|
|  | | TOP TEN
INTERNET SCAMS » Top 10 best
internet scams web sites rated by the LoveToKnow editors. | | | |
| Top 10 List how we choose | |
|
 |
Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the biggest scams
committed online each and every year. The government offers tips to help
minimize the risk of identity theft and ideas for protecting your
social security number. There are many
educational materials available that can help you learn how to
protect your identity and avoid this particular scam. | |
|
|
|
 |
Phishing
Quite simply, phishing is trying to obtain
private information such as usernames, passwords and personal
information. Phishing can take on a number of forms, but typically comes
in the form of an email that appears to be from a legitimate source and
is not. Always go directly to sites and do not click on email links
urging you to update information. You can report Phishing incidents to
the
Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG). | |
|
|
|
 |
Fake Lottery
This scam is also sometimes called the
Nigerian scam as many of the emails and letters seem to come from this
location. In this scam, an email or letter is sent informing you you've
won a lottery or giving a long and fake story about someone in a foreign
country having money but needing your help to access it, for which they
will supposedly reward you with money. Learn more about
how these scams work and never send anyone money or personal
information. | |
|
|
|
 |
Online Dating
Even legitimate online dating sites can be
abused by scam artists. Many women (and men) will take the first steps
in beginning a relationship only to come up with a sob story and ask for
money. This is almost always a scam and if money is denied contact will
cease. These incidents should be reported to the site involved in
"matching" the two people.
Online Dating Magazine has tips for choosing a legitimate site and
protecting yourself from scams. | |
|
|
|
 |
Work at Home
Unfortunately, work at home scams often
target young mothers who desperately want to stay home with their
children. There are a few things you can do to
protect yourself from work at home scams. First, know that any deal
that is too good to be true probably is a scam. While there are some
legitimate work from home jobs, they typically require some skills in
specialized areas and take time to work into. | |
|
|
|
 |
Spoofed Site
A spoofed website often is made to look just
like the original, but has a sinister purpose. The exclusive purpose is
to steal usernames, passwords and personal information. These sites get
you to visit in one of two ways. They may take out a domain name that is
very close to the original, and a common typo. Or, they may send out the
Phishing e-mails described above with a link to the spoofed site. Learn
how to
identify spoofed sites. | |
|
|
|
 |
Debt Consolidation
Unfortunately, most debt consolidation
programs are more of a scam than a help. Legitimate programs include
programs through your local bank or refinancing your home to pay down
other debt. Many of the
fraudulent debt consolidation companies actually make their money by
selling you educational items but never following through on their
promise of better credit scores or a low interest loan. | |
|
|
|
 |
Classified Ads
Scammers have been targeting classified ads
sites, such as Craigslist. Often, they will want to sell you an item
that costs a lot or purchase a high ticket item. The scam includes the
scammer wanting to send you a money order or check for
more than the cost of the item and have you refund the balance with
a money order. Of course, their original check is not good. Clues that
it is a scam will include bad grammar, sudden name changes or refusal to
meet in person. | |
|
|
|
 |
Event Tickets
Looking for cheap event tickets for a
concert? There are many online scams involving event tickets, so be
careful or you might pay out the bucks and not get to see the concert or
game. There are many
available resources for those who've been scammed in ticket fraud,
including contacting local authorities.
Craigslist postings are ripe with ticket scams as well, so beware. | |
|
|
|
 |
Online Auctions
Online auction scams can come from the buyer
or seller. Although many online
auction sites have security measures in place, they are not fail
proof. You may buy something at a great price from a seller with
excellent feedback only to never receive the item. It is best to only
use Paypal or a credit card to pay for purchases through online auction
sites and avoid money order only sellers. Alternately, the buyer might
buy an item and send a fake cashier's check which will later bounce
after you've already sent the items. | |
|
|
|
