{"id":1066290,"date":"2017-10-29T10:05:34","date_gmt":"2017-10-29T08:05:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/avoid-scam-spam-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T08:19:27","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T05:19:27","slug":"avoid-scam-spam-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.etoro.com\/au\/trading\/avoid-scam-spam-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Account security"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Guide to account security:
avoiding and reporting scams<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here, at eToro, security for our clients is a top priority. Our goal is to provide you with a secure online space where you can feel safe to invest, transact, and connect within our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The nature of the Internet, however, does require some extra caution whenever engaging online. In order to help you avoid falling prey to phishing attempts, investment scams, and other risks, we have put together this guide. In addition, if you are ever in doubt as to whether a communication is from us or witness any other suspicious activity on the eToro platform, please do not hesitate to contact us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Common risks
and phishing attempts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPhishing\u201d is an attempt by criminals to procure or intercept personal data from users by imitating a trustworthy entity, for example, with fake websites, e-mails, phone calls or SMS messages. The intention is to misuse this data to steal money from account holders. The term \u201cphishing\u201d is based on the word \u201cfishing\u201d together with the P from password, since figuratively speaking, these criminals attempt to \u201cbait\u201d unsuspecting users into providing their passwords, account information, or other data that they would otherwise keep secure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Unfortunately, the online trading and investment industry is not immune to these and other fraudulent attempts to swindle users out of their money. In just one example, in May 2021, Europol teamed up with several other law enforcement agencies to take down an investment fraud and money laundering ring involving losses of \u20ac30 million (US$36 million) total by hundreds of victims across Europe. The criminals created fake but professional-looking online trading platforms, luring victims through advertisements on social media and search engines. They posed as experienced brokers when contacting the victims via a fake call centre and used manipulated software to trick them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, it is very important that you always verify that you are transacting with the official eToro platform and our representatives, and not an imposter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n

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What a phishing attempt might look like<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n