Online Scams Update

Online scams are a favourite topic around here. They permeate every aspects of online activity, particularly considering the types of sites we need to visit in the conduct of an investigation.

Well known scams such as phishing e-mails and the classic 419 scam are notable, but there are always new flavours of scams which rear their ugly head in a fresh attempt to part you with information and/or money.

Some of the best current types we've been running across here in Canada lately (with the exception of the often discussed regular 419) are:

• The Paid Assassin: While alarming, this one can be spotted pretty far off for most people. It generally seeks to take advantage of people who for one reason or another, could conceivably have someone be happy with them dead, either rationally or otherwise. A particularly nasty divorce can qualify a potential victim for example. The scammer then demands money in exchange for sparing their life.
• The Unstoppable Flood of E-mail Scams: This involves flooding a victims inbox with e-mail from something that looks real (Diet Pills for example). The intent here isn't exactly that you will believe the ad, but rather that you will become so desperate to stop the emails from coming through that you relent and click on a link or unsubscribe button....even calling in to the phone number to collect data, slave your computer or collect pay per call fees.
• The Trade Specific Scam: These are usually targeted to specific individuals such as lawyers or real estate agents. It sounds legit at the start, but there is usually some fee exchange which is introduced down the line which sounds real, but leaves the professional holding the bag. The thing with these scams is that they use the exact same letter each time as the scammer is usually not an English speaker. If you run the text (or a portion) through a web search, you will generally find determine the scam quite quickly.

These are only a small portion of the scams at this point. They are really to numerous to fit into one blog bit, but the common parts always exist. The first step when you receive an e-ail is to check the address. This usually won't match where the individual claims they are from. Also, note the timing. If you just posted something to Craigslist or Kijiji, I would be extra vigilant if any e-mails came in shortly thereafter claiming I have some problem. Also, the text itself is a giveaway. Look for odd spelling errors and run some of the main text through a web search to see if there are any examples of the exact text somewhere else, and failing that, type in a description into search of what you think is suspicious and you may find others with the same concerns who can offer some advice.

 As always, stay skeptical with any unsolicited online information, and if you have been scammed, contact local law enforcement immediately.

Blog post is courtesy Elemental Investigations: Private Investigator Edmonton, an Edmonton, Canada based private investigator agency. They can be found online at www.elementalpi.ca