April 1, 2010

This month I would like to discuss the Internet scam situation.  I'm going to keep this discussion generic, rather I would like to discuss some ways to detect a scam and what not to do.

First of all, let's revisit some ideas I've brought up in the past.  For scams involved in emails, be diligent in some basic email rules.  Make sure, no matter what email program you use, keep the preview window turned off.  If the cursor happens to be parked on an email which contains a virus, etc., it is possible for your computer to get infected even if you don't open the email, since the preview window is almost the same as opening the email.

Make sure to look at an email prior to opening.  Look at the subject and who it is from.  Be careful of emails from someone you don't know.  If the subject reads RE: or shows forwarded, think twice before opening the email.

One big thing to look at is spelling and grammar.  Most of the scam messages have terrible spelling and grammar.  Also look at the content.  Remember you don't get something for nothing.  Nobody is going to send you free money or ask you to cash checks for them.

Craig's List is having a lot of problems right now with scams.  It is a great place to sell or buy, but be careful.  If you post items, make sure to analyze the email you receive before you send them an answer.  They certainly aren't going to send you a check for more money than you are asking just to have you send them the difference.  If they can't count any better than that, you don't want to do business with them anyway.  Craig's List keeps trying to figure out ways to stop the scams, but in the long run, most of the things they try just make it harder to go through the posting process.

With the economy in the situation it is in right now, these scams are going to increase because people seem to get more gullible as their economic situation degrades.  Just make sure it doesn't happen to you.

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