What are the best ways to protect yourself against getting scammed online? (Courtesy of ScamBusters.org)
- Use common sense. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Trust your gut feelings - especially when you have a bad feeling about an offer or a company.
- Don't ever respond to a bulk email. At least 95% of these "spams" are scams.
- If you want to buy something at an online auction, always check the references of the seller, and only buy from sellers who have good references. Almost all good auction sites have buyer and seller rating systems. If the item is more expensive than an amount you could comfortably lose, consider using an online escrow service like escrow.com. There is a fee, but it might be worth it to you.
ScamBusters.org is a good resource for checking out offers and e-mails that you think might me scams.
You should become familiar with the types of misleading claims that do exist. Keep in mind that SOME wealth-building plans, MLM businesses, or work-at-home opportunities are legitimate. Regardless, protect yourself by becoming educated to potential problems.
Here are some other good sites about "money making" scams on the Internet.
- crimes-of-persuasion.com
- fraudbureau.com