The term "Internet fraud" generally refers to any type of fraud scheme that uses one or more online services to present fraudulent solicitations to prospective victims, to conduct fraudulent transactions, or to transmit the proceeds of fraud to financial institutions or to others connected with the scheme. Internet fraud can take place on computer programs such as chat rooms, e-mail, message boards, or Web sites.
There are two basic schemes in online automotive fraud:
1. A fraudster posts a vehicle for sale on an online site, generally for luxury or sports cars advertised for thousands less than market value. The details of the vehicle, including photos and description, are typically lifted from sites such as ebay motors or Autoscout24 and re-posted elsewhere. An interested buyer, hopeful for a bargain, emails the seller, who responds saying the car is still available but is located overseas. He then instructs the buyer to send a deposit via wire transfer to initiate the "shipping" process. The unwitting buyer wires the funds, and does not discover until days or weeks later that they were scammed.
2. A fraudster feigns interest in an actual vehicle for sale on the Internet. The "buyer" explains that a client of his is interested in the car, but due to an earlier sale that fell through has a certified check for thousands more than the asking price and requests the seller to send the balance via wire transfer. If the seller agrees to the transaction, the buyer sends the certified check via express courier (typically from Nigeria). The seller takes the check to their bank, which makes the funds available immediately. Thinking the bank has cleared the check, the seller follows through on the transaction by wiring the balance to the buyer. Days later, the check bounces and the seller realizes they have been scammed. But the money has long since been picked up and is not recoverable.
In another type of fraud, a fraudster contacts the seller of an automobile, asking for the vehicle identification number (VIN), putatively to check the accident record of the vehicle. However, the supposed buyer actually uses the VIN to make fake papers for a stolen car that is then sold.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Top Five Online Scams
After years of trying to recover from the dot-com hangover, the Internet is booming again. Online retail sales increased by 26 percent in 2004, according to comScore Networks. In September 2004, the number of domain name registrations hit 64.5 million--an all-time high. You know what else is on the rise? Internet crime.
Complaints about online fraud nearly doubled from 2003 to 2004, according to a December 2004 report by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. Research firm Gartner estimates that nearly 10 million Americans were hit by online fraudsters last year--largely due to a wave of phishing e-mails seeking to steal users' identities.
In fact, phishing attacks seem to be the new, hot scam. Scammers send you an e-mail that tries to lure you to a legitimate-looking Web site where you'll be asked to enter personal information. The thing is, it's all fake; and if you fall for it, someone is ready to take your Social Security Number and start opening credit card accounts.
The FBI recently began warning people of scammers posing as tsunami-relief organizations. And late last month, the FBI warned that someone out there was even posing as the FBI itself--sending a fraudulent e-mail with the subject line "FBI Investigation" and trying to lure people into buying products from a separate, fictional scam artist whom the Feds were supposedly on to.
Confusing? Sure. But just ask yourself this: When was the last time the FBI sent a polite e-mail when they wanted someone's cooperation in an investigation?
Thousands of con artists, grifters, fraudsters, and other denizens of the dark are trolling for victims online. Can you recognize online fraud when you see it? Here's a quick guide to the Top 5 scams and schemes you're most likely to find on the 'Net.
Please read the complete story in http://www.pcworld.com/article/119941/top_five_online_scams.html
Complaints about online fraud nearly doubled from 2003 to 2004, according to a December 2004 report by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. Research firm Gartner estimates that nearly 10 million Americans were hit by online fraudsters last year--largely due to a wave of phishing e-mails seeking to steal users' identities.
In fact, phishing attacks seem to be the new, hot scam. Scammers send you an e-mail that tries to lure you to a legitimate-looking Web site where you'll be asked to enter personal information. The thing is, it's all fake; and if you fall for it, someone is ready to take your Social Security Number and start opening credit card accounts.
The FBI recently began warning people of scammers posing as tsunami-relief organizations. And late last month, the FBI warned that someone out there was even posing as the FBI itself--sending a fraudulent e-mail with the subject line "FBI Investigation" and trying to lure people into buying products from a separate, fictional scam artist whom the Feds were supposedly on to.
