A few months ago, a close friend shared her excitement about an incredible online shopping deal she had come across. She mentioned that while scrolling through Instagram, she had spotted what seemed like the perfect designer handbag at an unbelievably low price. The website appeared professional, and the reviews seemed highly positive, which led her to place an order in the excitement of the moment. However, weeks went by, and the bag never arrived. Eventually, she realized that the website had disappeared, taking her money with it.
The hard truth: Scammers are out there, and women are their favourite targets. From sketchy job offers to fake shopping deals to romance scams, the variety is mind-blowing, and these threats are real. But so is women’s ability to fight back, right?
Here are ten practical and easy-to-follow cybersecurity tips to protect yourself from digital scams that specifically target women. No technical jargon—just honest advice that every woman can use.

1. Online love? Keep your wallet shut.
Online dating is great but be cautious. Scammers create fake profiles, build emotional connections, and then ask for money, often claiming an emergency. If someone you have never met in person starts asking for financial help, he’s a scammer, not your soulmate! Never send money or share personal details with an online romantic interest.

2. Too-good-to-be-true job offer? Give it a pass.
Women, especially young professionals and stay-at-home mothers, are often targeted with fake job offers that promise high pay for minimal work. These frauds usually ask for personal details, an upfront fee, or even bank account access. Real jobs do not make you pay to work.

3. Keep your personal life... Personal.
Posting every detail of your life makes it easier for scammers to trick you. Keep some things private. Scammers use this information to trick or impersonate you. Always think twice before sharing personal details online.

4. Lock down your photos.
Women often fall victim to blackmail scams where their photos or videos are stolen and misused. Always use strong privacy settings on social media, avoid sending private pics to someone you do not trust 100% and be mindful of what you upload to cloud storage. If someone threatens you with leaked images, report it to the police and cybersecurity helplines immediately.

5. One password for everything? Bad idea
If one account gets hacked, you do not want the hacker to have access to your entire digital life. Use strong, different passwords for important accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

6. An unbelievable deal? It does not exist.
Often, women are targeted with counterfeit online stores advertising designer products at unbelievably low prices. These frauds not only take your money but may also steal your credit card details. Always shop from trusted websites, check reviews, and use cash-on-delivery if possible.

7. Don’t fall for fake charities.
A friend, moved by an emotional story about a sick child, donated money via a crowdfunding link she found online. Later, she discovered it was a scam using stolen pictures. Scammers routinely exploit women’s compassion by creating fake charity campaigns around disasters or social movements. Before donating, check the legitimacy of the organization through their official website or government charity registries.

8. Suspicious WhatsApp messages? Do not reply.
If someone randomly messages you saying, “Your bank account has been blocked! Click this link,” do not fall for it. Banks do not text like that. Fraudsters send messages claiming to be from banks, delivery services, or even friends in distress, asking for money or personal details. If you receive an urgent message, always verify by calling the actual person or company.

9. Deepfakes are getting creepy. Stay sharp.
With AI technology advancing, scammers can create realistic fake videos or voice recordings to impersonate people you know. If someone suddenly asks for money or sensitive information, double-check before believing it.

10. Trust your instincts
If something feels off, it is. Scammers rely on fear and hesitation to trap their victims. Don’t be afraid to report it and spread awareness among other women. The more we speak up, the safer we all become.

Final thoughts: Cybercriminals may be getting smarter, but so are we. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, we can outsmart these scams and protect ourselves and each other. Let’s make digital spaces safer for women by spreading awareness and supporting each other. When women look out for each other, we all win. Stay one step ahead, stay safe! Happy Women’s Day!

Authored by: Avnee Khosla
The author is the Vice President at Shoolini University. She has spent more than 15 years in financial services, education, and policy. Before joining academics, Avnee was a senior consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.