Internet Scams including Email Scams

Internet scams, including Email Scams, are Becoming More Prevalent

The digital era has brought about many opportunities but also some threats along its way. One of those, is the rise in Internet Scam and particularly of Email Scams. The types of Internet scams are also becoming more complex. Scammers are constantly working to make their tales seem more plausible in an effort to obtain your information and damage you financially. It is acceptable to be leery of shady emails or phone calls asking for confidential information. Being a target of a scam is much less likely if you exercise some diligence and follow the advice of our Phoenix experts on online scams.

Beware of communication with typos and grammatical errors and of dubious links

Grammar and spelling mistakes are one of the first indicators of an Internet scam and particularly email scam. If the communication contains dialogue that is awkwardly written, it is probably a scam. Along with that, the con artists will add a link that looks legitimate but actually installs phishing software to steal your confidential information. NEVER click on a dubious website that you are unsure of the source of! If you believe you have fallen prey to a fraud scheme, our private investigators and fraud experts at Harter Pi can assist.

The “great deal” Internet scam

Numerous con artists will attempt to entice you with a “great deal” or some other communication requiring “immediate action.” When it comes to scams, the adage “if it sounds too good to be true” is very accurate. I am a millionaire stuck in (insert random country) and I need assistance having my funds released to me,” goes one of the longest and most popular con games out there. If you send more than $5,000 to release my funds, I will pay you (insert a huge dollar number). Do not be fooled by this! A person with millions of money will not randomly send out emails hoping someone will help them if they are stranded somewhere.

Know your service providers

Know your service providers and how they typically contact you. For example, if someone calls you, claiming they are from the IRS, they are absolutely a scammer. The IRS NEVER makes phone calls. If anything looks suspicious, just remember, don’t click on it and don’t respond to it. There is nothing wrong with calling your service providers using their official contact details and asking them about the status of your accounts.

The immediate action scam

If you receive an email or notice warning that “immediate action is required or (insert service provider) will disconnect your services,” do as instructed. Any link contained in that communication should not be clicked. Be aware of the service suppliers. If you have any questions about your services, call them at the number you typically use to get in touch with them rather than the one listed in the dubious email. If you have experienced problems of this nature, our private investigators and fraud experts in Phoenix can assist you.

What to do if you have been the victim of an Internet scam?

If you feel that you have been the victim of a scam, don’t hesitate to reach out to one of our private investigators at Harter Private Investigations for help! It is important to act swiftly and promptly to minimise the damage. Harter PI are licensed, ensured, bonded and compassionate and we will be happy to help you.

Editor’s notes:

Here is a page on the official IRS site about how the IRS contact people: How to know if it’s really the IRS contacting you (calling or knocking on your door)