Beware of Digital Scams!
Introduction: Internet is apopular getaway to information. But unfortunately, it is also one of the easiest mediums for duping people.
Source: Vijay Times, VTConnect pg- 1.
Copyright © 2005 Puja Goyal
There are different types of internet scams that one comes across, and I'm sure you will identify at least one of the following…
Business Opportunities/ Effortless Income:
The mail will sound like it is a piece of cake to start your own business and that they will make you a millionaire. For eg: a top CEO from Singapore tells you he has lacs of Singaporean Dollars to invest and he is wondering if you would be a business partner with him in a clothes line in Bangalore. You will also have to contribute an equal amount. Many of these letters claim they are legal - they are not.
Credit Repair:
The other most tempting mail you receive is the one that promises you of debt elimination and credit benefits. The point is that no one can eliminate your debt so instantly unless you pay for it from your own pocket!! This will come through your email in the impression that it is either an offer or as a warning. Think about it… how did this nameless person know about your credit details? Most importantly, why would anyone relieve you of your debt so enthusiastically?
Free Goodies:
I remember, when I earlier started using the internet, I would get chain letters saying, if I added my name to the list and forwarded it to ten other people including the one who sent it, with my name and other details; I will get myself computers, cell phones and a trip across Hawaii… for free. I did enroll into a few of them, thanks to my stupidity and curiosity… but nothing happened and I'm still waiting for someone to send me all that stuff.
Scientific Breakthroughs:
"Secret formulas" which provide cures for hair loss, and herbal formulas that liquefy fat cells so that they are absorbed by your body are scams, which often include testimonials from "famous" medical experts you haven't heard of. I would say, go visit a doctor if the case is so severe.
Lottery Scams:
Quite often, you are informed in POP UP ads and other emails that you have won yourself lots of money, from lotteries you haven’t purchased. Your email address was collected online and attached to a random number that was subsequently entered in a draw for the lottery. In order to claim your prize, you are instructed to contact the official "agent" in charge of your case. You are also advised to keep the win confidential for "security reasons" (for obvious reasons).
Nigerian Loan Scams - 419 Scam Information:
Nigerian, or "419", is one of the most common types of scams. Usually there is some sob story that someone wants to tell you. A request is made to transfer millions of dollars into your personal bank account so that they can get it out of their country. In return you will be given a hefty percentage of the money. The best way to save yourself from the ordeal is to click delete the moment you find one such email in your box.
EBay Billing Scam:
This is normally an email that tells you there is a problem with your information in your EBAY account. They ask you to go to their website to re-enter your name, credit card, social security, phone, address or other information. When you go to the site it looks like the real EBay. A person who shops online regularly is susceptible to such a scam. There have been many cases where individuals have been conned while shopping at bargain prices. Abhishek says, "I wanted to make an online purchase of a digital camera because it was available at a dirt cheap price. I bid for it and received an email from a man who had a camera to sell. I traced him down and realized he wasn't genuine. And he did not even have a code for his camera… I realized he was a fraud. I am glad I did not finalise the deal."
Scholarship Scams:
Most people who fall for this are students who are looking for cash to further their studies… these would be emails that promise you loan and money without interest… provided you give them your credit card or debit card information where they can transfer money to you. Similarly there are online universities, and courses, and even institutes who are running their own courses that give you degrees, which you will never receive.
Think about it… why would anyone give you so much money, who are they, your Fairy Godmother? Why would someone give you their "Secret" Formula for free…? And really think about this… did you really believe that you would die or have continuous bad luck if you did not forward the Email to your loved ones in 20 minutes? Surely you are smarter than that… aren't you?
Source: Vijay Times, VTConnect pg- 1.
Copyright © 2005 Puja Goyal
There are different types of internet scams that one comes across, and I'm sure you will identify at least one of the following…
Business Opportunities/ Effortless Income:
The mail will sound like it is a piece of cake to start your own business and that they will make you a millionaire. For eg: a top CEO from Singapore tells you he has lacs of Singaporean Dollars to invest and he is wondering if you would be a business partner with him in a clothes line in Bangalore. You will also have to contribute an equal amount. Many of these letters claim they are legal - they are not.
Credit Repair:
The other most tempting mail you receive is the one that promises you of debt elimination and credit benefits. The point is that no one can eliminate your debt so instantly unless you pay for it from your own pocket!! This will come through your email in the impression that it is either an offer or as a warning. Think about it… how did this nameless person know about your credit details? Most importantly, why would anyone relieve you of your debt so enthusiastically?
Free Goodies:
I remember, when I earlier started using the internet, I would get chain letters saying, if I added my name to the list and forwarded it to ten other people including the one who sent it, with my name and other details; I will get myself computers, cell phones and a trip across Hawaii… for free. I did enroll into a few of them, thanks to my stupidity and curiosity… but nothing happened and I'm still waiting for someone to send me all that stuff.
Scientific Breakthroughs:
"Secret formulas" which provide cures for hair loss, and herbal formulas that liquefy fat cells so that they are absorbed by your body are scams, which often include testimonials from "famous" medical experts you haven't heard of. I would say, go visit a doctor if the case is so severe.
Lottery Scams:
Quite often, you are informed in POP UP ads and other emails that you have won yourself lots of money, from lotteries you haven’t purchased. Your email address was collected online and attached to a random number that was subsequently entered in a draw for the lottery. In order to claim your prize, you are instructed to contact the official "agent" in charge of your case. You are also advised to keep the win confidential for "security reasons" (for obvious reasons).
Nigerian Loan Scams - 419 Scam Information:
Nigerian, or "419", is one of the most common types of scams. Usually there is some sob story that someone wants to tell you. A request is made to transfer millions of dollars into your personal bank account so that they can get it out of their country. In return you will be given a hefty percentage of the money. The best way to save yourself from the ordeal is to click delete the moment you find one such email in your box.
EBay Billing Scam:
This is normally an email that tells you there is a problem with your information in your EBAY account. They ask you to go to their website to re-enter your name, credit card, social security, phone, address or other information. When you go to the site it looks like the real EBay. A person who shops online regularly is susceptible to such a scam. There have been many cases where individuals have been conned while shopping at bargain prices. Abhishek says, "I wanted to make an online purchase of a digital camera because it was available at a dirt cheap price. I bid for it and received an email from a man who had a camera to sell. I traced him down and realized he wasn't genuine. And he did not even have a code for his camera… I realized he was a fraud. I am glad I did not finalise the deal."
Scholarship Scams:
Most people who fall for this are students who are looking for cash to further their studies… these would be emails that promise you loan and money without interest… provided you give them your credit card or debit card information where they can transfer money to you. Similarly there are online universities, and courses, and even institutes who are running their own courses that give you degrees, which you will never receive.
Think about it… why would anyone give you so much money, who are they, your Fairy Godmother? Why would someone give you their "Secret" Formula for free…? And really think about this… did you really believe that you would die or have continuous bad luck if you did not forward the Email to your loved ones in 20 minutes? Surely you are smarter than that… aren't you?
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