Internet scams and frauds are perpetrated worldwide. With the widespread use of the Internet, these criminals have easier access to their unsuspecting victims. The most important thing to do is to be vigilant and careful so as to avoid falling into their traps.
Incidents of scams and frauds are increasing every year. Many people fall victims to these crimes and lose thousands, and some even millions of bucks. Today, as scores of people are using the Internet, criminals are taking advantage of this, and many of them are using this technology as a means to promote their illegal activities.
The FBI received numerous complaints of online frauds and scams. Based on the report of Gartner, a research firm, there are about 10 million Americans who have been victimized by these criminals.
Phishing is the latest form of scam on the Internet. Scammers use e-mails to send information of what seems to be a legitimate website and eventually, if not dismissed by the victim, ask for his or her personal information. Unknowingly, he or she is being lured to a fake website and the personal information thus obtained is misused. Right from there, stealing from bank accounts and credit cards can begin.
Auction Fraud
This is where criminals post some items that they sell for low prices. What happens next is that the scammer will ask for the payment and promise to send the item but unfortunately the victim will never ever receive the product. There are numerous strategies employed by these fake sellers so that prospective buyers will not suspect something fishy is going on.
Nigerian 419 Letter
This is the most famous Internet scam that has been spreading all around the world and has caused huge loss of money to unsuspecting victims. The scammers will send an e-mail, which goes something like this:
"DEAR SIR/MADAM:
ON BEHALF OF THE JUST OUSTED NODAMBIZIA AGRICULTURE MINISTER, WHO HAS MISAPPROPRIATED $ 30 MILLION FROM HIS FAMISHED COUNTRYMEN, AND NOW WANTS TO HAVE IT MOVED OUT FROM THE COUNTRY, I..."
The letter will convince the victim to be an accomplice and that they need to transfer the money to his or her account and they will promise a cut of about 30 to 40 percent from the money sent to them. Afterwards, they will request the victim to travel in a specific destination to meet with them, to “prepare all necessary documents”. However, they will ask for an advance fee as payment for taxes, bribes and attorney’s fee, before they will transfer the funds. Sometimes, if the victims happen to travel overseas as requested by the scammers, they are kidnapped and not allowed to go until they produce the money that these criminals are asking for.
