Financial fraud, the next level
I work in public safety and we are seeing new trends develop in financial fraud and identity theft as criminals become more sophisticated.
Advance fee fraud scams commonly known as "419 scams" originate from countries including Nigeria, Canada and the UK. Many of these scams began with sending out spam emails, mass faxes and other types of phishing techniques. These methods are becoming outdated. There is a lot of educational information out there on how to prevent becoming a victim, and people using good old fashioned common sense easily avoid becoming a victim by simply not responding back.
Advance fee fraud scams have recently become more intricate. Many of the scammers are actively on the internet searching for their next victim on a more individual basis. Scammers use web sites such as E Bay, Craigslist, real estate locators etc. They find someone who has posted a vehicle, house or other article for sale or rent. Once their next victim is selected, the scammer begins the bartering process to purchase the item. The scammer will then ask for their victim's phone number, home address and possibly other identifying information.
This technique has been used at the corporate level by ordering goods or services via email.
In my next post I will discuss prevention tactics for these new scams to keep you from becoming the next victim.
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