by Author Name Withheld 119

Created on: February 23, 2008

The most common types of Internet scams. Just by reading this article, you could save your life...

As time continues on, an alarming increase of Internet scams are appearing in people's e-mail boxes. You probably have stumbled across a too good to be true offer. There are many different types of scams in existence today. Every scam will state you will earn incredible amounts of money, which may be tempting, but if you respond, you could put your life into immediate danger.

Spotting an Internet scam is one thing, but falling into the scam is another. Once research is conducted and you are able to understand the mechanisms of these scams, and how scammers operate their scams, you will be able to keep you and your family safe.

1.) Identity Theft:
The most common scam is Identity Theft. This is when a scammer successfully obtains your personal information, without your permission. This includes your home address, credit card information, and banking information. Once this information is obtained, the scammer is able to take out loans under your name. They may not pay these loans back and you will be left to take the consequences of these actions.

2.) Lottery Scams:
Lottery Scams are another fast-growing scam. Have you ever received an email congratulating you for winning a lottery you have not even entered into? Reality check! Most of us have 'won the lottery!'. The majority of these lottery scams come from South Africa. They may appear legitimate, that is until they ask you to send money to receive your 'winnings'. No lottery board will send you an email to notify you that you have won the lottery. You have to be aware, and inform them if you've won. Most of the scammers will ask you to send a couple thousand dollars through Western Union money transfer services to pay for 'legal fees' or 'transfer costs', then once you receive your 'winnings', you are obligated to send a percentage of your 'winnings' back. Some lottery scams have 'lawyers' involved, but no professional organization or corporation would ever ask you to send money through Western Union. They use this method because there is absolutely no way of tracing your money to get it back. They will also tell you to keep your 'winnings' confidential and private. By this, they mean don't tell the police because they don't want to be hunted down and prosecuted. Remember, if you didn't buy a lottery ticket, you cannot win the lottery!

3.) Work at Home Schemes:
Work at home, online and become wealthy? Sounds pleasant

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