Fraud
What is FRAUD?
Fraud is "Wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in personal or financial gain". When someone or something tries to get your information through illegitimate emails or other ways of communication.
Examples of Fraud
Selling
Counterfeit Goods:
When someone says they are selling something that is not what it seems. For example, saying that a bag is designer when it is a knock-off.
Selling without Receiving:
When someone buys an item but never receives it. They could receive a box with something entirely useless.
Identity Theft
When one person calls claiming to be from somewhere or promoting a fake business where they need to get your information (i.e. credit card, social security, address, full name, etc.) Also, it could be an email, for example "winning an Free iPhone". They would take you to a website where you are required to put all your information in. This will allow them to steal your money or take your life.
Lottery Scam
You could receive an email or other message saying that you have won the lottery. Then the criminal would ask for your full name, credit card number, address, etc. and have a way to steal your identity. Another common thing would be the criminal saying you need to pay the taxes FIRST. Then they will get your information and use it wrongfully.
How to Avoid Fraud
Don't Trust It
Unless you have a legitimate reason to believe that this statement is true DO NOT GO THROUGH WITH IT. If you have a bad feeling towards it, don't trust it. Unless you know the sender personally, do not give money or information.
Information
Do not give your information out to any website if they say they have lost it. For example, you get an email from your "bank" saying that they have lost all your information and you need to resubmit it... It is a lie. They would not be emailing you if they lost it.
Don't Believe It
Do not believe everything you read on the internet.