Fraud
By: Grace Mason
Fraud:
Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain.
Find Fraud Before it Finds YOU
Discovering frauds and scams before clicking could possibly be one of the most useful tools an Internet user could have. Not only will it save you money, being aware of frauds can save time, frustration, and possibly your identity. Some ways to avoid fraud are:
- NEVER respond to an email with personal information such as bank account numbers, address, social security number, etc.
- Research the company and their customer ratings to make sure that you won't become the example of fraud.
- Use common sense: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Phishing/Smishing
Many emails that are sent out aren't actually real, not in the physical sense but they aren't coming from who it really is. Never respond to these emails with personal information, even if the company tells you that they'll shut down your account or unsubscribe you.
Retail/Auction Fraud
Have you ever questioned that five dollar iPad on Ebay? Or the TVs going for only twenty bucks in that email your mom sent you? Good for you, most likely those are frauds. Most auctions and retail sales with unbelievable prices ARE fake.
Work at Home
For those that work at home, heed this warning: most advertisements sent to stay-at-home-workers are frauds. Making three million dollars sounds even weirder when the kit only comes with a brick in it. Unless the company is truly legit, you're probably not going to make that three million.