April Fools, Frauds, Hoaxes and Scams
By Bruce A. Love
Earlier this month, most of us survived another April Fool’s Day without too much public humiliation. Pulling off the perfect practical joke can be great fun as long as nobody is harmed in the process and everyone involved understands that “what goes around comes around.” In other words, if you are a prankster, be prepared to be on the receiving end of such schemes.
Unlike the pranks that we pull in the name of fun, online deceptions are perpetrated to con victims out of personal information and bank numbers. These scams cost victims dearly and are no laughing matter!
Recently, a friend approached me about an email he had received from a potential online customer. Tom buys and sells coins on eBay and his potential buyer suggested a financial transfer arrangement that my friend was not familiar with. Tom knew that I am very cautious when it comes to online transactions, and that I know about some of the financial tools used in e-commerce. I was only too happy to look into the matter for him.
My first clue that the email was an attempt to defraud my friend was the first line of the email: “Am really intrested to purchase your item,am ready to buy it now.” When you see misspellings and sentence structures like this, warning bells should go off telling you that you are probably dealing with someone in a third world country. Most of us are aware that there are a lot of fraudulent schemes hatched overseas and launched at Americans, but I wanted proof.
My next test of the e-mail is a trick you can try at home. Whether the e-mail contains an outrageous or amazing story, or is a “to good to be true” financial offer, copy and paste a small portion of the e-mail (about 4 – 8 words) in your web Browser (e.g., Google). When you hit “Search” your browser will return many complaints and stories of fraud if the e-mail is a scam. In our case I searched on, “buy versaCheck Paper, at Shopping Mall” and was quickly rewarded with the verdict from numerous sources. It was a scam, of course!
For tips on spotting and avoiding online fraud, visit the FBI’s Internet Fraud page. Some of the best advice on this page includes:
* Be skeptical of individuals asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas banks.
* Do not believe promises of large sums of money for your cooperation.
* Guard your account information.
If you believe you are a victim of internet fraud, contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
If you enjoy clever (and non harmful) practical jokes and hoaxes, you might want to visit the Museum of Hoaxes. There, you can read about some classics that were perpetrated by individuals and reputable organizations alike - all in the name of fun. Click on the link for the Top 100 April Fools jokes and you’ll learn about the Annual Swiss Spaghetti Harvest, Burger King’s Left-Handed Whopper, and others. With a little planning and practice, who knows … maybe you will see your practical joke featured on this page!
