by Author Name Withheld 119

Created on: July 12, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2011

As the unfortunate truth starts to set in, some think twice before committing to an action; yet, others are still falling into the deadly traps of scammers. Most of us received junk e-mail at one point in our lives or another, but there is a new awareness. This is for a Paid E-Mail scam.

You will receive an e-mail in your online mail box tempting you of becoming 'rich' overnight, by simply clicking on a link. Wait a minute! By clicking on a link?!

Yes, that's right, you will be informed that just by clicking on the link that is provided to you, you'll make hundreds of dollars automatically, immediately, and magically. You will be manipulated into thinking you will get paid between $25,000.00 and $50,000.00. There is no money at the other end of your "trusted friend". Don't believe anybody that you do not know that is offering you money. Besides, you need to sit down and ask yourself this one question:

"Why would this stranger want to give me such a substantial amount of money for doing practically nothing?"

What that stranger is really trying to do is get you to successfully register your personal information "to get paid". Often, sensitive information such as your full name, address, birth date, occupation, income, secret question-your mother's maiden name, etc., will be asked for during the registration process. Once you register this information, the scammer who sent you the scam e-mail with the provided link can use your identity for the following:

1. Take out loans in your name, failing to pay them back, because well, they're in your name, so why would they care to pay them back? It's like giving a stranger a $100.00 bill. Pointless when you can go

2. Apply for credit cards online under your name as you've given your mother's maiden name and birth date. (Two security questions banks/credit card companies ask you to verify)

3. Obtain a driver's licence that appears valid.

In today's world of living, you cannot get rich this easily. Remember when your mom told you that you have to work for your money? Well, she was right. People don't just hand hard-earned cash over to you for no apparent reason.

In conclusion, if you receive a too-good-to-be-true offer, it most likely is. Delete the e-mail and move on with your life. Otherwise, if you are foolish enough to fall for the scam, you could be paying a pricy consequence for the remainder of your precious life.

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