What is a scam?
A SCAM is a fraudulent attempt to steal your money or to deceive and manipulate you into giving your money to an individual or corporation who doesn't deserve it. A scam typically promises a large return with little or no risk involved.
How do I avoid scams?
Various research has shown that 95% of scams originate from spam (spam scams). With this in mind, our single most important piece of advice would be to ignore all spam. Remember, if it's spam, it's a scam! For more information regarding spam, check out our spam page.
Always be cautious of any company that asks for money even if it looks like a legitimate reason (registration fees, instruction manual etc). There is absolutely no logic in paying to work!
Don't trust everyone. Just as you wouldnt trust a stranger with your money in real life, there is no reason why you should do so on the internet.
Research each company well, checking the whois details as explained in the tips page, and always ask for a few references you can call. Call each person and ask about their experiences with the company. Avoid PTR scams by checking out our list of paying PTR programs.
Finally, when a good opportunity comes your way, remember, the basic law of nature, what looks too good to be true, normally isnt true!
Do you think you have been scammed?
According to recent statistics from the National Consumer League’s list of Top 10 Net Frauds, online auctions seem to top the list of Internet scams for a few years running. Many people have got scammed on the Internet, but today the scammed person is not necessarily the loser. Stop blaming yourself and fight scams NOW.
Start by reporting scams to the local police, FBI, Secret Service, post office, phone company, local newspaper and tv station, your bank and credit card company, your lawyer and the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Besides, consider reporting scams to the following agencies which are specialised in dealing with Internet scams.
Internet Fraud Complaint Center - this is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), that strives to address fraud and scams committed over the Internet.
Better Business Bureau - file an online complaint against any company or charity that has treated you unfairly. The site also provides a national database of reliability reports. A positive report doesn't mean the company is definately a legitimate one, but on the other hand, companies with negative reports should be avoided.
Rip Off Report - file a report about any fraud or rip off scam you have come across. The report you file will be placed online for the world to see!
The National Fraud Information Center - this site is US based and is specialised in dealing with most kinds of internet and telemarketing frauds/scams.
Fraud Watch International - seeks to reduce the incidence of Internet fraud by educating consumers, shutting down fraudulent and scam sites and prosecuting frauders.
Federal Trade Commission - allows you to file a complaint about a particular company or organization, using a secure complaint form. Although the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, the complaint helps in fraud investigation, and can lead to law enforcement action.
ScamWatch - an Australia based site that covers all sorts of scams from financial and investment scams such as pyramid schemes to miracle cures and instant weight loss treatments. Scamwatch keeps a look out for new scams, rorts and rip offs and provides the locals places to report it.
