February 23, 2012

Three Common Online Scams

An HSBC Solo debit card issued in the UK in 2007

Image via Wikipedia

There are plenty of scammers finding ways to trick you into giving them money, your personal information or contact information. Here are three common scams:

A false bank email. Many scammers will send you an email that looks like it is sent from your bank. It will say it needs to verify your information, and will direct you to the bank’s website. Instead of entering your information into the website, however, a pop up window will appear asking for your card number and pin. This window is not from the bank and will send your information to the scammers.

 

Nigerian email scam. In this scam, you will receive an email claiming that someone in another country needs you to help them access a large sum of money. They will claim that they cannot do it for various reasons, and will offer you a percentage of the money in return for your help. They may even send you a check and have you cash your percentage and then send them the rest. After you have sent your money, their check will bounce, and you will be out the sum you sent. In these cases, there is usually nothing authorities can do to help you recoup the money you lost.

Fake Ipod giveaway. For this, you can get an email or see an ad that claims that you are the winner of a free ipod, Xbox, or Iphone. It will direct you to a website that will ask you either for your contact information, or for your debit card and pin. In the first case, you will have unwanted spam and advertising emails filling up your mailbox and voicemail. In the second case, you will have your identity stolen. Neither case will give you the promised Ipod.

To protect yourself from these scams, remember that your bank will never ask you to verify your information via email. Almost no unexpected email saying you won money will be legitimate, and you should never trust a stranger asking you to transfer money for them.

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