As internet usage grows, internet scams grow at an increasing pace. While we see Chris Hansen on DatelineNBC catching scammers, spammers and predators, the phenomenon continues to grow almost unabated. Almost every industry professional will tell you the only way to protect yourself is by using simple, common sense. Here is a helpful list to protect yourself with.
Tips:
1. Never give out personal information online.
2. If you wouldn't do it offline, don't do it online.
3. If it sounds too good to be true ...
Some of the Top Scams of 2007 from About.com:
1. The Nigerian scam, also known as 419
2. Advanced fees paid for a guaranteed loan or credit card
3. Lottery scams
4. Phishing emails and phony web pages
5. Items for sale overpayment scam
6. Employment search overpayment scam
7. Disaster relief scams
8. Travel scams
9. "Make Money Fast" chain emails
10. "Turn Your Computer Into a Money-Making Machine!"
Interesting scam related websites:
1. Internet Crime Complaint Center - A partnership with the FBI
2. LooksToGoodToBeTrue - A good basic explanation of scams
3. FakeChecks - Not as much online but some good scam busters
4. ScamBusters - the most comprehensive information about online scams
