### Comment:
What are common online fraud techniques to be aware of and how can I protect myself?

### REPLY:
A common online fraud technique is to collect personal information from unsuspecting individuals through phishing scams, where fake websites or emails are used to trick users into providing sensitive data such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers. Another technique is identity theft, where fraudsters steal personal information to impersonate individuals and engage in fraudulent activities. Additionally, fake websites are created to mimic legitimate ones, tricking users into entering their personal and financial details. Advance fee scams involve asking victims to pay a fee upfront in exchange for a promised reward, which is never delivered.