You must report
internet scams if you have been defrauded in the virtual world – that is the
only real way you can ensure justice for yourself. Internet scams are wide and
varied. Perhaps the most common type of internet scam you will come across is
the frauds conducted by scammers using Google (and lesser search engines). To
report internet scams on Google, you need to be alert and on your guard. Read
on to know what types of frauds involve Google and how to report internet scams
involving this search engine firm.
#1 Google Lotto Scams
In this
type of scam, the Google Lottery is said to have been won by you. Scammers may
also pretend to be customs or tax officers or reps and ask for additional fees
or money to release funds. These can be termed as:
●
Courier or shipping fees
●
Currency exchange
●
Money release fee
●
Tax fees
Google does
not run any lotteries and your email address is just being targeted by
scammers. Google specifically requests users to not reply back and to report internet scams using the form they have provided online.
#2 Spam/Phishing
The email
can be reported as spam or phishing to your email provider. Abuse of electronic
messaging systems by spammers ensures that unsolicited bulk messages reach you.
The spam button automatically sifts these out and prevents you from being
targeted by these scammers. Report internet scams if you have been targeted by phishers.
Phishing is an internet fraud where tricks and manipulation are in place to
reveal sensitive information through electronic communications.
#3 Fake Tech Support
Someone
from a fake Google tech support ID may try and contact you. Such contacts and
websites bear no affiliation with Google and even try to provide password reset
instructions. These sites may even charge for services. Google does not charge
for account credentials or changing passwords at any stage. Another case may be
when these websites may call you and claim your account has been compromised.
It is time to report internet scams if companies claiming to be Google reps
target you.
#4 Google Wallet Scams
For
products that are too good to be true, the “seller” may ask for payment through
Google Wallet. Instead, the seller will send the invoice from Google Wallet,
instructing you to make the payment through money transfer or international
money transfers which cannot be traced.
#5 Google Job Scams
Report
internet scams if you come across offers of employment that are fake as well.
The Google Jobs scam involves fake promises of recruitment on Google. In turn,
the “employer” will ask for a recruitment fee or money for a training package
which fails to arrive. Eventually, the job offer does not materialize. Google
Job scams are on the rise as many scammers try this tack with those looking for
employment at the reputed search engine company.
Google is a
trusted name and scammers try to exploit that. Report internet scams associated
with the search engine to Google and the relevant authorities. This can make a
big deal of difference to the final outcome for you and innocent others. Get
your money back and ensure criminals are apprehended by reporting the scams to
the authorities at once.
