Scams and Alerts
Warnings and
Discussions about Internet cons and tricks
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How to Avoid Internet Scams
Most of the time buying or selling over the
internet is safe. But the internet has also given rise to
scams to trick you into parting with cash or your personal
details.
However by being alert it is possible to use the
internet without fear. Obviously the biggest
hazard is that you might end up paying for goods which are not
delivered or for paying far more than you should.
But an equally significant risk arises if you hand over bank
details and personal information. From this fraudsters can
quickly steal your identity and much more besides.
So what scams will entice the unwary?
Here are ten of the best:
.
African advance fees scam.
You receive a request
to help transfer money out of Africa through your bank account
in return for a share of the transfer sum. This
is not about money but obtaining your bank
details.
.
The bank phishing scam.
You get an e-mail from your bank either asking for your
account details or directing you to a fake bank website where
you will be asked to input these. Don`t.
.
The
prize winner scam.
You get advised you have won a
big prize or a free gift but have to call a premium rate
number. You will be on hold for a long time and end up with a
big bill.
.
Work at home scam.
You see an ad promising to make you rich quick in return
for a registration fee. Either the job opportunities don`t
materialise or the work required to recover the initial outlay
is unrealistic.
.
The auction scam.
Designer labels are advertised but cheap knock offs sold.
Or buying not the goods but an address where the goods can be
bought at a discount
.
The medical advice
scam.
You get impressive sounding e-mail offering
impressive sounding medical remedies for a host of common
conditions. Usually these have no medical basis.
.
Foreign lottery scams.
You have won a
foreign lottery prize even though you didn`t enter one. You
can either be asked to phone an expensive premium rate number
or send off a cheque to cover admin fees and the like. The
prize won`t be worth winning.
.
Internet
dialler scam.
You click on a pop up and
unwittingly software is downloaded that forces your internet
connection through an expensive telephone line.
.
`
Models wanted` scam.
You are invited to
be a model, an author, a film extra. It sounds seductive but
you will pay a registration fee up front. And of course not
much work if any materialises.
.
The repeat
payment scam.
You sign up to a book club or
dating site with membership charged regularly to your credit
or debit card. These can be difficult to stop and cancel.
So how can you protect yourself?
. If something appears too good to be true it probably
is.
. Use secure sites with `https` in web address and
yellow padlock symbol in browser window
. Take your
time before parting with money
. Never divulge your
bank details online
. Only deal with businesses you
trust.
So should you ever receive an e-mail or see an
ad offering
free
laptops, don`t be tempted. You have been warned.
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Banking Scams
This is probably the most blatant and
exploitative form of Internet fraud seen to date.
In
the UK we have had traditionally 4 large National high street
retail banks -
commonly known as the Big Four.
A
few weeks ago I received this email in my personal email
box. I had recently
had trouble with my online login
procedure and I did bank with Nat West Bank.
Because
of this and the fact I was a little tired I almost did the
wrong thing.
Since receiving this email I have
received a dozen or so more from different
financial
organisations - some in the UK and some abroad - all very
similar
in style and all bearing forged Logos.
Here's what my NatWest fraudulent email looked like.
Sorry I had to squash it up a bit to fit it on the page.
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