Important Data About Scams and Prevention

By Odesi Desko

The 419 fraud has become one of the most active ones used during the past few years. With the worldwide use of the Internet it has become easy for fraudulent people to reach hundreds of thousands of would-be "marks" through their e-mail accounts. This scheme requires the receiver to advance money in the hope of receiving a larger gain.

Even though the advance-fee scam has been operating for a few years in certain countries in Africa, additional countries have started their own scams. The victim receives an email that informs them that, for a comparatively small amount of money that's advanced to the scammer, they will get much more in return. Despite the obvious illegality of the entire procedure, people have still participated in it and been scammed.

Specifically, the fraudulent scam works by contacting an individual and informing them that through some legal stipulation, they are entitled to a large sum of money; however, in order to collect, they first must advance a small amount to settle administrative fees and forward their bank account information. Unfortunately, due to this scam, not only to the target lose the advance money, they may also lose funds from their bank accounts as well.

The 419 fraud comes from overseas so, of course, there is no way to check on the authenticity of the person sending the e-mail, fax, or other communication. If, by any chance, there is a telephone number it is important to use telephone services such as info-trace.com/4xx.jsp to verify what he or she says. Very seldom does one receive anything but a name and an e-mail address, however, so caution should always be taken when considering a transaction of this kind.

Often the person receiving a 419 fraud communication is elderly or is low on funds. Such an offer is very enticing as, they think, here is the chance of a lifetime to solve all their money problems. Unfortunately, that is not the case and, as a result, many people have had all their funds depleted.

Don't ever trust anyone from a foreign country who offers you a lot of money over email. When you get messages like this, ask yourself: How were they able to acquire my email address? What could I possibly offer them? Where is this offer coming from?

The Internet has opened the world to everyone. Being able to chat with people in foreign countries is fun. Unfortunately, it has also opened the world to scammers who prey on elderly and trusting people. The 419 fraud scheme is a typical example of this for of exploitation.

In any event where you receive communication from an unfamiliar individual or company, you should always be cautious and validate them first. Furthermore, if they offer you an opportunity that appears too good to be true, that should serve as a warning. Immediately, research this person or company, and in the event that they seem suspicious, contact the fraud division of whatever government agency may be applicable. - 29941

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