Confusing? Sure. But just ask yourself this: When was the last time the FBI sent a polite e-mail when they wanted someone's cooperation in an investigation?
Thousands of con artists, grifters, fraudsters, and other denizens of the dark are trolling for victims online. Can you recognize online fraud when you see it? Here's a quick guide to the Top 5 scams and schemes you're most likely to find on the 'Net.
Please read the complete story in http://www.pcworld.com/article/119941/top_five_online_scams.html
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Truth About The Free Internet Service Offers
The Free Internet deals may carry hidden costs. FTC officials caution consumers to ask the ISP some key questions about their service and related conditions before using any "free" offers. Read the following information and you will be .....
Probably you have seen the ads for "free" Internet service trial periods. May be you have even received a CD-ROM in the mail that promises hundreds of hours of free Internet service.
If you are in the market for Internet service, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants you to know that some "free" offers may end up being high cost, long-term items. That's because important restrictions and conditions on these offers are not always disclosed clearly or conspicuously.
Most offers for "free" Internet service are valid for only one or two months. At the end of the "free" month, many providers automatically sign you up for their service, unless you cancel at the end of the free month. Unfortunately, you may not know that you have to cancel because some service providers hide this information - or don't tell you how to cancel should you want to.
Costs add up in other ways, too. For example, if you sign up for service and the Internet service provider (ISP) doesn't offer a local phone number for you to dial in to, you'll have to pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Some ISPs offer a "toll free" number to connect to the Internet. The FTC has found that some consumers have been charged very high amount for an hour to use a "toll free" number.
FTC officials caution consumers to ask the ISP some key questions about their service and related conditions before using any "free" offers.
1. Does the free access to the Internet last longer than one or two months? Offers for an advertised 500 free hours of Internet service in one month would require you to be online for more than 16 hours a day to use all the free hours in a month.
2. When does the one month of free service start? When you sign up? When you start using the service?
3. Does the ISP automatically subscribe you to their service at the end of the free trial period? Do you have to cancel before the end of the free trail period to avoid being charged for service?
4. How do you cancel service? Can you cancel online or by calling the service provider's phone number?
5. Is there a local phone number for you to use to access the Internet? When you get the number to dial from the ISP, ask your local phone company if it's a local or long distance number. Make sure the back-up phone number you choose is local, too. If you have to call long distance for Internet service, chances are you will rack up big charges.
6. If you sign up for service, are you committing to paying for the service for a year? Longer? Some ISPs require you to agree to pay for their service for at least one year and may charge a fee to cancel the service before your subscription has ended.
7. If you sign up for service, when are you billed each month? If you decide to cancel service, you may want to do so before your billing date so you don't incur a monthly charge for service you don't plan to use. Remember that ISPs bill you before you use the service.
8. If you cancel your service, does the ISP send you a notice? Get verification (e.g. cancellation number, email or letter) that your account has been canceled and check your next credit card statement to make sure you aren't still being billed by the ISP.
Probably you have seen the ads for "free" Internet service trial periods. May be you have even received a CD-ROM in the mail that promises hundreds of hours of free Internet service.
If you are in the market for Internet service, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants you to know that some "free" offers may end up being high cost, long-term items. That's because important restrictions and conditions on these offers are not always disclosed clearly or conspicuously.
Most offers for "free" Internet service are valid for only one or two months. At the end of the "free" month, many providers automatically sign you up for their service, unless you cancel at the end of the free month. Unfortunately, you may not know that you have to cancel because some service providers hide this information - or don't tell you how to cancel should you want to.
Costs add up in other ways, too. For example, if you sign up for service and the Internet service provider (ISP) doesn't offer a local phone number for you to dial in to, you'll have to pay long distance telephone charges to access the Internet. Some ISPs offer a "toll free" number to connect to the Internet. The FTC has found that some consumers have been charged very high amount for an hour to use a "toll free" number.
FTC officials caution consumers to ask the ISP some key questions about their service and related conditions before using any "free" offers.
1. Does the free access to the Internet last longer than one or two months? Offers for an advertised 500 free hours of Internet service in one month would require you to be online for more than 16 hours a day to use all the free hours in a month.
