An online scam is a type of fraud that occurs over the internet, typically with the intent of stealing money or personal information. It can take many forms, including phishing, 419 scams, pyramid schemes, romance scams, and more. Scammers often target vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those who are unfamiliar with the internet, as they are less likely to recognize the signs of a scam.

Phishing is one of the most common types of online scam, where scammers send emails or create fake websites to try and get users to reveal their personal information, such as credit card numbers or passwords. This can be done through emails, social media messages, or even text messages. The emails or messages may appear to be from a legitimate company or individual, so it is important to be wary of any unsolicited requests for information.

Romance scams are another popular form of online scam, where scammers create fake profiles on dating sites in order to lure victims into a relationship with them. They then use the relationship to get money from the victim or gain access to their personal information.

It is important to be aware of the various types of online scams and to protect yourself from them. Be cautious of any unsolicited messages or emails, and never give out personal information unless you are sure that the person or website is legitimate. If you think you may have been the target of a scam, contact your bank or other financial institution immediately.