How To Avoid Online Scams

According to an FBI report from 2003 to 2004 online scams doubled with nearly ten million new victims. This crime cost those victims nearly $5 billion of money they could not afford to lose.

Sadly, people are continuing to fall for online scams where identity theft is the spammers goal. These con artists and hackers are just waiting to commit online fraud and steal your identity.

Here are a few of the most popular online scams to be aware of so you can avoid becoming a victim.

Phishing Scam

The phishing scam is when a spammer sends you an email claiming to be from a reputable bank. The email complete with authentic bank logos asks you to log in and verify your account information.

Then the spammer captures your account information and helps himself to your account. They sometimes will sell your information to other criminals and you can become a victim of identity theft.

Congratulations You've Won Scam

This email scam tells you have won a big prize like a big screen TV or even the lottery. To claim your prize you need to pay for the shipping and handling with your credit card.

In the case of winning the lottery they ask for advanced fees to cover costs. The only prize you get is discovering mysterious charges on your credit card.

Pharming Scam

Pharming is one of the latest online scams and rapidly growing threat that has been showing up a lot on the Internet. The pharming scam is similar to phishing scams but with a new twist.

The pharming scam works by redirecting your Internet browser. When you type in a website address into your web browser you are redirected without your knowledge to a bogus site that looks identical to the genuine site.

Once you log in with your login name and password, the information is immediately captured by the scammer. With the pharming scam you no longer have to click an email link for your personal information to be stolen.

The best thing to do when you or someone you know has become a victim of one of these online scams is to report it to the authorities. Otherwise these thieves get away without ever getting caught.

Report online scams to The Internet Fraud Complaint Center or (IFCC). They are a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C). Their web address is: http://www1.ifccfbi.gov

IFCC's mission is to address fraud and online scams committed over the Internet. For victims of online fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.

Be aware of these online scams and report them to the IFCC so you can avoid becoming a new victim. It makes the Internet a safer and more enjoyable place for all of us.

Copyright © 2005 Spyware-Information.com. All Rights Reserved.

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About Gary Gresham

Gary Gresham

This article is provided by http://www.spyware-information.com where you will find free spyware cleaners, downloads, removal software, computer firewalls and valuable tips. For regularly updated articles about adware, spyware and protection from identity theft go to http://spyware-information.com/articles_1.html.


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A New Era For Financial Assistance

In August, the US Government passed new pension legislation urging employers to offer investment advisory services to their employees. Financial Action Inc. offers a solution to this with the development of their 401(k) and retirement plan assistance programs which allow plan participants to distinguish which funds are most suitable for their individual situation while also assisting the employer in complying with any changes in law.

Financial Action, Inc. (FAI), a full service financial planning and registered investment advisory firm was created in September 2004. FAI is a financial coaching and life planning company that is comprised of top financial professionals with 30 plus years of experience. FAI has developed a product that offers full service financial planning and investment advice to clients via the Internet, with constant telephone access to financial professionals. This in turn allows the customer to address their financial concerns, educate themselves and work through them with a professional when it is convenient for them and in the comfort of their own home, or office.

Financial coaching is more than telling people where to invest. With the cost of living skyrocketing, families need to find a way for the dollar to stretch even further. "Take Financial Action" helps you with spending and investment strategies to meet your current needs, to solve your financial problems, and to free up your money for your future dreams; all in an environment that you are comfortable with. FAI's service is built around giving solid non-bias advice tailored to your situation. Yes, no commissions!

FAI provides a barrage of financial calculators, personal one-on-one financial counseling as well as planning services in the areas of Retirement Planning, Insurance Planning, Budgeting, Mortgage and Home Loan Advice, Saving for College, and much more. Why should only the extremely wealthy have access to information that leads them to a healthy financial life?

FAI is has recently developed another interactive program that targets 401(k) s and other qualified retirement plans. "Investors Edge", which will make its debut in early October, focuses on retirement plan assistance and education. It allows the client to log onto the site and have full access to investment advisors that will assist them to effectively and efficiently choose a fund selection and fund allocation that is correct for their individual situation.

As a veteran financial professional and also a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER PROFESSIONALâ„¢, Shane Squibb knows the importance of developing meaningful lasting relationships with clients. "The overall response that Financial Action has received is incredible," says Squibb. "And what we wanted to do was give clients the flexibility and security to address and educate their financial situation where they are comfortable. No stress of driving to appointments, no strangers coming to your house just you and the comfort of your own home and what it boils down to is that we are doing business the way that our clients want to do business," Squibb said. Financial Action Inc. and Investors Edge has a current client block consisting of the individual experienced investor, the individual novice investor, as well as companies that offer it as a new benefit to their employees. Visit Financial Action www.takefinancialaction.com to learn more.

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About Christopher B Reed

Christopher B Reed Prior to joining Financial Action, Inc., Mr. Reed worked for 3 years in the financial services industry. Working as a registered financial representative has allowed Mr. Reed to develop a solid understanding of the financial world and the different aspects of investing. Mr. Reed also educated individuals on the importance of a strong, thorough, financial plan, which has given him a well-rounded approach to working with clients and their financial needs. He has worked one-on-one with client needs as well as continuously trained and educated himself in order to better serve his clients. The desire to inform, educate and assist all individuals and help them achieve their financial goals and dreams has motivated Mr. Reed to remain a continuous student of the financial services industry. An incessant education in the financial services field allows Mr. Reed to be more efficient and up to date with the latest investment ideals and services, which allows him to better service his clientele. Prior to entering the financial services field Mr. Reed worked in Washington D.C. for the United States Senate. While with the Senate, Mr. Reed assisted a Senator and his office with the day-to-day operations. He also met with the Senator's constituents and listened to their concerns while answering any questions that they may have had pertaining to the office. Since 2005 Mr. Reed has been involved with Colorado Springs area Universities, speaking to classes about starting the financial planning process early in life; to better their financial future, as well as having them consider a career in financial planning. This allows Mr. Reed to reach and encourage the education and planning process of younger individuals. He continues to strive to better the financial services industry as well as the community that surrounds him.