How to Recognize Common Internet Scams

The Internet has made our day to day lives much easier in many ways. However, it has also exposed us to newer and technologically advanced scams. You need to know the most common Internet scams in order to protect yourself.

Instructions

1. Look out for phishing scams. You have likely been targeted for a phishing scam at one time or another. These scams involve an e-mail sent from a person pretending to be from an institution that you use. They ask for your personal information or tell you to click on a link.

2. Watch out for 419 scams. This Internet scam is another common con that criminals use. They ask you to be a liaison and help them access money from a bank account. They state that you will get a cut of this money.

3. Check to make sure that a charity request is legitimate. You may get an e-mail stating that the person is from a charitable organization and looking for donations. Only send money in a secured Internet setting to a charity. Call the charity if in doubt.

4. Be wary of e-mails that claim that you have won a prize or lottery. These are common Internet scams, and many people become victims of identity theft by giving out personal information to these fake organizations.

5. Practice caution when dealing with solicitations from foreign countries. These offers are often Internet scams and may be difficult to trace.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't click on a link or give out personal information via e-mail. Contact your institution to let them know that you have been targeted for a phishing scam.

• Never respond to a 419 scam. They will take your response as interest and continually harass you.