Dangers of Online Scams

Online scams prey on web users from all walks of life. From phishing scams to internet scam sites, online scams take advantage of the weaknesses of their victims to extract their cash or personal information. Scam artists know that there is an art to the techniques used to pull in victims, lure them into revealing their private data or credit card numbers and then pull the rug out from under them. A simple Internet search for ” Romance Scams” will render thousands of links to articles, forum threads, etc

What is Internet Scam? In simple terms, online scams are conducted via emails, chat rooms, Instant messaging (MTI) systems, websites, instant messenger chats and virtual environments. Ransomware, cyber-extortion, security breach and false advertising are the major types of Internet scams. Internet scammers typically make a wide variety of claims such as earning free money, guaranteed money back guarantees, etc., to attract users. The most common claim is that a victim will receive a check in the mail for a pre-determined amount of money.

How do I Protect My Self?

To safeguard yourself against Internet scams you must first become very familiar with what they are, how they work and more importantly, how to tell if they are legitimate or not. When looking at a website make sure the address is a genuine one, check for contact details and look to see if the company is registered, this will help you to establish whether the company is legitimate or not. Look at their website and see if there are any testimonials from existing customers. If the company has a telephone number, make a call to find out who answers it.

Dangers of Online Scams

If the company has your contact details on their website, then unfortunately it is likely they are a scam. The best way to determine if a company that requires you to provide them with your personal details is a scam is to check their credentials and do a background check on them. Most reputable companies will be accredited by government bodies such as the Better Business Bureau. Searching online for a list of accredited companies will help you to protect yourself and prevent Internet scams.

How do I Recover Funds From Internet Scams?

You can contact the company through their website. If they refuse to refund your money, then you should report the site to the your local authorities and seek a reputable fund recovery company who will carry out an investigation into the company and its activities. The company may well experience a number of complaints but if it settles the complaint internally, this is often the best. However, you may still want to report the site to the authorities even if you have settled if they have done criminal activity.

Dangers of Online Scams are Real

They do exist and you should be aware of them. Scam artists know that you will be eager to lend them your money. They may require you to open a new bank account in your name. Once this is done they will disappear never to be heard from again. There is also the risk that once you give them your money that you won’t be able to get it back.

So what can you do to protect yourself from Internet scams?

One of the best things you can do is to be wary of any company that requires you to provide personal information. This includes email addresses, mailing addresses and even credit card numbers. Always choose a company that is professional and has a shopping cart system that is secure. This will ensure that your personal information is kept secure and will allow you to easily pay for products or services.

Another option is to use a company that specializes in “safe” investing. These companies will usually have a list of reputable real estate and investment companies that you can work with instead of being directed to a scam. By working with an experienced professional you can eliminate most of the dangers posed by scams. Even though these sites charge you a fee to access their listings they usually are legitimate and safe. You will often find that once you become a member you can keep up with money making opportunities on your own without having to pay for extra services.