Warning about pharming, phishing and other Internet-related scams

by Mark Stephen Hauser martinezshopper.webs.com

As you already know, there are a ton of pharming and phishing scams out there, from emails we receive to Internet hoaxes to some guy from Nigeria inheriting millions because his parents died in a car crash and he needs you to help him transfer the money to the United States and he’ll give you 5%. My Paypal account was hacked last year and fortunately no damage was done. Last year my nephew had someone try to steal his identity. Someone setup an Etrade account using his Social Security #, and they tried to file a 2007 tax return about a year ago using his name and Social Security #. He is still having problems because of this identity theft whereas he wasn’t able to e-file his 2008 tax return recently, but hopefully will be able to next year! Here’s the latest scam. I received a check in the mail for $3,500. It claimed to be a great mystery shopping opportunity whereby they wanted me to evaluate the services performed by a local Western Union branch by wiring them $2800 of the money once I deposited and / or cashed the check. I did some research and learned that they are trying to scam a ton of people by mailing them these checks that later bounce and then you are obligated ! The checks and letter that they mail you about the mystery shopping opportunity all look very professional & real. Besides, I’ve done mystery shops before! So, beware, be cautious, with the economy & state of the world right now, more & more people are trying to steal from & scam others. Be careful !