Avoid Scams and Fraud: Identify False Internet Payment

Cyber crime is on a constant rise. Scams become more alarming if they are concerned with internet payments. The online platform has thrown open multitude avenues and business opportunities to people across the world. Similarly the criminals too have got handful of work in developing effective and sophisticated ways and means to scam online. Therefore it becomes very essential that one is able to recognize internet payment scams. And payment fraud directly affects the confidence of the consumer whenever he is indulging in a non-cash payment mode.

How to recognize internet payment scams?

It is highly impossible to detect an internet scam at the very outset itself. But, once you have delved deep into the matter and mechanisms, you will be able to understand that the schemes were employed by the scammers. One ideal way to spot a scam is…if you think the plan sounds extremely good to be true, then in fact it is too good to be that true! Avoid Scams/Fraud by delving deep into the matter.

Different scams that are used

Money transfers fraud is a major concern. And it is irretrievable too. Fraudsters’ put up graphical sites which sell ghost retail goods. They are actually on the lookout for credit card details that you are using to buy the products that are actually non-existent. Through fishing the scammers try to get your sensitive info like passwords and credit card numbers through email. When you actually click on the link that you received in your email, you will be directed to a clone site that is owned by the scammer.

Another fraud is the Click fraud wherein internet advertising affiliates goal to your action and make you click on the advertisements that spywares have generated. And it being an affiliate program under the name of a major search engine wherein the commission paid is real huge, you can take it for granted that the money that the scammers are making is going to be a whopping sum. Yet another internet payment scam could be the automotive fraud wherein you make a payment to buy a ghost automobile. A few business models like Pyramid, Ponzi and Matrix schemes involve money exchange basically for getting people enrolled in the scheme, without any service or product being delivered. Once the money is amassed, the scammers disappear with the money.

Tips on how to how to Avoid Internet payment scams/General internet scams:

• Ensure that your firewall and anti-virus software are updated and are also capable of preventing from gaining access to your private information that is available on your system.
• Divulge as little personal information as possible when you browse the internet. Care has to be exercised especially when you operate your bank account online. And never give out your social security number to ANYONE.
• Beware of scam mails that are the major weapons of fraudsters.
• Never click on the links that call for immediate action. Search for the legitimacy of the website and also for the contact numbers provided if any.
• Deal with people you can meet in person
• Do not ever wire funds to people through wire services such as Western union, Moneygram or any other wire service.
• Avoid anything that involves escrow services
• Choose a reliable scam security money payment method. PayPal is one such medium which allows for a safe transfer of money online.

Avoid Scams/Fraud by identifying them at the initial stages rather then your case becoming yet another case of crying over spilt milk.

In case of a problem or emergency, You can contact the following:

http://www.ftc.gov/ Or call the FTC toll free hotline: (877-382-4357)
http://www.ic3.gov/