Internet Frauds and Scams You Need To Know About

Internet frauds and scams are in the news almost everyday. We hear about a new scam, or con or fraud, where somebody lost money. However, if it does not affect us, we don’t care? It is simply that the stone is not in your shoe. And if it is not you, why worry about internet frauds and scams?

Internet Frauds And Scams Are Everywhere

As we go about our day, we are not even thinking about possibly getting scammed.

The nonchalant attitude we have is what gets us into the next scam! Then we are thinking, “Oh, if I would have just paid more attention to that scam when it made the news?” Well, then it is too late!

So, which scams are the ones that are most important to know about? I have included some of the recent scams to share with you.

Some of the internet frauds and scams are pretty straightforward, some are a bit more complex. I think you will find the information I am presenting here very informative and you will learn something about internet frauds and scams.

 

Telemarketing Scams Are Common

Telemarketing scams work whenever you give personal or financial information, or even send money to people you don’t personally know. If you do that, your odds of getting scammed and becoming a victim of one of these telemarketing scams increases dramatically.

If any of the following or similar phrases are used, it should send up a red flag alert to you immediately:

• Hurry, act quickly, or you must act now, this offer won’t last, or be any good. The urgency claim is powerful, but don’t fall for it!
• You won a sweepstakes or lottery you never entered, or a prize and you need to pay shipping and handling, or other charges. Be skeptical of free winnings!
  
• Requests for you to send money, or give credit card or bank account numbers, or have a courier pick up a check somewhere, often before you can think over the deal, to add confusion, and keep you from figuring it out.
• They give you some excuse why you don’t need to talk to family members, your lawyer or accountant, or contact the Better Business bureau or consumer protection agency.
• You can do this without checking for any written information about the company or references.
• You don’t want to pass up this once in a lifetime deal, or something like pass up this no risk offer, or this high profit deal.

Don’t fall for these gimmick lines on the phone, just hang up! If you have given your phone number, and they call you back, hang up and call the police.

Ways To Avoid Internet Frauds And Scams

It is easier to keep your money, stay safe and avoid scams. Once your money is gone, it is much harder to get it back.

Here are some simple tips, you may already know. A little review for good measure!

• Don’t buy from someone you don’t know. Real businesses are glad to tell you who they are.

• Always ask someone you trust about financial information, your tax accountant for example, a close friend or relative. Ask for written brochures for charities and requests for money or investments. But, even this sometimes is not foolproof. Not all documents are legit or correct, so don’t assume they are! Have them verified by a professional, your lawyer for instance, before you sign anything!
• Always check with all the watchdog agencies, such as the consumer protection agency, or Better Business Bureau, National Fraud Information Center, State Attorney Generals Office.
• But, sometimes even they are not yet aware of any fraudulent reports of the company involved in popular internet scams you may be asking about.
• Always take the time to do it right the first time. Because, you will have no choice but to take the time to fight for your money back!!

Keep Good Records Write Down What Happened

• Make sure you write down the salesperson’s name, the name of his business, phone number, street and email addresses, and if possible the business license number. Ask for a business card! Then, before you transact any business, see if you can verify these numbers and names. If you can’t, chances are that they are fake.
• If this is a charity, it is a good idea to ask how your money is going to be used. Does it go to help pay salaries or commissions? How much of your money goes to benefit the charity itself.
• Do you know for certain before you send your money, that it is guaranteed to be used as promised? Read my previous post How to tell it’s a scam.
• Only pay after services are received, not before. If that is a problem, refuse to send your money.
• Do not allow couriers to come pick up your money, this gives them the chance to disappear with your money.
• Always take your time with any decision, even sleep on it. You may not feel as good about it tomorrow. If you are being pressured to act quickly, it should immediately send up a red flag.

 Don’t Believe it When You Are Told You Won A Lottery

• Federal Law prohibits asking for taxes, so if you are told you have won something, and just need to send the taxes, this is illegal, and also sends up a red flag.
• Know in advance exactly what financial information you will give out over the phone, before you next salesman calls you. The fewer details you give, the better! Even giving out your name and address can allow the scammer to contact the post office and change your address to his. Don’t give any personal details ever!
• Talk over any big investments with trusted family members and friends, see what they think. Sleep on it! You may change your mind tomorrow.
• Ask if you don’t understand it, and don’t respond to it. Keep your money safe.
• If you don’t know the person or company, then definitely do not give any personal information, or send any to them. These are phishing scams and unsolicited texts and ads Keep your bank account, credit cards, social security numbers private.
• Beware that often your financial information is captured and then brokered to other telemarketers through third parties. So, keep it safe, don’t give it out.
• If you have been a victim, do not fall for people trying to help you for an upfront fee.
• If you have information about a fraud, report it to state, local or federal law enforcement agencies. 

Frequently Asked Questions Of Internet Frauds And Scams

Are Soldiers who ask for money for plane tickets real?

No, they are trying to scam you. If you met this person online in a dating app, you can bet he is trying to scam you. Sometimes they steal identities of other soldiers and are not even who they say they are.

What do you do if a scammer has your email address?

You should change the password immediately. Even consider creating a new email account. You should always create separate email account for using on the internet, and keeping your personal email account private.

What is the best way to protect your financial information?

Use very long, strong and unique passwords to keep your account secure. You can also enable two factor identification.

I hope you have found my post useful. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I answer all my readers ASAP.

Chas

Next: The Nigerian 419 scam

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