Scam Rule #1: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is

The most obvious sign of an online scam is if the prices or offers are too good to be true. Rarely, if ever, do such promises turn out to be real. Beware of ‘too good to be true’ prices and incredible returns on investments.

Scam Rule #2: Won a prize without entering? It’s a scam!

The scam can be in the form of an unexpected lottery win or inheritance from a relative you have never heard of. To receive the amount, you will be asked to pay a 'small fee'. If you pay one fee, there will be another and the scam will continue till you realize that there is no prize money or inheritance.

Scam Rule #3: Don't trust unconventional domain name extensions

Scammers often purchase domain names with extensions such as .online, .buzz. .info and more as they are available cheaply. If the website name carries a domain name extension other than common ones such a .com, .net, .org, or .gov, it would be wise to proceed with caution.

Scam Rule #4: 80% discount on a well-known brand? It’s a scam

Reputed brands rarely slash the prices of their products. If you see huge discounts, say more than 20%, being offered on a big-name brand then there is a good chance that it might be a scam. You can visit the brand's official website to check for ongoing sales.

Scam Rule #5: Glowing reviews on the website may be fake

Many websites have internal review systems that allow the owners to highlight positive reviews and edit or delete negative reviews. In some cases, they may be completely fake reviews written by the website owners themselves. Always check third-party review systems, such as Scamadviser.com, to understand what customers are really saying.

Scam Rule #6: "Falsus in uno, falsus in omnibus”. "False in one thing, false in everything."

Transparency and truth are two of the most important requirements to consider a website genuine. Websites can make false or contradictory claims about the prices, product descriptions, website age, certifications/trustmarks, number of users, payment methods and more. If even one piece of information is found to be fake, it would be wise to view the whole website with suspicion.

Scam Rule #7: Need to pay before you can work? It’s a scam

Legitimate companies will never ask candidates to pay a fee before they can start earning. Avoid any employer or recruiter who requires you to pay them a subscription fee, membership fee, account upgrade fee or anything similar. It is likely to be a scam.

Scam Rule #8: No contact details? Avoid all contact!

Always note the contact details of any company you are dealing with for the first time. If the contact details such as phone number, email ID and address are missing or incomplete, it may be wise to look somewhere else.

Scam Rule #9: Greed lowers IQ by 50%

Hearing promises of huge returns on investment or opportunities to earn enormous incomes can impair logical thinking. Always think critically whether the kind of money being promised is realistic, to avoid falling victim to an HYIP Scam or Job Scam.

Scam Rule #10: The Devil is in the details. Always read the fine print

Things such as the Terms & Conditions, Shipping Policy or Returns Policy of a company may hide important details not mentioned anywhere else. Always try to get as much information as possible before making an online purchase.

Scam Rule #11: Don’t invest through someone you met on social media

Legitimate investment companies do not operate solely online and especially not using social media or messaging apps. The internet provides anonymity to scammers who use fake profiles to lure investors. Never trust anyone who claims to be an expert in trading or investing if all they have is a social media profile.

Scam Rule #12: 1-15% returns per year are realistic. Anything more might be a scam

Even the best investors in the world do not average more than 20% returns per YEAR. Promises of doubling your money in days, weeks or even months signal that it may not be a legitimate investment opportunity. Returns such as 1% to 3% per day are only possible in Pyramid or Ponzi schemes.

Scam Rule #13: Avoid clicking links in emails

Clicking links in emails can make you the victim of a phishing attack. Malicious emails are designed to look like alerts from genuine companies but redirect you to a fake page. To avoid your login credentials or payment details being compromised, don't click links in emails. Visit the company's official website directly and log in from there.

Scam Rule #14: All investments carry risk. Never invest in a hurry

'Risk-free investment' is a myth that exists only in the land of scams. Never make the mistake of neglecting to read the fine print. You may find red flags suggesting that the investment opportunity is not as safe as it seems. If there is no detailed documentation about the investment, it is most likely a scam.