Internet Scams You Want to Avoid

The INTERNET is the greatest network of networks of information ever invented. I look back at my high school days and scare myself with “programing in Basic”. I look back and think how easy college would have been and that most all research for my thesis could have been done from the friendly confines of my room. The ability to communicate through email, IM, VOIP is amazing.

Of course with all that is good comes also the bad. Here are the Top 5 Internet scams you want to avoid like the plague.

1. Auction Fraud
2. Phishing Scams
3. Nigerian 419 Letter
4. Postal Forwarding/Reshipping Scam
5. “Congratulations, You’ve Won an Xbox (news – web sites) (IPod, plasma TV, etc.)”

A rule of thumb for your safety: Act as if every mysterious email or offer is the same as going into a strangers home with no lights on or asked to get into a car with a stranger. Everyone is not kind and do not have the best of intentions. The dark side of the INTERNET pray on people’s good nature and kindness. Use common sense. On a personal note, please stop sending the Nigerian letter. My fingers are getting sore from hitting delete.