Email Hoaxes and Email Scams
Email scams in the form of a petition are a huge scam. Like many people, have you received a ton of these in your in basket? The
truth is...
Almost all of these emails want you to add your name and address, then you're asked to forward to all your friends.
Does This Sound Familiar To You?
I'm sure you've received these and probably passed many of these on. I know I did, before I had knowledge about this scam. Who
knew what danger could be in store for you! This is a popular form of what is call scam baiting.
The purpose of email hoaxes type of email scam is to receive names and tracking information for spammers and telemarketers so
they can validate email accounts that are active, for their own purposes.
In other cases, the host sender receives a copy each time you forward to someone and this enables it to get a list of active
emails to sell to others or use in spam emails.
Another Popular Scam
Jury duty scams make the rounds and they are ones that can affect all of us. You may not even be aware of the email hoaxes that
you receive every day that may be loaded with this type of spam.
What makes some of these scams so sneaky is the fact that they look like the real deal from well known and respected companies
that you may already be familiar with. They mimic the look of the authentic site, and unless you are very careful, you may fall
into their trap.
The information they require is usually a social security number, street address, confirmation of your credit card number, and/or
telephone number.
Identity Theft Is Real
Many times this information is used for the purpose of identity theft, to charge on your account, or to open a new account and
charge to their hearts content.
The scams done by email vary, but the one thing they have in common is the tremendous amount of money you could end up owing and
the real possibility of ruined credit.
Be informed about email hoaxes, that tempt you to make money or and get rich quick email scams that can damage your computer,
steal your identity, completely play havoc with your credit report.
Be Proactive
Check if your first or last name is on the e-mail. Watch out for letters addressed to "Dear Customer," "Dear Member" or any other
salutation that indicates the sender doesn't know who you are.
Avoid opening any emails with subjects lines such as "Urgent Message", or maybe, "Account Closing." Be assured that reliable
institutions will not contact you by e-mail if there is a serious problem with one of your accounts, they will contact you by
phone in most cases.
Avoid updating any personal information regarding your credit or credit circumstances on the Internet. No matter how authentic or
legitimate your email may seem. Verify all pertinent information with your creditor to avoid identity theft.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Christine Elward
|
