What’s the most risky gift you can give during the holidays? If you chose the cell phone, you’d be correct. According to GetSafeOnline.org, a consumer awareness group in the UK, there are several items that are most-often used to scam online buyers. The iPhone and Samsung Galaxy rank at the top of that list. Other items on the list included PlayStation 4 and Xbox One game … [Read more...] about Tips to avoid online shopping scams
scams
Dangerous liaisons—a true story
Online dating scams are one of the easiest cons to fall for. Recently, a friend of mine named Frank sent me copies of emails he’d exchanged with someone who called “herself” Teri. Thank goodness Frank recognized what was going on before he followed through.It all began when Frank responded to Teri’s online dating profile. He received a reply that began:“Thanks so much … [Read more...] about Dangerous liaisons—a true story
5 tips to avoid the package delivery email notification scam
Package delivery email scams run in cycles. Watch for fake shipping notifications during the holidays because that’s when this email scam is at its highest level of the year. As email consumers have become more savvy, the scammers have also reverted to telemarketing. Don’t be surprised if this scam begins with a phone call. The major shipping and package delivery services such … [Read more...] about 5 tips to avoid the package delivery email notification scam
The 12 Scams of Christmas at Authors on the Air
On November 19 at 8:00 pm, EST (5:00 pm, PST), I'll be talking about the 12 Scams of Christmas with Authors on the Air host Pam Stack. This promises to be a fun time and you can even phone in with questions. There are so many scams that really ramp up during the holidays that this is a perfect time to brush up on what's hot in the scam department this year.If you … [Read more...] about The 12 Scams of Christmas at Authors on the Air
Seller, beware—the Craig’s List scam
One of the things about covering the subject of scams and cons is that everyone has at least one story of how they were almost taken. Immediately after last week’s newsletter, The Snitch, went out, my friend Michael Varma contacted me with this description of how he almost got taken on Craig’s List."I recently was a potential victim and happy I didn't follow through. I … [Read more...] about Seller, beware—the Craig’s List scam