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PSA: If you win 'free' electronics online, watch for this sign it's a scam
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is one of the most in-demand video game consoles, with stocks regularly selling out nationwide. Some have waited months to get their hands on one, while others are willing to spend large sums of money. Is there a fortune sitting in your garage? Tap or click here for tech worth big money.
But as we’ve seen often, criminals and scammers exploit the situation for their own gain when something is hard to find. A scam making the rounds on YouTube right now could drain your pockets.
Read on to learn how to spot a free electronics scam and what you can do to stay safe.
Don’t fall for this electronics giveaway scam
The global video games industry generates billions annually, driven primarily by Microsoft’s Xbox One console and rival Sony’s PlayStation 5. Even though the PS5 launched three years ago, stock levels haven’t normalized yet.
That’s put many people in a desperate situation, willing to do almost anything to acquire the console. Unfortunately, scammers know that desperate people can act irrationally and target them with the fake promise of a device.
Colorado resident Sean O’Brien feels “stupid” and “mad” for falling for one of these scams. While watching a YouTube video, he noticed a comment underneath that claimed he could get a free PS5 if he paid a small fee.
After contacting the commenter, he paid some money to secure the console. However, the scammer kept asking for more. O’Brien sent a total of $300.
Speaking to FOX31, O’Brien explains, “by the fifth time, I said, you know what? You guys should say there are all these fees upfront, and I said I’m not paying any more money.” It should be no surprise that the scammers then refused to send him the PS5 or give him a refund.
The retail price for a PlayStation 5 is $400 for the digital edition and $500 for the standard edition.
What you can do about it
Scammers are constantly branching out to other mediums in search of victims. Some of the most common methods are phishing emails and malicious text messages, but platforms like Facebook and YouTube are gaining popularity.
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Google’s Chrome browser is super popular, with nearly 3 billion installations globally. Chrome is relatively safe to use if you’ve set it up correctly. Tap or click here for ways to make it even safer to use.
But you must keep your programs, including web browsers, up to date to fend off newly found cybersecurity threats. Google recently discovered a dangerous zero-day threat to its Chrome browser.
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A new rule lets debt collectors message you on social media - Here's what they can and can't do
Social media connects us to others — but not all those connections are good. Sometimes you’ll come across people you’d rather not see or, even worse, an old friend trying to lure you into a pyramid scheme.
Curiosity is natural when you get a new friend request, but be careful. It could be a jealous former lover, an acquaintance trying to pull one over on you, or even a scam. How do you spot these malicious friend requests? It’s not always easy. Tap or click here for some tips on making better decisions on social media.
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Routers are an intrinsic part of every home’s internet. It helps make sure all your devices are connected and online. However, this device can be one of the most unsecured pieces of tech in your house. If you forget the information associated with your router, you won’t be able to change the settings to protect yourself—until now. This cool site can help you retrieve that information so you and your family can stay safe online.