Is it true or one of those
Internet scams?

Recognizing an Internet Scam

Actually it used to be a lot easier to recognize Internet scams. Now they look much more legitimate and lawful, but they are still there, even more so. And there are what I call marginal scams, website businesses that may pass as lawful, but end up at the least wasting your time and money. The following is limited because the number of different scams to describe is so great.

However, please see the reference links below to get some more terrific info, including extensive descriptions and a list of the latest online scams. The following is what I consider the most important fact to keep in mind and should serve as a guideline to help you in becoming “street wise” in recognizing a scam. The main thing to remember is this:

If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is, be very careful, and consider it not true. Most scams entice you almost irresistibly with two things: little effort will get you great income. Always, always be patient and research any offer that you see or hear, thoroughly. If you are new to this, and you do not, you will fall victim to a scam, that's guaranteed!

A good dose of caution is your best friend. If you are in doubt about a business venture, research and seek advice. Don't be shy to even call the police and ask them about it. There are links below to help you further and answer many of your questions.

Learn to Follow These
Simple Guidelines

• Be very stingy about giving out any of your most important personal and to be guarded information, especially your social security number, driver's license number, mother's maiden name, credit card or ATM card account numbers with their user names and passwords. Take great care to even give out your email address.

• Don't give your email address out to just anyone. First make sure that you really trust the person or the organization. Good, trustworthy organizations like eBay, Google, or PayPal will never ask you for your social security number or passwords in an email.

• Especially if you are a beginner at operating on the Internet, don't be in the habit of making hasty decisions there. Don't join any company or organization suddenly or “on the spur of the moment.” Probably stick with well know ones like eBay, PayPal, and any other organization mentioned on this website are good ones. Take your time and research, seek advice from others.

• Excellent places where you can ask questions and receive answers from people just like yourself are the many forums, chat rooms, and discussion boards. For example, at eBay.com scroll down to the bottom of their home page and click on their Site Map link. Under the heading “Connect” look for “Chat Rooms” and “Discussion Boards.”

For more information on avoiding internet scams, a list of Internet scams, and how to report scams: