Admittedly this column is not about disabilities. However I think it is important and relevant since it is about a problem that seems to prey on people with disABILITIES

Yours truly doesn't mean to imply that disabled people are only victims of scam artists. The truth is that this population is especially targeted. The reasons I believe are several. First many disabled people are on fixed incomes so appeal of getting rich quick may have some appeal. Second scammers assume that just because someone has a disability that they are an easy touch for them. Not assuming anything about gullibility. Please take this as a warning only. If you are skeptical already, great. More power to you

There are many scams on net. In essence, if it sound too good to be true, it almost always is One warning sign is if you have to pay money to get in, its a ripoff. Also if there's a time pressure or any other type of pressure that should be a sign to warn you too.

There is one particular scam that claims if you are willing to fly to Uganda and meet wife of former leader of Togo, you will get millions of dollars. This is an actual scam. For more information please go to home.rica.net/alphae/419.coal Many people have lost their live savings with this scam and even gotten in trouble with law. They are stranded in Togo with no help from Togolese govt. or their native country

Believe it or not, to coin a phrase, many people, too numerous to count have actually fallen for this foolish scheme. The illicit plan has been around for close to twenty years !!!

I know about this one because I received several of their emails. I can honestly say I did not fly to Togo and I was not a victim. I don't want you to be one either.

With holiday season upon us, more and more people will be turning to Internet in order to complete their shopping from comfort of their own home. You may be one of them. While online shopping does offer a world of conveniences, it also - especially now - offers a cesspool filled with those who want to take your money and run. Can you confidentially shop online? Of course... provided you learn to protect yourself!

There are several things that can act as signposts for both legitimate and unscrupulous businesses. Keeping these in mind, and taking just a few extra steps, can make all difference in dealing with a reputable business or Grinch That Stole Christmas.

1. Know The Worldwide Web Is A Huge Place

It would truly surprise me if one, and only one, Web site had exclusive sales for a product or service. In majority of cases, you can find exact same product from dozens of differentsites. Keep this in mind when someone tries to "railroad" you intobuying from them right that minute or missing out forever. It simply isn't true most of time.

2. Pay Attention To Site Appearance

Those who are serious about their online business will make an extra effort to portray professionalism. When you see a site that looks "homemade", it probably is. These sites are often thrown together on spur of moment. No money is invested in appearance because business has no plans to stick around.