How to Avoid Online Scams

In this tech-savvy generation, it's easier than ever for con artists to take advantage of consumers. Even secure web sites aren't 100% secure anymore. If there's a way for a criminal to get your money, they'll find it.

Any more, it's hard to tell what's real and what's not. Scam artists have become very crafty in their schemes, even going as far as sending emails that appear to be from official web sites. While you may think you're sending information to a reputable source, you may be giving your information to the wrong person.

The best way to avoid scams is to be cautious and know what to look for. Here are a few suggestions on how to best avoid being the victim of an online scam:

Never, under any circumstance, send money via Western Union Wire Transfer. This is where you go to a physical location in town and send cash via a Western Union agent. There is NO way of getting your money back once it is sent, no matter what. Since it's being sent as cash, there is no way to track it back to your bank account. Only send secure payments via PayPal.com, the most reputable online money transfer web site. Through PayPal, your personal information is never disclosed to merchants.

Be cautious of fradulent emails. Even an email that appears to be from a reputable web site at first glance may be doctored. This is known as "phishing". First, check the email address to make sure it's not from a secondhand source. For example, an official email address from PayPal will read payment@paypal.com instead of payment@emailaccount.com. Also, never trust emails outside of a transaction source. If you buy something through eBay, communicate to the seller/buyer through eBay's internal email system, never your personal email address.

After selling an item on eBay, never release the item until you recieve payment. In some cases, scam artists may send you an email informing you that they will send a secure payment once you provide them with a credible shipping tracking number. Don't fall for it. Never send anything until payment has cleared and it is in your bank account.

Never give personal information via email. If someone asks for your mailing address, credit card, banking account, or social security number via personal email, refuse. Only give this information on official we sites with a lock symbol at the bottom corner of the screen. You should never have to disclose personal information to an outside source via email. This is the easiest way to have your identity stolen.

The best way to prevent being scammed is to be aware. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Even if you think you're getting a great deal on something, don't fall for it. It's better to pay a little more and have peace of mind than to pay less and be ripped off.