I'm sure you know someone who's been the victim of a scam - or perhaps you have? I don't know about you, but for the past few weeks I've been surrounded by reports of piracy. It's called "fishing": like a fishing trip, you get caught on a hook and then you're trapped.

Malicious people continue to create more and more scenarios with the aim of taking money from you. The most vulnerable groups are teenagers and, of course, the elderly.

According to researchers, senior citizens are 34% more likely to be approached by cyber-scammers than younger people.

The stress caused by these fraudulent approaches affects not only the elderly but also their families.

What and who should you be wary of?

A lawyer or policeman sends you a threatening e-mail containing a ZIP file. You open it because you feel it's important. That's when you accept the malware: malicious software that can spy on your personal files right up to your online bank account.

A fake invitation to a funeral is sent to you in a Zip file. You open it, because you want to know information about the deceased. Once again, your private information is obtained. Sometimes they are even sold to third parties to steal money from you - this is what is known as cybercrime.

Whether it's an offer to buy something online, a payment gone wrong or your best friend asking you to watch a video link to make you laugh over Messenger, there's plenty to be caught out...

You might be looking for a volunteer job. Here too, you're responding to an ad that could be a scam. The content of the ad is often disguised and wonderfully timely. But beware, your bank account may be compromised.

You should also be wary of online pharmacies, some of which are based abroad and won't hesitate to take a lot of money from you to send you medicines that may not even be authorised. The same goes for online competitions and lotteries.

There are an infinite number of possibilities open to these unscrupulous and creative people. Losing your money can be dramatic, but there's also the danger of losing your heart. Grazers, grazers, or false lovers are all the rage!

A man in his sixties finds himself involved with a beautiful young woman. She made him believe in love and after a few weeks asked him for money, citing family problems. With his heart set, the man did everything for his beautiful wife, and found himself a little less wealthy and, above all, more unhappy. It happens more often than we think!

How can you protect yourself?

First of all, children and grandchildren are often "online professionals", so don't hesitate to call on their advice and knowledge, and get help to do so!

• Online banking should be carried out with a member of your family and/or someone you trust. Very secure applications exist. And your bank can certainly help you to install and understand them. Always check the origin of the proposed bank, as fraudulent e-mails often use different numbers and countries.
• Don't forget to create complex passwords. And possibly entrust them to someone you trust. Above all, don't leave them written on your computer or telephone.
• Find out about installing an anti-malware programme on your computer. These programmes track down scams and prevent them from reaching you.
• If someone you know sends you a strange or frightening message, contact them directly, and never reply by e-mail or via a link they may have sent you in writing.
• Don't open any attachments unless you're sure of their origin. Don't believe any links, even if they come from your bank or an authority. Check everything, by telephone if necessary, before opening.
• Be wary of anyone offering you services involving the payment or exchange of money; always prefer direct payment or bank transfer.
• Find out about online dating: scammers often have the same modus operandi! Learn how to block them without even replying. Don't play their game of seduction!

If, despite all this, you realise that you have been a victim, or if you want to protect yourself in advance, what can you do?

There are websites that can help. Here's one: https://www.signal-arnaques.com

They allow you to check whether a scam is listed and even to report any information you come across.

The federal police have an online service for reporting online claims: click here

if you want to find out more: here's a series of videos from an infiltrator in the world of scammers.

But be careful, it's not just on the internet that you need protection. There are also those who come to your door or phone you. So while we mustn't become paranoid, we must remain cautious and surround ourselves with good advice.

Staying informed and protecting yourself are the best ways of anticipating these misfortunes.

If you've been the victim of a scam or realised the trap beforehand, don't hesitate to comment and tell us about your experience. Thank you!

Sophie Mercier