2. When does the one month of free service start? When you sign up? When you start using the service?
3. Does the ISP automatically subscribe you to their service at the end of the free trial period? Do you have to cancel before the end of the free trail period to avoid being charged for service?
4. How do you cancel service? Can you cancel online or by calling the service provider's phone number?
5. Is there a local phone number for you to use to access the Internet? When you get the number to dial from the ISP, ask your local phone company if it's a local or long distance number. Make sure the back-up phone number you choose is local, too. If you have to call long distance for Internet service, chances are you will rack up big charges.
6. If you sign up for service, are you committing to paying for the service for a year? Longer? Some ISPs require you to agree to pay for their service for at least one year and may charge a fee to cancel the service before your subscription has ended.
7. If you sign up for service, when are you billed each month? If you decide to cancel service, you may want to do so before your billing date so you don't incur a monthly charge for service you don't plan to use. Remember that ISPs bill you before you use the service.
8. If you cancel your service, does the ISP send you a notice? Get verification (e.g. cancellation number, email or letter) that your account has been canceled and check your next credit card statement to make sure you aren't still being billed by the ISP.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Internet Scams
Recently there were 251 law enforcement actions taken against online scammers as a result of a yearlong law enforcement effort targeting Internet scams. The effort included 5 separate law enforcement U.S. agencies working with consumer protection organizations from 23 states and 9 different countries (including the United States FTC, Canadian and Australian law enforcers, and the United Kingdom's Department of Trade and Industry and Office of Fair Trading). Using a database of more than 285,000 consumer complaints established and maintained by the Federal Trade Commission, the Top Ten Internet Scams were:
1. Multi-level Marketing/Pyramid Scams
2. Health Care Frauds
3. Internet Web Site Design/Promotions - Web Cramming
4. Travel/Vacation Fraud
5. Internet Auction Fraud
6. Business Opportunities and Work-At-Home Scams
7. Investment Schemes and Get-Rich-Quick Scams
8. Internet Information and Adult Services - Credit Card Cramming
9. Telephone/Pay-Per-Call Solicitation Frauds (including modem dialers and videotext)
10. Internet Service Provider Scams
Please beware of and refrain from such activities.
1. Multi-level Marketing/Pyramid Scams
2. Health Care Frauds
3. Internet Web Site Design/Promotions - Web Cramming
4. Travel/Vacation Fraud
5. Internet Auction Fraud
6. Business Opportunities and Work-At-Home Scams
7. Investment Schemes and Get-Rich-Quick Scams
8. Internet Information and Adult Services - Credit Card Cramming
9. Telephone/Pay-Per-Call Solicitation Frauds (including modem dialers and videotext)
10. Internet Service Provider Scams
Please beware of and refrain from such activities.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Truth about Free Online Survey Jobs
If you are looking for a way to make extra money online, you might be interested in free online survey jobs. They sound like a great opportunity, but are they for real? This article explains the nature of paid internet surveys and answers the popular question.
You see the ads. You read the articles. You visit the sites. Paid online surveys. It sound almost too good to be true. Apparently, you can take surveys on your computer from the comfort of your own home and make money in the process. What is really going on with these opportunities? Are there really plenty of free online survey jobs out there?
The question defies a simple answer because it probably is not appropriate to consider completing online surveys a job. A job conjures up images of consistency, clearly defined responsibilities, an established rate of pay and other factors. Completing paid surveys is different. Surveys definitely offer a way to make money online, but they are not jobs in any traditional sense.
Initially, you probably should not expect participation in market research surveys to create the equivalent of a full time income. It is possible to post massive earnings with surveys, but most participants in this field do not see substantial incomes. Instead, paid surveys are a way to generate extra money. They are a fun and easy way to profit, but they are not going to replace your former gig as a corporate CEO in the income department!
You can make money with surveys. You cannot, however, project consistent and regular earnings. Some days will be better than others. Some weeks will be better than others. A hot streak, during which you find a series of very high-paying offers may be followed by a slow period where the big money is harder to find.
