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But with Internet, these scam artists are now using emails to trap unsuspecting people, especially those with email addresses and websites...
... People doing their businesses on Internet are more at danger of falling for these scams. These con artists do not target a single company or individual, but rather send out mass mailings, e-mails or faxes to as many people as possible.
Even Nigerians receive dozens of such emails on a daily basis... many still fall for tricks.
The goal of scammer is to delude target into thinking he or she is being included in a very lucrative, although questionable, arrangement.
************Some Characteristics of Scam************** . An urgent email from an alleged Nigerian government official offers to transfer millions of dollars in "over- invoiced contract funds" into victim's bank account. . The victim is asked to provide blank company letterhead, bank account information, and telephone and fax numbers. . The confidentiality of transactions is emphasized. . Numerous documents with official looking stamps, seals, and logos appear to suggest authenticity of proposal. . Up-front or advance fees are requested for various taxes, attorney fees, transaction fees, or bribes. . Travel to overseas locations is encouraged to complete transaction. . Imposters posing as real occupants or officials may use offices in legitimate government buildings in Nigeria to meet with potential victims. . A problem with transaction is staged, and victim is urged to provide a large sum of money to save venture.
It is easy to fall victim to this scam. Sometimes, it is impossible to tell a legitimate deal from an outright scam, especially if you do not seek outside help.
****************How to protect yourself***************** . Learn how to avoid bad deals by educating yourself and following some basic, common sense principles as outlined in ebooks like http://www.nigerianscambuster.com
. Always keep your private information private. Do not give your financial account numbers to strangers or companies with which you are not familiar. A scam artist can use this information to steal money from you just as easily as mugging you at gunpoint or in a darkened alley.
. Avoid being next victim - if you receive an offer in mail or via fax that sounds too good to be true - throw it away!
If you get an email offer - delete it ...
DO NOT RESPOND!
. Don't be of opinion that name 'Nigeria' must be mentioned before you are convinced it is a Nigerian Scam. These days, sophisticated ones no longer mention name- Nigeria. Also, other local criminals from other countries are now using same tactics to dupe their own people. . Learn all you can about scam so as to avoid falling for newer variations and twists of scams.
Better still, visit http://www.nigerianscambuster.com so that you will be entitled to bi-monthly newsletter which will keep you continually updated on latest moves and tricks of these Nigerian scammers in particular and other Internet related scams in general.
Remember, it is a wild wild west out there... scammers are having a field day at YOUR expense.
Don't let them!
*******************About The Author*********************** Josey Teby is an expert on the Nigerian scams in paritcular and other Internet scams in general. To learn more about the Nigerian scam and other Internet scams, download his ebook and 7 bonuses in his website: www.nigerianscambuster.com The ebook also shows ordinary Internet users as well as webmasters how to avoid credit card fraud and chargebacks. ***********************************************************