Avoid Internet Scams and Fraud

Internet Scams and Fraud is an on-going issue and everyone needs to be cautious whether buying or selling stuff on the web.

Here is an example of a Fraudulent email:

How are you doing? I came across your classified ad @ www.mybabystuff.ca and i would like to know if this item is still available for sale. I am an agent sourcing out this item on behalf of one of my clients that has given me a
specific quote on this particular item and as result, i want to know the condition of this item and the actual amount that you want this item to go for. While i await your responce, i would like to let you know that this item is really needed with urgency and price will never be a problem okay as the payment will be made available for this particular item via a Money Order drawn from a Canadian Bank.

Internet Crime Complaint Center warns:

Consumers are strongly cautioned against entering into Internet transactions with subjects exhibiting the following behavior:

• The subject requests funds to be wired directly to him/her via Western Union, MoneyGram, or bank-to-bank wire transfer. By using these services, the money is virtually unrecoverable with no recourse for the victim.
• Sellers acting as authorized dealers or factory representatives in countries where there would be no such dealers should be avoided.
• Buyers who ask for the purchase to be shipped using a certain method to avoid customs or taxes inside another country should be avoided.
• Be suspect of any credit card purchases where the address of the card holder does not match the shipping address. Always receive the card holder's authorization before shipping any products.