Oct 08
14
Scams abound on the internet, and scammers usually send mass emails to small businesses, but also to individuals. You may think these emails are intended solely for you. But, here’s how to spot scammers.
The scammer’s goal is to get you to send them money. They will often request your assistance and offer to send you a certified check . They’ll claim that the check was already made out by a vendor or partner of theirs, and they need help cashing it. The scammer will request you to cash the check, then send them a part of the funds to them, usually by Western Union. Scammers are very creative and there are many variations. However, they will always offer to let you keep a large sum in return for your assistance.
Since the funds are drawn on a foreign bank it may take up to three months to learn that it is fraudulent. You will then be short the amount you have sent to the scammer. The scammer cannot be found, since they are operating out of public internet cafes, usually in far away countries.
Signs of a Scammer
Overseas/International: Typically the scammer will be overseas or out of country. They know authorities rarely pursue this kind of international crime.
Urgent: Often the scammer will be acting in an urgent manner and ask you to assist them with short notice.
Large amounts: The check will always be for a large amount, intended to lure you into their fraud.
No interest in location: Scammers will not care about your location. In fact, they will always be from foreign countries, and you may wonder why they decided to contact you.
Will not address you by name in the first e-mail: The first e-mail you receive will likely not address you specifically. This is because it will be a general email sent in mass to many people.
Strange grammar, spelling, and choice of words: The scammer’s grammar, spelling and use of punctuation will be unusual. Often the scammer will present themselves as a doctor. Another frequent ploy is that they indicate they are from a religious organization, are holding meetings in your country, and make specific reference to their “delegates” or “delegation” coming to your country.
Free e-mail account: Often the e-mail will come from a free email service like Yahoo or Hotmail. Legitimate travel agents or businesses rarely use free email accounts.
Send money: They want you to send them cash, usually by wire, and quick.
Advice:
If you get one of these emails or letters, remember that if it is too good to be true, it probably is. Whatever happens, do not send them any funds, regardless of what form.
Me he quedado perplejo, ya que he recibo correo de un señor, que dice ser médico, y que me deposita una elevada cantidad por la compra de mi apartamento que tengo en venta. Mire, realmente este sr.extranjero, cuyo banco es extranjero, reune todo el perfil de lo leido en este foro. Mi pregunta es, no me puedo dirigir alguna autoridad, u oficina, que investigue antes de llevar a cabo el fraude.