Online Scams and Their Prevention

An Internet scam or online scam is a fraudulent or deceiving business scheme. It is very rampant nowadays. Be careful when using the internet. Do not be vulnerable to such cunning schemes. Be informed.

Here are some of the more popular internet scams:
Nigerian Scam or the 419
This scam came from a Nigerian family. It was first known as "The Spanish Prisoner" in 1920s.

The Nigerian Scam tricks victims to do business with them, with promise of high returns. It operates by first sending out a proposal letter, luring readers of a very lucrative business. You will then be asked to pay a certain amount as investment to them. But you will never receive the money they promised.

Advanced payment for guaranteed loan or credits
In this kind of deception, the victim is asked a certain fee in advance in return for guaranteed loan. Careful not to fall for such tricks. There are no upfront fees when applying for loans. Besides, why would a stranger entrust you with a credit? It is better to turn to well-known and accredited loan institutions.

Lottery Scam
Lottery scams usually come in emails. They will say you won millions in a random lottery draw. Before you can claim your prize, you will have to pay certain processing fees. You will never get the prize after your payment.

Think carefully before falling in the trap. Did you ever join any lottery contest in the first place? Why do you have to pay certain fees before being able to claim your prize?

Overpayment Scams for Items on Sale
These scams often happen during online purchases. As a seller, someone will contact you to offer selling your goods at a premium. He will ask you to send him your product plus the premium price (his selling price less your selling price). The money order he will send you is fake.

Employment Scams
These scams frequently happen during online job applications. In the application process, you are required to give some of your important personal details. The scammers can track you down in your house to rob you, or withdraw all your money from your bank. Always check the background of the company, especially if online. Your carelessness may not just lose you money, but also cost the life of your loved ones.

These are just some of the popular online scams. Day by day, the scammers will always find new ways to trick the ignorant and misinformed. It always pays to know. Be wise and smart in your online dealings.

Here are suggested ways to prevent being scammed:

• think twice if advanced payment is asked of you before joining
• avoid Ponzi schemes
• avoid pyramid schemes
• study how the deposit system works
• Use an escrow service as much as possible

For more information on Criminal Lawyers and Email Spam and Phishing please visit our website.

Spotting a Scam Before it Hits You

If you are going to go through life oblivious of the dangers of scams, then more than likely you are going to be a target. Spotting a scam can be the best way to ovoid falling into a nasty financial trap where you are the one snared and have no way of protecting yourself. There are very few measures that the police can offer other than being very cautious and never letting your guard down when dealing with the Internet. If you happen to use the web a great deal, it is a good idea to be protected from the possibility of a scam that could end up costing you a great deal of money.

What have I Done To Deserve This?

When you are being offered something for nothing, this is something that generally raises eyebrows. When spotting a scam, you need to be aware of the scammer that makes it look like you have done something to warrant them offering you something for nothing. This is without question a scam, and you should always question when someone you do not know is trying to give you something. While it is nice to believe that there are good people in the world still, not paying attention to the possibility that someone wants to rip you off is practically an invitation. Stay alert and pay close attention to people that approach you, and offer you a deal that is too good to be true. There are more people like this on the Internet than you could ever imagine, and the people that are not paying attention meet these people in the worst of ways.

Email And Messenger Scams

Spotting a scam today really does not take a great deal of education or experience, all you need to do is stay diligent in your conviction that someone that you do not know is not just going to help you get rich or make money. Anyone that is trying to pressure you to sign on to something that you are not familiar with could in fact be trying to target you for a scam. Most of these scams are run through email, or the various messenger services that you can find on the web today. An anonymous contact will always try to gain trust in you prior to you getting attacked, so it is always a good idea to stay with what you know and avoid strangers.

A Proven Hunting Ground

When you are trying to avoid trouble by spotting a scam, you will need to keep in mind that if you surf the web you are in fact in a proven hunting ground for scammers. This is the best place possible for a scammer to find a target, and more people each year fall victim to Internet scammers than any other scammer form combined. This is because the Internet is an endless source of information and avenues for communication. Where you find people using this tool as a source of information gathering and entertainment, you will find someone that wants to take advantage of you.

Jerry Turner writes articles about online money making and home business opportunities for the Make Money Online Idea website at http://www.makemoneyonlineidea.com