Those who are serious about making money with surveys have found that they can improve their chances by investing in quality resources that provide them with a plethora of leads and contact information for marketing research firms who offer online projects. However, even these higher level participants do not clear hundreds of dollars every day.
I think paid surveys are a lot of fun and I know they can generate some much needed household income for people who would like to engage in a fun, paying activity. I thoroughly recommend making money online this way, but I caution potential participants to maintain reasonable expectations.
You can make money. If you do things the right way, you will make money. You probably should not, however, consider paid surveys as a substitute for full time, gainful employment. Think about it like this, free online survey jobs are really free opportunities to make extra money with a fun hobby. The overall earnings can be very impressive when you consider the nature of the activity.
You see the ads. You read the articles. You visit the sites. Paid online surveys. It sound almost too good to be true. Apparently, you can take surveys on your computer from the comfort of your own home and make money in the process. What is really going on with these opportunities? Are there really plenty of free online survey jobs out there?
The question defies a simple answer because it probably is not appropriate to consider completing online surveys a job. A job conjures up images of consistency, clearly defined responsibilities, an established rate of pay and other factors. Completing paid surveys is different. Surveys definitely offer a way to make money online, but they are not jobs in any traditional sense.
Initially, you probably should not expect participation in market research surveys to create the equivalent of a full time income. It is possible to post massive earnings with surveys, but most participants in this field do not see substantial incomes. Instead, paid surveys are a way to generate extra money. They are a fun and easy way to profit, but they are not going to replace your former gig as a corporate CEO in the income department!
You can make money with surveys. You cannot, however, project consistent and regular earnings. Some days will be better than others. Some weeks will be better than others. A hot streak, during which you find a series of very high-paying offers may be followed by a slow period where the big money is harder to find.
Those who are serious about making money with surveys have found that they can improve their chances by investing in quality resources that provide them with a plethora of leads and contact information for marketing research firms who offer online projects. However, even these higher level participants do not clear hundreds of dollars every day.
I think paid surveys are a lot of fun and I know they can generate some much needed household income for people who would like to engage in a fun, paying activity. I thoroughly recommend making money online this way, but I caution potential participants to maintain reasonable expectations.
You can make money. If you do things the right way, you will make money. You probably should not, however, consider paid surveys as a substitute for full time, gainful employment. Think about it like this, free online survey jobs are really free opportunities to make extra money with a fun hobby. The overall earnings can be very impressive when you consider the nature of the activity.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Email Scam : PART-TIME JOB OFFER FOR YOU
Email which I have received is as below.
"
From: "Miss Marina Makukha"
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 6:58 AM
To: Ramdas
Subject: PART-TIME JOB OFFER FOR YOU!!!
Dear Friend,
I know this is an unconventional way of introducing a business, but if you can take your time to read my letter carefully, you will understand the necessity for my action.I got your email address from the Time Job's Directory. I have a profiling amount in an excess of $10.5M (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) which I seek your partnership in accommodating for me.
INTRODUCTION OF MY SELF:
I am Miss Marina Makukha, a personal secretary to Mikhail Khodorkovsky the richest man in russia and owner of the following companies: Chairman CEO: YUKOS OIL (Russian Most Largest Oil Company) Chairman CEO:Menatep SBP Bank (A reputable financial institution with its branches all over the world).
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
The documents of the above funds in question was handed over to me to be used in payment of an American oil merchant for his last oil deal with my boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Already the funds have been deposited some where in the Netherlands (undisclosed for now), where the final crediting is expected to be carried out. While I was on the process, My Boss got arrested for his involvement on politics in financing the leading and opposing political parties You can catch more of the story on this http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2003/11/13/51215.html
YOUR ROLE:
All I need from you is to stand as the beneficiary of the above quoted sum and I will arrange for the documentation at my expense which will enable a smooth legal transfer of the sum to you. You will be rewarded with 30% for your partnership, 5% has been mapped out for any expenses that might occur during the transaction While 15% will be spent on taxes in your country. I have decided to use my share of this transaction to relocate to your country and invest on the Real Estate Venture. The transaction has to be concluded in less than 2 weeks. As soon as I get your willingness to comply through my most private email address: [msmarnna@yahoo.com.hk], I will give you more details and sites that will enable you find out more about the transaction.
