So- You Think You're Safe From Internet Fraud!

Damian Hawkins

It goes without saying that all of us are constantly on the lookout for a bargain. Everyday, our mailboxes are filled with 'too-good-to-be-true' offers of 'get rich quick' schemes and opportunities that will allow us to retire from work within a period that seems faster than the speed of light. While some of these advertisements may be genuine and full of good intentions, it is argued that around 95 per cent are nothing but outright scams in one form or another.

For example, some of the offers that hit our email in - boxes often tell us that we can become a millionaire inside a month - GUARANTEED - if we sign up for a particular system or scheme. However, before you start looking for a Hollywood mansion and/or plan your new millionaire lifestyle. Ask yourself one simple question - How can anyone possibly 'guarantee' entry to the millionaires club within any period of time, if ever? The only certainty is that the advertiser may stand a good chance of stashing away a fair amount of cash is a goodly number of folks fall for his or her claim.

Sadly, statistics show that many people are lured into parting with their hard-earned dollars in the hope that they can live the lifestyle of their dreams. Don't believe it? Wellin 2007, just over 3 million people in the United Kingdom alone were conned into get-rich-quick schemes or scams. Furthermore, this figure is said to be only the tip of the iceberg, for it is thought that there are many more who were too embarrassed or ashamed to admit that they too had been taken-to-the-cleaners!

419 and lottery scams, to name but two, have been doing the email rounds for a long time now. Yet, they still claim their fair share of victims from all over the world each year. Over time, there have been many theories propounded as to why people seem to be so easily conned - greed, something for nothing (on the face of it), lack of information and education on internet crime and so forth. Even though there is some information on various forms of internet fraud, it would be fair to say that much of it is fragmented at best, and available only to those who know where to look for the information - a time-consuming and often frustrating task, to say the least!

Over-confidence is a factor that plays right into the hands of the internet fraudster. For example, the "Being conned only happens to others, not me" syndrome. The "I'm not so stupid as to be taken in by a conman!" attitude, etc., etc. Believe it or not, if you think that it is only a dipstick or newbie that falls for the many facets of internet crime - I've got news for you - there is a fraudster waiting just around the corner who is hell-bent on taking each and everyone of us to the cleaners - often without you knowing it at the time!

In my experience, and that of many others involved in the battle against internet fraud, far too many internet users place too much reliance on software such as anti-virus, anti-spyware, spam filters, etc. Make no mistake, internet fraud is big business and high-tech these days. Today, it would be fair to say that in a number of areas, the fraudsters are always one-step ahead of even the latest anti this or that device. If they are not, it doesn't take long for them to develop methods which will enable their nefarious operations to get under or through our computer's defences. The good news is that there are various steps you can take to further shore up your defences, to make your computer a much safer place to conduct your business or simply surf the net for pleasure.

The best basic advice to all those who use the internet is - No one is safe from internet fraud. Let me say that again - No one is safe from internet fraud! Secondly, it may well be that you don't know your personal details have been revealed to internet criminals until you KNOW it - probably when it is too late to do anything about it!

As the old adage tells us, "Prevention is better than cure!" To know what goes on in the dark recesses of the internet is worldly wisdom in the truest sense of the word. Even if you are busy earning a living on the internet or just a modest surfer or beginner, spend some time leaning where the enemy lies in wait, how they operate, and the methods they use, will assuredly be time well spent.

(c) Damian Hawkins 2007. All Rights Reserved

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Damian Hawkins is an IT consultant and specialist in internet crime. Recently, in partnership with psychologist, James Keith, Intercrime was formed to educate all those who use the internet in whatever shape or form. Intercrime News is a FREE monthly newsletter keeping you up-to-date on the latest scams and other more subtle ways of under-the-radar techniques hell bent on infecting your computer - often without your knowledge. To get your FREE copy simply send an email to info@intercrime.org. All emails will be treated in the strictest confidence and will not be divulged to any other party.