|
Top Internet Scams
Because of the advent of Internet technologies and the increase in
popularity of the Internet, both unaware merchants and consumer
alike, become victimized by Internet scams. Internet scams abound
the market today that the Federal Bureau of Investigation or FBI
even have its own webpage for internet frauds and scams.
The most popular internet scam being reported recently is the click
fraud. An advertising network affiliate conducts the click fraud to
earn more money than usual from such click advertisers as Google.
This type of scam is done using spywares that artificially clicks on
the advertisement link. The number of bogus clicks done on the link
translates to as much as US$ 100 per click.
Another Internet scam is phishing. Phishing is the modern-day
persuasion scheme that acquires sensitive information from a private
individual by mere establishment of rapport or by posing as a
legitimate and trustworthy company or entity. Sensitive information
such as passwords or credit card numbers and details are the most
common target of phishing attacks. Phishing goes hand-in-hand with
spamming since a fraudster committing phishing should have more than
one prospect to increase his success rate.
There is the Internet scam that includes online auction and retail
schemes. Legitimate-looking websites offer goods and products but
fails to deliver them to the buyer. An example scam site is
marselle.com which never delivered the goods even after customers
have sent payment.
Another noteworthy Internet scam is the pump-and-dump scheme
employed in stock trading. The trick is to use marketing power by
disseminating false info in forums and other public locations
"pumping" its stock sales. After a certain level is reached, the
fraudster sells or "dumps" his stocks earning a profit as the stock
price slides down to its average price after the hype.
An Internet scam can be a combination of phishing, spamming in an
online auction and retail setting. Regardless of a new face or
technology, Internet scams aim to fool online visitors into doing an
action or providing sensitive information to the benefit of the
scammer.
|
