Too many popups, the print too small? Imagine, there is the reason for that. Some websites are designed in that manner. To get you annoyed and just click, to get what you get here for.

There are techniques designed to distract the user, or to ignore certain aspect of the content.

This is actually very effective trick. as user keeps clicking "accept" just to get rid of annoyance and to get at least to the content one came here for.

Just keep in mind if you see that website or service doesn't seems to respect you as a user just leave... ok.. it'll take you few more minutes of googling, but you'll get the information you looking for. The internet is really vast space and you can find copy of it or at least something similar enough that will satisfy you. Don't get annoyed by popups, small prints, etc - no worth it. it is very likely that you are the product. Your data, your email, whatever they can get from you - just leave. Train your google-foo.

It seems like amazing offer, but wait the stock is limited. If I don't buy it just right now I'll miss this great opportunity.

And connected to it: Limited time offer. You know what that means? - Don't think, they want your money fast! Ok I agree, in some cases this is legit reason. Some shops clear the warehouses, try to empty shelves to make space for new products. how to recognise the difference? It is hard to define any rules here. It is all how do you feel about it. If you see it is very annoying, popups everywhere, it like jumps at you every time you open the page of this shop and it is too good, stop for a moment, and think does it feel right? What do you think? Oh yes, did you actually check the address of this shop? is it something you know? Time to make decision accept it or leave it. Keep in mind not always it is worth the risk. too good to be true - probably, I'd say - more likely it isn't.

When comes to shopping There are some known markets: Amazon, eBay, Etsy, etc.. Me, personally, I'm a big fan of going directly to the shop, as I know how the big markets scalp the small sellers. Bu, saying that, keep in mind: safety first. You going to give them your payment details - do you trust this or other shop? Imagine stranger on the street offering you some amazing deal, would you be happy to give him/her your card details? I don't think so. The website, especially tidy, nice looking has a feeling of authority, they legit, they have nice banner, some nice reviews, perhaps some award given - it is so easy to fabricate.

Some facts worth to check. do they have cookies consent? no? go away now. If it is .ltd company, do they have companies house number displayed (UK legal requirements) no - go away. some spelling mistakes - well - look how obvious they are, but, even legit shop, if they don't check they writing on the website, I would wonder how they would care about your order - I'd go away anyway.

I just received the email. Such a nice and rich person is in trouble... I have to help.

No you don't. Scam so old even for us. Do you know that the same theme was used using regular mail. Don't fall for that. They are sweet talkers can easily get to your hart but keep in mind they after your wallet not an evening tea. When you'll get a touching hart story email, from the person you don't know, no, don't ignore it, read carefully and remember it, there is a chance you'll get more similar ones, they have your email address. Nothing to be warry about, just don't reply, don't be over smart writing back - you didn't fall for that. No worth it, you'll only let them know that the email address is checked regularly and you didn't fall for this story - lets try another one. Keep your hart a little bit shielded, I know, it is hard sometimes.

Have you heard about fake police officers or other officials, or any uniform wearing, badge weaving individuals knocking doors and trying to scam trusty people?

The same happen online. It could be an email or website full witch government logos and badges. The same can be with an email from your bank, just check is it really your bank. Believe me often is so hard to spot the difference. With today technology to copy and paste some institution logo or even duplicate whole website is really done with little or no effort.

Few indicators:

Is there your name on it? or just "dear customer" you see, your bank would address it to you, or police, or council... or whatever.

How is the style of the writing? Is it spelled correctly, wording correct?

Those two above are just first things that should light up the warning sign for you.