Scam Watch

The Internet is being touted as a universal means of interaction, and its proponents usually boast that the worldwide web has removed any gap or disconnect brought on by time and space, now that people from all over the world are able to interact and communicate just as if they were standing right next to each other. Unfortunately, the Internet is also being accused of being solely responsible for the abundance of fraudulent activities and scams that were previously restricted only to their country of origin. In fact, the Internet has breathed new life into several old-world scams. Here are a few samples of the most common online scams:

1. 419 Scam – 419 scams are a form of advanced fee fraud, and is more commonly known as Nigerian scam since the first few cases originated from Nigeria. The 419 in its name was taken from an article in the Nigerian Criminal Code, which is about obtaining property by false pretenses and cheating. This kind of scam asks for financial help from the victim as a way of helping the perpetrators transfer or move around a significant amount of money. In return, a certain percentage of the money being moved around will be given to the victim. Of course, the victim will never see that money come, and the amount he spent in helping the perpetrators will be gone forever.
2. Phishing – This is a new type of scam brought on by the Internet. It works by tricking the user into giving the perpetrators their various passwords and usernames, usually by posing as a legitimate website that asks them to update their account details or as an email with a link, but instead of updating your account, the website or email script merely send everything you type to the scammers, where they are free to use it however they want. This is most common with users who have an online bank account.
3. Reshipping/Dropsite Scam – This scam poses as a legitimate job offer, with position names such as shopping helper or personal warehouse assistant, where an overseas company that lacks a US address or bank account needs someone to pose as a frontend for them. You will receive various funds or merchandises from their “clients”, which you will then send to your employers. Some of these scams offer a salary while some give a percentage of the goods to you as a form of payment. What this really does is turn you into a temporary destination for goods that will be fenced or money that will be laundered.
4. Fake Contests – this sometimes show up as banner ads that offer some sort of prize such as cash or a new trendy gadget in exchange for clicking, and then ask for your personal details so that they would know “Where to send the prize”. Unfortunately, all they ever do is use your personal details for fraudulent activities and then sells them to other people who will also use them for their own fraudulent activities.