E-Mail Scams

Every netizen has atleast one e-mail id.Whoever has an email -id would have suffered from spams or junk mails. Hope this post will be useful for everyone...

Avoiding e-mail scams :

Being aware of the different methods that scam artists use can help us to avoid e-mail scams.Some prime examples of e-mail scams along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim are given below.

Phishing: This scam involves thieves trolling the Internet with fake e-mails, Web sites, chat rooms and other devices while illegally using the names of trusted financial brands in an attempt to convince victims to divulge personal financial information such as credit card or social security numbers.

Money handling: This scam involves recruiting a third-party to receive funds stolen through another e-mail scam into an account before then transferring the money overseas, minus a commission. One such e-mail that recruits money handlers, or "mules," often has a subject line like, "I need your assistance," and a message that describe the sender as an overseas government official who is trying to move his countries' assets to a new secure location.


Advance fee fraud: In this arrangement, a person is approached by someone posing as Nigerian official about an opportunity to make a huge commission by helping the crooked "official" hide a massive overpayment on a government contract. In the end, the victim is persuaded to provide a large up-front fee to keep the transaction moving forward.

Lottery scams: Potential victims are notified via e-mail that they have won a large prize in a foreign lottery. In most cases, the victim is asked to provide either an up-front fee, or bank account or social security numbers so that the lottery can transfer the money.

Internet auction scams: In this case, scam artists pick victims from those using sites such as eBay or Craigslist. They contact those bidding by e-mail asking to work with them outside the auction to make a deal. As usual, the perpetrator asks for payment up front, often in cash

Cautions:

As experts say, the beat way to avoid e-mail scams and Internet fraud is by using common sense to your level best.If you receive an e-mail from an unknown source, practice extreme caution. Keep in mind that the latest wave of e-mail fraud relies on targeting e-mails to specific individuals whom the crooks have picked through various means. Because of this, such an e-mail may contain information designed to peak your interest. Don't be fooled.

Also, never click on a link provided in such an e-mail, as it may take you to a site where malicious software will attempt to invade your computer. If someone is offering you something for free, such as software downloads, be suspicious.

Above all, NEVER give out personal, sensitive information, such as social security, bank account or credit card numbers in response to such e-mails.

Consumers should guard their social security number closely and ignore e-mail and other solicitations asking for sensitive information.

Reporting e-mail scams:

For tradtional case we used to file a police report or approach a lawyer.E-mail scams happen in the nether world of Cyberspace.There are definite steps you can take for reporting e-mail scams and Internet fraud. Several federal agencies, responding to the growing volume of scams, have set up divisions to take reports and investigate such incidents. Reporting e-mail scams helps everyone on the Internet.

The FBI, together with the National White Collar Crime Center, run a Web site dedicated to Internet crime, called the Internet Crime Complaint Center.The site contains a large number of tips for avoiding specific scams. It also has a link for filing a complaint against a third party whom you believe has defrauded or attempted to defraud you.

Be careful!!!!!!! Help others by reporting....