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Online shopping has been a norm among Americans even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Fraudsters are always looking for ways to steal money from businesses and consumers.

Then and now, e-commerce platforms are vulnerable to attacks by cybercriminals, thus consumers are at risk of becoming victims of identity theft.

During the pandemic, out of necessity, we’ve moved our lives online. Many of us work,  go to school, go shopping, and enjoy a social life without leaving home. Now is the time for consumers to stay alert.

Fraudsters are getting more sophisticated at getting consumers' personal and financial information online, according to Jeff Sakasegawa, a trust and safety expert with Sift, a fraud prevention solutions provider. He told CNBC, “COVID accelerated e-commerce to a level that’s five years before it would have been without the pandemic."

Since everyone has a bigger digital footprint, it’s no surprise that businesses are maximizing their presence online. Sift said an entire network of fraudsters is operating underground. The digital safety community refers to it as  “illicit supply chains.”

Sakasegawa noted that fraudsters are finding new ways to get personal data, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and bank account information, as we grow more comfortable interacting in the virtual world.

Internet criminals often use new technology with old scams to get people to give them money or share personal information. Most frauds follow some detectable patterns that will help you to recognize them.

Content abuse is pervasive

Content abusers often work together in gangs or networks. And they often form a scam economy that preys on the wants and needs of consumers.

Content abuse is the most common way that fraudsters disguise who they are, to get you, to share personal information. When you see hundreds of ads, social media postings, and branded information you may not be looking at them critically.

Fraudsters that practice content abuse hope that you see only what they want you to see. Their particular con depends on fooling you. 

Fraudsters post ads for AirBnbs, jobs, vacation homes, on dating sites and all present you with all sorts of offers. Today they can use branding tools, professional-looking photography, and descriptions that may seem legitimate. Scammers try and mimic trusted brands and processes that you use all the time.

Because the coronavirus has forced so much online it’s commonplace for businesses to request your credit card information. Restaurants, gyms, and hair salons are now opening at limited capacity, you might find that they require that you hold your spot with a small deposit.