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How to Protect Yourself From Online Scams

10 Online Scams and the Tools That Help Fight Back

Data breaches, identity theft and online fraud affect millions of people each year, often with lasting financial and emotional consequences. Even careful users can fall victim to stolen credentials, hacked accounts and deceptive scams. That’s where digital security and identity protection tools like Lumen and Aura play a critical role in helping consumers stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. It's crucial to know how to protect yourself from online scams. Keep reading to learn more.

How Lumen Helps Protect You Online

Lumen focuses on proactive monitoring and early threat detection to help users respond before serious damage occurs. Its primary strength lies in its ability to continually scan for signs that your personal data may be exposed through breaches, leaks, or suspicious online activity. When potential threats appear, Lumen sends real-time alerts so users can take immediate action, such as changing passwords, freezing accounts or contacting financial institutions.

One of the most valuable benefits of Lumen is its role in early awareness. Many cybercrime victims are harmed simply because they don’t realize their information has been compromised. Lumen helps close that delay by notifying users as soon as risky exposure is detected. This early warning system can significantly reduce financial losses and prevent criminals from escalating attacks.

Lumen also supports safer digital habits by reinforcing the importance of responding quickly to security threats. It acts as a continuous digital watchdog, particularly useful for people who shop online frequently, use public Wi-Fi or manage multiple digital accounts across platforms.

How Aura Helps Protect You Online

Aura offers a broader, all-in-one approach to online safety, combining identity theft monitoring, financial security alerts and fraud resolution services. Aura actively monitors sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers, bank accounts and credit activity. If unusual behavior is detected—such as a new credit inquiry or suspicious financial transaction—users receive immediate alerts.

One of Aura’s most powerful features is identity restoration support. If identity theft or fraud does occur, Aura provides access to trained specialists who help victims freeze credit, dispute fraudulent charges, work with creditors and restore their identity. This support can save victims hundreds of hours of stressful paperwork and phone calls.

Aura also integrates digital security tools such as password protection, VPN services and antivirus features, helping secure both identity and devices in one ecosystem. This layered approach makes it easier for everyday users to maintain strong protection without needing advanced technical expertise.

10 Common Online Scams to Be Aware Of

There are countless scams online, but these are some of the most common ones to be aware of and watch for:

  • Phishing emails that impersonate banks, retailers or delivery companies to steal login credentials.
  • Fake online shopping websites offering extreme discounts on popular products.
  • Social media impersonation scams pretending to be friends, brands or influencers.
  • Tech support scams that falsely claim your device is infected with a virus.
  • Online romance scams that emotionally manipulate victims into sending money.
  • Cryptocurrency and investment scams promising guaranteed high returns.
  • Remote job and work-from-home scams that require upfront fees.
  • Online marketplace scams involving fake buyers or sellers.
  • Account takeover attacks using stolen passwords from data breaches.
  • Identity theft resulting from leaked personal information sold on the dark web.

Online scams are no longer rare. From email and social media to online shopping and job searching, scammers operate on nearly every platform people use daily. This is why it is so important to know how to protect yourself from online scams. While services like Lumen and Aura add valuable protection through monitoring and alerts, the strongest defense remains awareness, verification and caution. When users slow down, question urgency, and protect their personal information, they take back control from the criminals trying to exploit the digital world.