Thank you very much
Regards,
Miss Marina Makukha.
"
After my reply to agree with her, reply email is as follow.
"
From: miss marina Makukha
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 12:06 PM
To: Ramdas
Subject: Dear Partner...More Details
Dear Partner,
Thanks for your email; immediately I got your mail, I gave up search for a reputable personnel to transact this deal with. And I believe strongly within me that you are capable of the transaction without any misappropriation. I will need us to do this business deal clean and fast without it attracting a third party (apart from the attorney who will be handling the documentation) until we are through with the transaction and I am in your country for the percentage sharing as discussed and you must assure me that you will do your best until the finalization of the contract between both of us before coming down to your country for the percentage sharing. All this ought not to take more than a week or thereabout pending on your swift response okay?
Like I said in my first letter, I am representing Mr Mikhail Khodorkovsky (A.K.A. Mr. M. K.) and would like to ask for your partnership in re-profiling Funds. It will interest you to know that I have sent our current conversational status to London for the purpose of documentation and have received the authority to proceed and get some clarifications both ways.
Before I am able to give out the information that will enable you access confidential data-pages of Mr. M. K. as regard this transaction, I would need some personal information of yours as follows:
(1) Full (Legal) Name?
(2) Have you handled large funds, and successfully?
(3) Can you be entrusted with large fund without any misappropriation?
(4) Can you keep this transaction to yourself till its completion?
Answers to the above questions will be kept very confidential hence the need for you to answer the questions in honesty, and let me know I am comfortable with you.
I want to re-assure you that this transaction is 100% legal hence risk free. All you need do is follow my directives and acting swiftly will go a long way in completing this transaction on time; Remember that the 30% of $10.5M still stands.
In my next mail to you, I shall send you my Identity Card for your reference.
Please write back promptly.
Best Regards,
Miss Marina Makukha
"
Whenever I asked here identity proof, she never sent it. If so happens, that may be bogus one. One should not entertain such type of email. In your interest, for out of fun, nothing else.
"
From: "Miss Marina Makukha"
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2009 6:58 AM
To: Ramdas
Subject: PART-TIME JOB OFFER FOR YOU!!!
Dear Friend,
I know this is an unconventional way of introducing a business, but if you can take your time to read my letter carefully, you will understand the necessity for my action.I got your email address from the Time Job's Directory. I have a profiling amount in an excess of $10.5M (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) which I seek your partnership in accommodating for me.
INTRODUCTION OF MY SELF:
I am Miss Marina Makukha, a personal secretary to Mikhail Khodorkovsky the richest man in russia and owner of the following companies: Chairman CEO: YUKOS OIL (Russian Most Largest Oil Company) Chairman CEO:Menatep SBP Bank (A reputable financial institution with its branches all over the world).
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
The documents of the above funds in question was handed over to me to be used in payment of an American oil merchant for his last oil deal with my boss Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Already the funds have been deposited some where in the Netherlands (undisclosed for now), where the final crediting is expected to be carried out. While I was on the process, My Boss got arrested for his involvement on politics in financing the leading and opposing political parties You can catch more of the story on this http://newsfromrussia.com/main/2003/11/13/51215.html
YOUR ROLE:
All I need from you is to stand as the beneficiary of the above quoted sum and I will arrange for the documentation at my expense which will enable a smooth legal transfer of the sum to you. You will be rewarded with 30% for your partnership, 5% has been mapped out for any expenses that might occur during the transaction While 15% will be spent on taxes in your country. I have decided to use my share of this transaction to relocate to your country and invest on the Real Estate Venture. The transaction has to be concluded in less than 2 weeks. As soon as I get your willingness to comply through my most private email address: [msmarnna@yahoo.com.hk], I will give you more details and sites that will enable you find out more about the transaction.
Thank you very much
Regards,
Miss Marina Makukha.
"
After my reply to agree with her, reply email is as follow.
