With the advancements being made
in Information Technology, scammers are finding more and more unique ways for
scamming people, to the extent that they manage to swindle millions of dollars
every year from users all over the globe.
Nevertheless, you can avoid
falling victim to an email scam if you are aware of the different methods used
by scam artists. In case however, you are trapped into it, the best way is to report
scam emails to the appropriate authorities. The following are the examples of e-mail
scams, which you need to be aware of.
1: Phishing is a kind of e-mail scam in which the scammers troll the
internet with fake e-mails, chart rooms and websites. They illegally use the
names and e-mail IDs of established financial brands and convince the targeted
victims for divulging sensitive, confidential and financial information that
may include credit card details and social security number. If you notice any
such circumstances, never forget to report scam emails to the designated authorities.
2: Money Handling: In this kind of scam, the scammers recruit a third
party for receiving the funds hacked through another email into an account and
then by forwarding the money overseas after deduction of a commission. The
money handlers are known as ‘mules’. The scammer gives his identity as an
overseas government official, through his emails and requests the targeted
victim for ‘assistance’ to move the assets of his country to another secured
location.
3: Advance Fee Fraud: The scammer poses himself as a Nigerian official
and offers an opportunity for making a large amount of commission by extending
help to the said official for hiding a huge over payment on a government contract.
Ultimately, the targeted victim is persuaded for providing a huge amount of
up-front fee for keeping the transaction to move forward. If you encounter such
a lucrative offer, make haste to report scam emails.
4: Lottery Scam: This is a very enticing scam in which you may be
informed through emails that you have won a huge amount of prize in a foreign
lottery and may be asked to provide an up-front fee or your social security or
bank account so that the money could be transferred to your account. Without
giving a second thought, report scam mails immediately.
5: Internet Auction Scam: Such a kind of scam occurs mostly where the
targeted victims are using websites of Craigslist or e-Bay. The bidders are
asked to work with the scammers, beyond the internet auction for making a
lucrative deal. In most cases, the scammers ask for an upfront payment, often
in cash.
Methods to Avoid Scam e-mails
The best means of avoiding email
scam lies within you. It pertains to your personal traits such as common sense,
wit, your presence of mind, wit, cautiousness and alertness. Another way is to
restrain yourself from the urge to make some easy money; large and quick. If
the offer looks unusually lucrative, be sure, it is a scam. Never be enthused
to click on a link of any emails that are not relevant to your day-to-day
business or personal activities. Avoid any offer of free downloading of any
software.
