Caution: Internet Scams Are On The Rise In 2009

All across the U.S. our economy is in a slump and with unemployment at all time high an increase in online scams is on the rise. There are so many internet scams on the web right now that the consumer needs to be cautious and use common sense to protect themselves against online con artists. Remember if it sounds too good to be true it probably is. Protect yourself by learning all about the most popular scams on the internet today.

This year a new stimulus check scam is making its rounds on search engines across the internet trying to deceive consumers into buying packets of information on how to receive a stimulus check. Be cautious and stick to government regulated sites where information is free. Remember to read all fine print in the terms and conditions and stay clear of any website that wants to charge you any type of fee. Whether it is a small one-time fee or a shipping and handling fee, be for warned that you are about to be scammed.

With unemployment on the rise and the growing popularity of working from home, online home job scams are more prevalent than ever in 2009. These job scam conditions process payments,transfer funds, and reship products are terms that consumers need to watch out for when searching for at home jobs online. Con artists using these tactics try to get their unsuspecting victims to receive and cash fraudulent checks, transferring illegally obtained funds for the criminals, or will trick you into receiving stolen merchandise with directions for you to ship it out to none other than the criminal themselves.

Also be wary of mystery shopper scams and remember that most at home job scams often provide criminals the opportunity to commit identity theft when victims provide their personal information, or bank account information to their potential employer. Which then allows criminals to use your information to open up credit cards, post on-line auctions, or register on web sites by using your name to commit additional crimes.

Here are some of the most popular Craigslist scams:

1.) Damsel in Distress Scam. Do not trust anyone that posts an ad for help.
2.) Personal Ad Scams. Be cautious of personal ads that try to trick you into joining an online dating service. And be very cautious when you place an ad for a roommate. If someone contacts you and tells you that they will send you a check for several months rent in advance. This may be a scam in the works.
3.) Paypal Scam. Be wary of anyone wanting to purchase your garage sale items using Paypal and will pick up the item in person. Then they contact Paypal and claim the merchandise was never delivered. And your left with no proof of delivery and Paypal deducts the money from your account.

Lastly, even with the economy the way it is people will still want to escape for a few days or more on vacation. So be on guard, because now more than ever scammers are preying on victims looking to book spring and summer vacations. Be wary of signing up for a free vacation contests or mail that states you have won a free vacation and then they ask you to pay fees to reserve this wonderful opportunity. If you are offered a vacation by fax, phone, or a spam email, you are most likely about to be scammed. And never give your credit card over the phone to reserve your spot. Truly, the safest way to plan a vacation is booking it through a reputable travel agent.