Internet Scams
Yes, you will run into those who will try to "scam" you. They'll get your hard-earned money if you're not careful. I know because I've been scammed. (Never, NEVER purchase the 30-Minute Money System!)
Most people who will try to "scam" you will also "spam" you. As I read in an ezine article, "If it's spam, it's scam." As a general rule, beware of any offer that sounds too good to be true. This applies to products being offered on the Internet, as well as those "Earn $1,000,000 in one year" spams you get every day in your email.
By the way, with most of today's email programs, you can "filter" your email to have your spam transferred to another folder.
Common Scams
Here are a few types of scams to stay away from:
- Contributions - These range from appeals for aid to the victims of the world Trade Center disaster to asking for money for some child that has Leukemia. I've read requests for this child on the Net for the past six years; each saying he only has a few months to live. Investigate requests for donations. To b e safe, don't contribute through any site that doesn't belong to a recognizable charity, such as the Red Cross or the United Way.
- Identity Theft - This is a VERY serious problem. Read more about this at Scambusters. Here is an excellent article by Michelle Raybourn of http://subscribeme.net regarding her personal experience with Identity Theft: Identity Theft - a personal story.
- Nigerian Fee Scam - This is another scam that has been in existence for a long time. You get a letter or an email requesting your help in getting someone's money out of a country. The system escalates until you have all your money invested, and they want you to visit the country in person. There have been people who have gone and never returned home! Don't respond to these people in any way. Keep yourself and your family safe.
- Chain Letters - Don't believe a word they say! Chain letters are illegal!
- Auctions - You can get bargains through online auctions, but be careful. Before buying anything that seems to cheap, ask questions. Check the feedback ratings and comments. Also check the retail price of the merchandise. If it's new merchandise, you can probably expect to pay 1/2 to 2/3 or retail, even at auction.
- Alternative Medical Treatments - This is another dangerous scam. Though most of these products will do nothing to harm you, some CAN! Also, promises to cure life-threatening illnesses may cause those who need medical treatment to delay getting it until it's too late. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before purchasing any "miracle" herb or medicine.
- Internet Investigations - Find out your neighbor's secrets. This is hype that you should watch out for. It's nothing more than a list of places you can pay to search for information.
- Credit Scams - These prey on people who need to repair or establish credit. Be VERY careful! Some of these companies actually tell you to commit fraud to remove bad reports from your record! And if you're looking for "easy" credit card and loan approvals that don't require equity in your home...forget it!
While you're considering doing any kind of online business, always take a second (or third) look. If it looks too good to be true, it is! Use your common sense.
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