The scams on the internet are continually developing and changing as people catch on to them. Some scammers try completely difference tactics while others may just change the company name involved to prey on more victims. Here are 5 scams currently circulating around the internet and most likely in your spam folder if you were lucky enough to have them filtered.
Email Pleas – You may receive an email plea from someone you know (who has been hacked) asking for help and ultimately money. If might say that their purse or luggage was stolen and need you to wire them money right away. Always check with friends and family members before you send money, never wire money without firsthand knowledge of the incident.
Dating Scams – Some scammers build fake internet websites luring prospective daters. Once on the website, they try to get you to divulge personal information. They may use this information to meet, contact, or solicit you for money. Always make sure a dating website is reputable before giving any personal information.
FBI Virus – This virus locks your computer and brings up an “official” looking FBI website that says your computer has been locked due to illegal activity. To unlock your computer, you are asked to pay a bogus fee. The FBI will never ask you for money, remove this virus or get it professionally removed right away, do not send money or purchase cash cards.
Facebook Scams – Many of these scams involve giveaways or surveys. When you click on the link, it spreads information quickly and involves all your friends who also may fall for the scam. These scams may look like regular posts, but can be much more dangerous. Avoid unknown links and let your friends know if it looks like the scam is coming from his/her account.
Survey Scams –You may get an email asking you to complete a survey in order to receive a gift certificate, discount, or free product from a big company like Target, Dell, or Xbox. Then, you will be solicited for a small amount of money to receive the gift or you will be asked to promote you winnings to your friends. These large companies do not give away products via email; never send any amount of money to receive a prize.
The internet has brought us a wealth of knowledge and possibilities, but with the good comes the bad. Scammers use this global tool to make money illegally without ever leaving their home. Beware of these popular scams, tell your friends about them, and delete them from your spam folder.
Written By: Amy Murphy, TLC Computer Solutions, Las Vegas, NV
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