Potential Fraud And Internet Scams
Please review this information about potential Internet fraud.
Like any form of media the Internet can be a tool for good or for bad. There is a percentage of business transactions on the Internet that are subject to fraud, scams and cheats. Just like normal transactions, buyers and sellers need to be aware of their surroundings and be cautious in their transactions. If you have placed an ad on Ahooga, for your personal security, some contacts may be from unscrupulous people.
Some of these unscrupulous people utilize an old scam from Nigeria that has found new prominence on the Internet. This scam is commonly known as a "419" scam and usually involves the cheating of people with a variety of routines. You may receive a message of this type so we suggest you read and consider the text at:
http://home.rica.net/alphae/419coal/
There are unscrupulous people out there who will e-mail you stating they want to buy your car. They say they will send you a 'cashier's check,' generally giving you some story as to why the check is much higher than your asking price. They ask you to write them a check for the 'difference.' You'll find out their 'check' is a phony from another country and you've lost your car plus additional money. Most of these guys operate out of eastern Africa with accomplices in the US or Canada. Watch out for them and make sure the 'check' you get is proper by running it past your local bank manager. These checks look authentic, and these guys are slick, but they are ruthless and operate with NO feelings or regard for you. I have had reports now from many sellers that someone tried to run this scam. Immediately contact your local FBI office (see below as well). These Scam artists are preying on anybody selling anything. If someone wants to send you a check for more than your selling your item for, report them!
I also recommend the use of escrow services – an inexpensive way to protect both buyers and sellers during personal transactions. Many banks and institutions offer these services and so does the following company:
http://www.escrow.com/
If you need to report fraud on the Internet there is an online partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center at
The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)
Th FBI Office of Cyber Crime
In addition, I also recommend the following websites that deal with scams and myths perpetuated in various ways on the Internet:
http://www.fraud.org/
http://www.scambusters.org/
The Internet is a great tool and it would be a shame for you to have a negative experience resulting from contact with bad people. I hope you find this information helpful.
Thanks,
Dale
