Avoiding Internet Scammers

If you are online you are a potential victim of Internet fraudsters. Many of the scammers operate outside the United States and operate under the premise that they will not be prosecuted for small amount of money, small being under a few thousand dollars.

So how can you keep from getting taken?

Just use common sense. Assume that everyone is a scammer and do not trust anyone. Even scammers can have fancy storefronts and impressive websites. Since a few dollars on web design can make them look like a million dollar corporation you can not trust their appearance alone.

However in most cases, the scammers are not that slick. Often using spam or free website hosting to serve up their scams. They also appeal to the people in need of cash. Promising something extra for nothing and motivating people to give up something up front.

Scamming is not a new form of crime. Ever since they invented money scammers have been trying to get it from hard working people with little or no effort.

For example, one company sells computers. They invest money in materials, marketing and manufacturing. The scammer takes their good name, offers a product at half the price, collects the money and never sends the product. They might sell for one month at a single website then they close it, think up a new name and open a new store front. Seemingly disappearing with your money.

This is one scam that we have had customers caught up in. Sending money for inventory to stock their store and having it disappear.

So how can you tell its a scam?

1) If the deal seems too good to be true then it probably is.

2) If the supplier is from a foreign country that should raise a flag. Import and export procedures are complicated involving customs brokers and federal agencies. So if they plan on just mailing you inventory just as if your were inside the US then its likely a scam.

3) Don't assume the person is who they say they are. Scammers take logos and graphics directly from manufacturers websites and often say they are that manufacturer. Even if you do extensive research to find out if the company is reputable, you might not actually be dealing with them at all. If you suspect something, call the company directly to make sure the person is legit.

Scammers come in many forms and use all the tools available to find potential victims. One of the most popular is e-mail. Read more about these e-mail fishing scams.

Other resources include The Automotive Advertisers Network with detailed information about car scams and automotive related scams.

The FTC also has extensive resources on reporting fraud and Internet scams.