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Beware – Top 10 Internet Scams

When I came across this article in the local paper earlier this week, I knew immediately that it held value for my readers and I would want to share it with you. I am inundated everyday with all kinds of junk and phishing scams, which are frustrating and difficult to contain. Even sending these types of emails to the ‘junk’ folder does not seem to discourage their repeated return.

Some of you will be aware of some or all of these scams below. However, for the sake of those that may not be aware, or may even be considering becoming involved in one of these scenarios, I am hopeful that I can help before it is too late.

At the top of the list of the Top 10 Internet Scams were health-care scams, like bogus cancer and diabetes cures, as well as pills for weight loss, which is always a big one for many women, as well as men.

• The Internet was flooded with hundreds of websites offering vaccine and Tamiflu within hours of the World Health Organization first announcing the H1N1 flu. People are panicking about getting H1N1 and are buying stuff online.” Do not go there!
• Signing up for so-called “free” online trials for items like acne cream and teeth whitener can end up with the victim being billed automatically and repeatedly.
• Identification theft can result from information phishing in the form of “scareware” pop-ups that say your computer is infected with a virus or legitimate-looking emails that ask you to update your information.
• Home-repair rip-offs, like phoney reports your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide and needs to be replaced immediately.
• Loan offers for people with bad credit to keep afloat through lean economic times could result in huge financial losses and even ID theft.
• Free grants from the Canadian government that are advertised online could be a mass-marketing scheme that costs you money to participate.
• Investment opportunities requiring you to recruit others that are actually pyramid schemes.
• Cash-back fraud when selling things such as automobiles. The buyer will send you a larger cheque by “mistake” and then ask for the balance in a money transfer. The cheque will bounce a few days later.
• Unexplained charges on your cell phone could be due to premium text messages that people unknowingly sign up for when they play online games or take online IQ tests.
• Mystery shopping jobs requiring you to shop via wire-transfer service. Be wary of mystery shopper ads that require you to pay money up front.

Source: Metro New, Better Business Bureau, Vancouver, Competition Bureau of Canada

http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/local/article/397636–ten-top-scams-to-watch-out-for

About the Author

I want to try to really have a positive impact, and make a difference to employees and firms via my business website at http://corpsecrets.ca.