Email Scam Warnings

Most people online are very familiar with the Nigerian Email Letter Scams. They've victimized thousands over the years and continue to do so. I am certain you've received many in your inbox over the course of your online experience. They are easy to recognize to the experienced. But if you are new online check out the following signs. These words are usually included (IN BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS) in the subject line.

DEAR SIR/MADAM
YOUR SOLICITATION
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
IMPORTANT
PLEASE SIR/MADAM
I BEG YOUR ASSISTANCE
YOUR ASSISTANCE
URGENT
FROM MR.....
FROM MRS.....
A REQUEST FROM MR (FILL IN THE BLANK)

Did you know, according to online resources, these emails also originate in Ghana, Togo, Benin.

Even more surprising, according to online resources, is that many of these swindlers are not even staying in the country the solicitations originate from. Their home base might be in Europe, Canada, even the United States!

What can the average online business person do to avoid these scammers?

Plenty!

Read On!

How The Scam Works!

The scam artist proclaims he is an exiled leader or person connected with a former regime. The scammer tries to convince you he was forced to leave his/her home country by new government officials.

Next, they will claim to have a large sum of money, usually millions of dollars, which needs to be transferred to a "safe bank" outside of their country. They must do this before the money is confiscated by greedy government officials.

They would like to transfer this huge sum of money to your personal bank account (lucky you?) You as the owner of the bank account are promised a large percentage of their millions!

Next, they might request you send them your bank account info, a copy of your business letterhead, your business card. Many will then ask the victim to send good old American Dollars to cover transfer taxes in advance!

These Internet Fraud Artist are very adept at baiting a hook, tossing out a line, and reeling in potential victims. If you receive one of their fraudulent email pleas for help contact your local authorities or email provider immediately.

Signs Of An Email Scam Follow:

  1. Any deal too good to be true.
  2. Email originates from Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Europe.
  3. Letters claiming ties to high ranking government officials.
  4. Request for advance payment in US dollars for transfer fees.
  5. Request for personal banking information.
  6. Statements you have a undisclosed mutual friend.

People Most susceptible To Scams:

  1. People looking to get rich quick.
  2. Naive types.
  3. Newbs online.
  4. The Elderly.

Take the time to pass the information on to defeat Internet fraud artist. Only through education, awareness, and taking responsibility will these fraud artist be stopped.

by BB Lee (C)2004

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About BB Lee

BB Lee is editor/publisher of SmallBizBits Business Newsletter.
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And here is another random article you might be interested in...

True Success In Wood And Water

Let's get right to the point, folks.

We're all looking to succeed, in our own individual ways, and we're all looking for nuggets of wisdom to lead our course. We wake up every morning in search of meaningful thoughts that will carry the day. Sometimes optimistic little catch-phrases work; other times, a new insight into market dynamics or a book on client relations sparks that day's adventure.

And it is an adventure. That's why we're out there fighting every day - because, in the end, we've rejected the idea that modern life is an eighty-year exercise in waiting for the inevitable. We want to walk beaches, climb mountains, love deeply, life our lives fully. We live for the joy of never knowing what strange lands our journeys will take us to that day, what people we will meet or who we will become as a result.

We're in this game for passion. We're doing it for love.

And in the pursuit of success, sometimes it's very, very easy to forget that. We all have bad days, setbacks, even the occasional disaster - a lost opportunity, a lost client, a computer crash - and question just how on earth we're going to keep doing this. If we're not careful, we then start naturally falling back into the pattern of wanting every day to be a good day, a safe day, a predictable day. We close ourselves from life and slowly forget everything about why we started this in the first place.

As you're out there in the world, folks, remember to be patient. Learn to take a deep breath occasionally. Enjoy simple experience as often as you can, and accept the passing days with the gratitude of one alive. Keep the faith.

There's an ancient Buddhist proverb that goes, "Before enlightenment, chop wood and carry water; after enlightenment, chop wood and carry water." It's a good saying, not only for seeking an enlightened mind, but for seeking success in any fashion; it means to keep doing the work, no matter what. Be patient. Keep going. Don't be distracted by your own success - let it instead flow through your efforts naturally, without trying to cup it in your hands. Take the days as they come, and feel the joy of each day passing, whether good or bad.

Experience the passionate life of one who chops wood, carries water, and is content. True success, in all its forms, will follow.

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About Robert Warren

Robert Warren (www.rswarren.com) is a Florida-based freelance copywriter specializing in the unique marketing needs of independent professionals.
writer@rswarren.com