"
From: miss marina Makukha
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 12:06 PM
To: Ramdas
Subject: Dear Partner...More Details
Dear Partner,
Thanks for your email; immediately I got your mail, I gave up search for a reputable personnel to transact this deal with. And I believe strongly within me that you are capable of the transaction without any misappropriation. I will need us to do this business deal clean and fast without it attracting a third party (apart from the attorney who will be handling the documentation) until we are through with the transaction and I am in your country for the percentage sharing as discussed and you must assure me that you will do your best until the finalization of the contract between both of us before coming down to your country for the percentage sharing. All this ought not to take more than a week or thereabout pending on your swift response okay?
Like I said in my first letter, I am representing Mr Mikhail Khodorkovsky (A.K.A. Mr. M. K.) and would like to ask for your partnership in re-profiling Funds. It will interest you to know that I have sent our current conversational status to London for the purpose of documentation and have received the authority to proceed and get some clarifications both ways.
Before I am able to give out the information that will enable you access confidential data-pages of Mr. M. K. as regard this transaction, I would need some personal information of yours as follows:
(1) Full (Legal) Name?
(2) Have you handled large funds, and successfully?
(3) Can you be entrusted with large fund without any misappropriation?
(4) Can you keep this transaction to yourself till its completion?
Answers to the above questions will be kept very confidential hence the need for you to answer the questions in honesty, and let me know I am comfortable with you.
I want to re-assure you that this transaction is 100% legal hence risk free. All you need do is follow my directives and acting swiftly will go a long way in completing this transaction on time; Remember that the 30% of $10.5M still stands.
In my next mail to you, I shall send you my Identity Card for your reference.
Please write back promptly.
Best Regards,
Miss Marina Makukha
"
Whenever I asked here identity proof, she never sent it. If so happens, that may be bogus one. One should not entertain such type of email. In your interest, for out of fun, nothing else.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Free offers on the internet
What is a "free offer" on the internet and why can it be a scam?
Free offers displayed on the internet often turn out to be scams. They might offer you free access to an otherwise restricted site, free shares, free downloads, free trials of certain products or even a free holiday. They can appear as annoying pop-ups while you are on the net or as ads at the tops or margins of websites. Sometimes entire websites could be set up to advertise a "free offer".
Usually, the free offers either require you to provide credit card, bank account or other personal details, or they require you to pay an upfront fee to claim your "free prize or product".
Of course, there are many sites on the internet that legitimately offer free products or services and that are not scams. You have to decide if an offer is likely to be a scam or not.
If you come across an advertisement on the internet that offers something for free, be very careful. If the offer looks to good to be true, or asks you to provide credit card or banking details, do NOT respond. Do not make contact with anyone listed in the ad, do not call the telephone number listed and do not send any money, credit card details or other personal details to the scammers. Responding only indicates you're interested and you could end up with lots more scam offers in the future.
If you believe the website and offer may be genuine, make sure you find out all the terms and conditions involved. Make sure you have reliable internet security software installed and keep it up-to-date. Be very suspicious of an offer that requires you to give over your credit card, bank account or personal details as these are nearly always scams.
Free offers displayed on the internet often turn out to be scams. They might offer you free access to an otherwise restricted site, free shares, free downloads, free trials of certain products or even a free holiday. They can appear as annoying pop-ups while you are on the net or as ads at the tops or margins of websites. Sometimes entire websites could be set up to advertise a "free offer".
Usually, the free offers either require you to provide credit card, bank account or other personal details, or they require you to pay an upfront fee to claim your "free prize or product".
Of course, there are many sites on the internet that legitimately offer free products or services and that are not scams. You have to decide if an offer is likely to be a scam or not.
If you come across an advertisement on the internet that offers something for free, be very careful. If the offer looks to good to be true, or asks you to provide credit card or banking details, do NOT respond. Do not make contact with anyone listed in the ad, do not call the telephone number listed and do not send any money, credit card details or other personal details to the scammers. Responding only indicates you're interested and you could end up with lots more scam offers in the future.
If you believe the website and offer may be genuine, make sure you find out all the terms and conditions involved. Make sure you have reliable internet security software installed and keep it up-to-date. Be very suspicious of an offer that requires you to give over your credit card, bank account or personal details as these are nearly always scams.
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