Online Scams

The idea of the scam artist is as old as financial institutions themselves. "Confidence men," or those figures who prey on other peoples' honesty and willingness to believe, have taken countless forms throughout history, from high-rolling Wall Street scheme masters, to the man notorious for talking people out of their watches on the streets of New York in the 1850's.

Scam artists have generally been limited by means of communication. The deceit necessary to con someone was often restricted by one's ability to convince another face-to-face, and even over the phone or via letters, and the commitment to trickery was a deep and fundamental one.

However, with the advent of the internet, the opportunities for large and small-time confidence men have exploded. The combination of anonymity and the ability to reach millions of people instantly that this medium provides has been the real birth of the “amateur” scam artist, with those new to the web being particularly susceptible.

What to Look For

Every internet scam involves a willingness on your part to provide personal information. It is difficult to imagine, but almost anything you divulge - name, address, social security number, birthday, the names of spouses and children - can be employed in a dishonest, criminal way. When it comes to "getting rich quick" or any offers extended to you, always remember the golden rule: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Unfortunately, some people prey not only on our self-interest, but also on our good intentions. Many scams involve "donations" to supposedly charitable organizations, and the appeals can be very emotionally convincing. To those with a caring heart, cries to "Save the (whales, orphans, elderly, sick, environment, etc.)" can be almost impossible to resist. As against your nature as it may be to remain skeptical, it is crucial that you thoroughly investigate any organization or individual before donating online.

Contact Us

For more information on what you can do if you have been financially affected by an online scam, contact the Boca Raton bankruptcy lawyers of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., at 561-353-2800 today.