protect yourself?

• Don’t trust offers that promise huge profits in a short period of time – this is a classic sign of a scam.

• Check the credibility of the platform in official registers, such as the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF).

• Always consult your investment decisions with licensed financial advisors.

3. Shopping fraud

They concern the sale of non-existent products on auction platforms, social media or online stores. Fraudsters use attractive offers to get you to pay quickly.

How to protect yourself?

• Buy only from proven stores with good reviews.

• Use cash on delivery or payment systems that offer buyer protection.

• Avoid transactions outside the platform – this prevents you from getting your money back later.

4. Attacks on online banking

Hackers may try to take over your bank account by installing malware on your device or eavesdropping on your passwords over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.

How to protect yourself?

• Use two-step authentication (2FA) to log in to online banking.

• Always use secure, private Wi-Fi networks.

• Update software and applications regularly.

5. Fake SMS and WhatsApp messages

Text message scams are becoming more and more sophisticated. They may inform you about an unpaid parcel, false debt or the need to update your bank details.

How to protect yourself?

• Never click on links sent in unexpected messages.

• Please contact the company or bank using their official contact details to verify the message.

• Delete suspicious messages without replying to them.

Practical ways to protect your finances

1. Secure your passwords

• Use unique passwords for different accounts. In case of one leak, other accounts will remain safe.

• Use password managers like LastPass or Bitwarden.

• Avoid saving passwords in your browser.

2. Monitor your account regularly

• Check the transaction history of your bank accounts.

• Enable SMS or email notifications for each transaction to quickly respond to suspicious transactions.

3. Update software

• Regular updates of the operating system, browser and applications reduce the risk of attacks.

• Install a reputable antivirus program.

4. Be careful when sharing data

• Never provide your full credit card details or PIN over the phone, email or text message.

• Share data only on trusted, encrypted websites (https://).

5. Education and vigilance

• Stay informed about new online threats.

• Inform your loved ones, especially the elderly, who are often targeted by fraudsters, about the threats and ways to protect yourself.

What to do if you fall victim to fraud?

1. Block access: Change passwords and block access to accounts immediately if you suspect a data leak.

2. Contact your bank: Report unauthorized transactions.

3. File a police report: Provide any evidence of fraud, such as emails or text messages.

4. Contact CERT Polska: Report the incident at https://cert.pl, where specialists can help you.