cyberscam
Internet-based fraud
A cyberscam is a fraudulent scheme conducted online—phishing emails, fake websites, romance scams, or investment fraud executed through digital channels.
The cyber- prefix simply marks the internet as the medium: She lost thousands to a cyberscam promising cryptocurrency returns.
The term covers any confidence trick adapted to exploit the anonymity and reach of the internet.
Argument against
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- grifterPetty fraud perpetrator
charlatan · impostor · dupery · trickery · deceit · manipulation · masquerade · sham
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
- botnetRemotely controlled infected computers
virus · worm · exploit · backdoor · rootkit · cryptojacking · data breach · hacking
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- spearphishingPersonalized fraudulent solicitation
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
- clickbaitSensationalized content for traffic
impersonation · catfishing · pretexting · vishing · smishing · Nigerian prince · pump and dump · pyramid scheme
Stealing personal data criminally
- credit cardBorrowed-funds payment tool
- bank accountFinancial storage for funds
- cryptocurrencyEncrypted decentralized money
- passwordsSecret authentication strings
personal data · Social Security · wire transfer · gift card · PayPal · Venmo · Zelle · Western Union
Malware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
- encryptionConverting data into code
awareness · verification · reporting · FTC · spam filter · fraud alert · credit freeze · skepticism
con
Argument against
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
grifter · charlatan · impostor · dupery · trickery · deceit · manipulation · masquerade · sham · hustle
malware
Harmful computer programs
- ransomwareHostage-taking code
- spywareHidden surveillance program
- keyloggerSoftware recording typed input
botnet · virus · worm · exploit · backdoor · rootkit · cryptojacking · data breach · hacking · pharming
phishing
Fraudulent credential harvesting
- spearphishingPersonalized fraudulent solicitation
- spoofingFraudulent imitation
- baitingDeliberately trying to provoke
clickbait · impersonation · catfishing · pretexting · vishing · smishing · Nigerian prince · pump and dump · pyramid scheme · fake invoice
identity theft
Stealing personal data criminally
- credit cardBorrowed-funds payment tool
- bank accountFinancial storage for funds
- cryptocurrencyEncrypted decentralized money
passwords · personal data · Social Security · wire transfer · gift card · PayPal · Venmo · Zelle · Western Union
antivirus
Malware detection program
- firewallNetwork access control system
- authenticationConfirming genuine identity
- two-factorAuthentication using paired credentials
encryption · awareness · verification · reporting · FTC · spam filter · fraud alert · credit freeze · skepticism · due diligence
cyberscamcybersecurity
Protection of digital systems
fraud protection · consumer protection · identity protection · online safety · digital security