Have you ever got an email in your inbox stating something like this:

I am living in a distressed country in Africa. I got your email address online from somewhere. My father was a minister with the government. He has died. He left $4 million (or something) for me.  I need to invest it in your country and you have to arrange my stay in your country. I will pay you half the money. I want to deposit the money in your bank account. And so on…..

Then they will ask your details – your name, country, age, sex, etc. Then they will ask you to some money to either a fake mailing company or someone else by western union.

They made the whole story for getting money from persons who think its all real. Its a big internet scam. Such cyber criminals are trying to get money from cyber / internet crime. They usually email people in thousands daily. The target is persuading 1 in ten thousand or something like that. You shouldnt fall in the hands of such persons.

Western Union is well aware of all these frauds going on online and has helplines to assist people.

The other scams are lottery scams.

The lottery scams are something like this.

An fake email from a leading company stating that your email address has been chosen for 5 million euros or something. Please forward your details with your winning id and othe such details. They try to persuade you that the email is real and you have really won money. They even give their phone numbers. Once you send your money, you recieve an email saying that your money is with some company who wants money for safe transfer to you.

Ultimately in such frauds / scams, they ask for money at the end.

So dont ever send money to such guys. They are cyber criminals and fraudsters who bulk email to millions of people worldwide. Even if few people fall in their trap, they have made their day. SO  beware of them! Post your comments.

So the internet email frauds can be like this:

To claim lottery or prize winnings

A promise to receive a large amount of money

You were “guaranteed” a credit card or loan

For an Internet or phone offer that you aren’t sure is honest

These are some common scams. THe criminals are innovating and thinking of more ideas daily to earn some real easy money with the help of very good web designers who design good emails for them.

If you have sent money by Western Union to someone you suspect is a fraudster / criminal, you can Stop your transaction and contact them at 1-800-325-6000 for more information. If by then, your money isn’t picked up, it will be returned to you by Western Union money transfer. Governments, companies and security agencies are taking steps to curb such crime and internet scams but Its good if you are aware of such scams and don’t fall into their trap.

So you know what to do and how to act if you are scammed or suspect of being scammed?