Online Scams

Online scams are out there--plenty of them. There are so many con-artists ready to prey upon unsuspecting entrepreneurs who are dreaming of starting a home business.

These schemes are often illegal but, most importantly, they are deceptive and the profit potential grossly overstated, if existing at all.

One of the keys to developing a solid business opportunity is to familiarize yourself with "the cons" and learn how to protect yourself from them.

Online scam's objective is to expose these scams that suck-in many people.

• We'll describe them,
• we'll suggest how to protect yourself, and
• what to do if, by some misfortune, you bite on a scam.

There is some scary stuff out there!

Before we get down to specific examples, I list below some general time and money saving tips that will help you avoid such scams.

• If the site you are visiting in is big bold multi-colored print declaring this or that, it reminds me of a carnival barker. Avoid it!
• Stay away if the site has a pop-up window saying something like, "Only chance to buy this (item) at a deeply discounted rate, click here."
• Run if there is a charge to obtain "legitimate work-at-home business lists."
• Avoid if the site says, “easy to make hundreds of $$ a day, a week or a month doing part time work from home.”
• Avoid the site if you have to pay $$ to register to get the job. If you applied at a business in your neighborhood, would you pay them an application fee? No!
• Here is a scheme that sucks in a lot of people. A site will say to "sign up here to work at home." Don't! Think about this. If you owned a business, wouldn't you want to interview and hire the best person? Would you hire "just anyone" to do the job you want done?
• If the proposed home-based business idea you like has a “ready-made” website for you to use on the guise that this will produce income…Run, Run, Run! Why? You’ll never be found. Therefore, you’ll never make money. You’re like all the other instant sites they have produced. There are hundreds of these type online scams on the Internet. Don't do it!

Warning! Warning!

Never give your Social Security number for anything as part of registering online. If asked, you positively know this is an online scam!!

Once you have investigated the site and determined that this is a small home-based business opportunity that interests you, then, still do not give out your Social Security number.

Remember, only an Employer will need your Social Security number in order to pay you a wage or a salary “As An Employee!”

If you decide to indeed opt for this online home-based business opportunity, when you get close to earning $600, then and only then, will the web company need your Social Security number. Why? Because a person or a company must give you a Form 1099 if you have earned $600 or more in a calendaryear.

Phishing is a Hugh Online Scam

"Phishing" means "fishing," or, more naturally, someone asking you to give personal (usually financial) information so they can use it to their financial advantage. This is one online scam you must constantly be aware of...and know how to avoid.

The Hook

You're e-mail states, "We have noticed several unauthorized transactions to your credit card account. To ensure that your account has not been compromised, please click on the link below and confirm your identity."

This message or one similar is an online scam called "phishing."

The e-mail if from a person sent to you to obtain personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account info, Social Security number, passwords or other sensitive data from an unsuspecting victim...YOU.

Some of these phishing e-mails threaten a terrible consequence if you do not respond immediately.

If you do respond, the link you clicked on takes you to a website that looks just like a legitimate financial institution site. Here, you fill out the requested info and...get hooked.

The fraudulent operators then steal your identity and run up bills or commit crimes in your name.

How to avoid getting hooked

• If you receive an e-mail asking for personal or financial information, do not reply. Don't click on the link in the e-mail.
• Don't cut and paste the link from the e-mail into your internet browser--phishers can make links look like they go to one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
• The e-mail may ask you to call a phone number to update your account or to apply for "your refund." Please do not do this.
• It is always best to not open any unknown e-mail. Generally, you can "right" click on the unopened e-mail and then click "Junk" in the pop up box. This will prevent you receiving another phishing e-mail from the same source.
• Anti-virus software and a firewall can help protect you from receiving unwanted e-mails.
• The Federal Trade Commission suggests you forward span that you suspect is phishing to "spam@uce.gov>"

Now, you’ll have some fun.

Please click on the following pages I have researched for you.

So, "beware of the online scams" near you!

How to build a website, SEO and ready-made website "marketing scams."

"Online Business Scams:" the ones that work most often.

"Online Job Scams:" How to get sucked in.

"Top Internet Fraud Scams:" How innocent folks get scammed.

Making big bucks from "Online Survey Scams"...not you...them.

Is your soul mate waiting for you online? "Dating Scams."

From A to Z: "Ways to Prevent Identity Theft."

"Reporting Internet Scams:" Who is on MY side?

If you desire, please go from "online scams" to my home page.