How to Identify a Scam

Check-cashing and money order-cashing scams are everywhere on the Internet right now. Chances are good that you will run into one of these scams within the next few months, but you can avoid being taken advantage of if you know how to identify a few key markers.

Things You'll Need

• None

Instructions

1. Read any e-mail you receive from someone you don't know very critically. Do not assume that because he seems to be offering you reasonable employment, a valid offer on a product or service or any other interesting communication that the stranger on the other end of the email is who he says he is.

2. Leave your home address and phone number out of any email messages until you are certain that you are dealing with a legitimate person.

3. Look for indicators that this potential employer, buyer or service provider wants you to put your own cash up front somehow. This generally comes in the form of a request for you to cash a money order or cashier's check, keep your portion of the funds and then send the rest to her.

4. Refuse to cash any such money for anyone you don't know. If you follow the instructions, you will end up sending this person your own money, and your bank is likely to flag your account due to fraudulent activity.

5. Email the person back and ask for other payment options, if you are concerned that this might be a legitimate business opportunity and you don't want to let it pass.

References

• Nigerian Check Scam