Top 4 Tips for Avoiding Internet Scams

Almost as long as the Internet has been around, there has been one type of Internet scam or another. As the Internet grows in usage around the world, we're seeing an increase in these types of scams. There's a lot of great information and wonderful opportunities available on the Internet but as you look for that stuff, you're probably going to come across scams designed to get your money, your identity or both.

Here are some basic tips that you should always keep in mind if you're seeking to avoid Internet scams:

• Email requests from foreign countries are never a good idea. If you've ever come across an email from a foreign country asking you to do something in exchange for money and it's actually been a legitimate opportunity instead of a hoax, let me know because I'm fairly certain it's never happened. These requests primarily come via email and ask the individual to provide services that for one reason or another can't be completed in the home country. Nice people want to help and some people hope to get money out of the deals but they're always a bad idea. Toss these in the trash.
• Don't cave in to fear. The majority of Internet scams are based on plans that prey upon your fears. For example, you may get an email telling you that your bank account is going to be closed unless you take action to stop it. You're afraid of losing your money so you do what the email asks and provide your account information to someone. That's precisely how you end up losing your money because these are scammers that use your account information to take it from you. If there's a legitimate reason that your bank needs information from you, they will contact you via official correspondence. Don't let fears dictate your actions.
• Never give out account information when asked. Basically, the only time that you're going to need to give out account information is when you're trying to do something that requires a site to check your identity. For example, if you want to purchase something with a credit card, you need to input information that proves that you are really you. Nobody should contact you out of the blue and need your account information. If someone does, there's probably something fishy going on.
• If it sounds too good to be true, assume that it is. People try to find great opportunities online. They want to work from home, learn great investment tips or purchase something at a very low cost. The reality is that if the deal sounds too good to be true then it's probably a scam. There are legitimate work at home opportunities, investing newsletters and sales deals but they're going to come with pros and cons just like life in the real world. If you don't see any cons, assume that you're seeing a scam.

Basically, if you use some common sense and think through your actions, you can avoid becoming a victim of Internet scams.