The Work at Home Scam Blog

Phishing is an epidemic affecting work at home parents as well as most other Internet users. If you have your own website with your email address on it, or post it anywhere on the web, you’ve probably received some phishing emails. I’ve been getting all sorts of them lately.

One of the biggest targets of these types of emails is the Ebay or PayPal user. The emails state that there is some sort of problem with your account, and advise you to click on a link in the email. The link takes you to a page where you are supposed to correct your information. These emails usually include PayPal or Ebay logos and look very official. So the only solution is to be extremely cautious when dealing with emails claiming to be from these companies, or any other.

Ebay, PayPal, and most other companies do not include links to your account in their emails. If a link is included, do not use it, but type the address into your browser instead. If there is any problem with your account it will show up anyway.

If you are in doubt about an email that purports to be from a company that you do business with, forward it to the company’s spoof email address. For PayPal the address is spoof@paypal.com, for Ebay it is spoof@ebay.com. If it is from another company and you’re not sure of the address, go to their website for instructions.

I don’t have the time or resources to list specific companies or post emails involved in known scams. But I’ve found a website that does just that.

Scamdex has databases of scam emails and lists of fake companies that have been reported, and a forum where people can post scams they have discovered. It’s a good resource if you want to see some examples of what to look for.

But remember, scammers are like chameleons- they change constantly. When they are discovered, most simply get new websites, email addresses, and identities. So it’s wise to learn the “red flags” to look for in a scam as well.

Even if you haven’t heard of Nigerian 419 scams, if you have an email address you’ve more than likely been exposed to them. They originated in Nigeria, but are now popping up from all over the world.

In the beginning, mostly well-to-do individuals were the recipients of the scam emails. The writer usually claimed to be in possession of a large amount of money that they needed to get out of the country due to overpayment from a government contract. They were looking for someone to have the money transferred into his or her bank account, then transfer it into another bank account, keeping a percentage of it for their troubles.

Today this scam has many forms. Some letters claim that a long-lost relative has died and you are the recipient of his or her inheritance. Others claim government oppression and attempts to seize money that is rightfully theirs. Still others claim that you have won a large cash prize in a lottery or sweepstakes from another country. The emails are now going out to people from all walks of life, and new twists are surfacing all the time.

If you take the bait, the scammer will start communicating with you about the funds transfer, requesting personal information such as your home address, phone number, and bank account number. Many ask you to come overseas to complete the transaction. And at some point they will ask for an advance payment to cover taxes, attorney fees, bribes, or some other fee.

If you receive a letter like this, do not even reply to it. Many of these people are skilled scammers, and will stop at nothing to convince you. And there have been numerous reports of people getting started with one of these deals, then backing out, only to receive death threats.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

I read about a new scam that is popping up in a newsletter from my ISP. It isn’t exactly a work at home scam, but it seemed like something that would be worth mentioning.

Emails are being sent out to customers of Bank of America and various other banks claiming to promote a security program called Stop Fraud Now. They ask people to register by giving them their Social Security Number, credit card number, and PIN number.

Phishing scams have been around for a long time, but this is a new twist on them. Don’t reply to or click on a link in any email that asks for this sort of information. If you believe that it is legitimate, type your bank’s web address in your browser and check it out. Or better yet, call and ask them about it- but don’t use any number provided in the email, get it from your bank statement.