There a number online money scams that you need to be wary
off when it comes to using the internet. Scammers today think of every possible
angle to con victims and make money at their expense. The first step to
avoiding these types of scams, comes with early detection. Only when you
suspect the possibility of a scam, will you be able to avoid it. So here is a
list of some of the most common money scams you will find on the internet.
Lottery and Prizes Money Scams
Have you ever come across lottery scams where you suddenly
won an iPhone or Plasma Tv or the latest X Box? The lottery ad would suddenly
pop while surfing the web and would declare you as the winner to an expensive
technological device. The device would be free even though shipping charges are
not which is essentially what this money scam is all about. Users part with
their debit card and pin number thinking that they will get a free X box or
iPhone. The gifts will never show up at your door step. Instead you will get a
long bill from your banker the following month since the scammers would have
used your debit card to make all kinds of unauthorized purchases.
Work from Home Money Scams
A lot of people looking to earn money through the internet
fall for this kind of money scam. The cyber criminals behind this con will
promise customers the ability to make thousands of dollars in the month through
computer jobs which can be handled from the comforts of your own home. They
claim to know secret marketing techniques which they promise to share with you
if you join their online course. These courses usually cost upwards of $500
and once the payment has been made, the scammers simply up and disappear.
Nigerian 419 Money Scams
This is easily the most common money scam you will find on
the web. You will be contacted by unknown people from Africa promising you
abundance of money in the form of inheritance. According to the mail, you are
the sole heir to a fortunate left behind by a family in Nigeria. All family
members died in an accident and left millions of dollars in your name even
though there is no chance they could have known you or you could have known
them. Just avoid this type of money scam and you will be fine.
Dating Money Scams
Lonely men and women on dating sites are very vulnerable to
this type of money scam. Cyber criminals scour dating site looking for middle
aged single people and then create profiles to match with those members. They
then develop a friendship with these members and gain their trust. Eventually
they will fake some kind of emergency and will request the friend to help out.
The online user also would send money thinking that the person is desperate.
Once the money has been sent, the scammer just disappears from the scene,
leaving the victim heartbroken and humiliated. When it comes to dating sites,
people need to be very careful and pick the right kind of members. When they
start asking for money, there is a very good possibility that the whole thing
is a money scam.
In the future, if you happen to come across one of these
money scams, the best response would be is to not respond at all. Most of these
scammers, target thousands of people in a day, hoping something will stick. So
if you respond even if it is in the negative, scammer would be encouraged to
keep trying with your e-mail again and again. Instead report the person to your
local service provider and they will take appropriate action.
Visit BigScammers.com if you are looking to find the latest
information on computer safety and other internet scam related information.
