Top 5 Internet Scams Of 2009

Today, more-and-more people are using internet and web for their daily needs. Besides PC, now people can access their favorite websites, mails and other data on their smartphones. Hence, the usages of web based activities are increasing and also the number of online scams, where it seems that there is no end of the imagination of these criminals. With the use of instant messaging and email, it can be difficult to deny role of internet in businesses and normal social life.

According to latest report, various criminals are exploiting unsuspecting consumers. The internet crime is continuously increasing. Here, the article discusses various scams that rocked 2009.

Fake pop-up ads for threatening viruses

Last year, one of the leading web-scam involves forged pop-up ads for rogue antivirus software. It is reported that people receive ads on their PC that warns them of the presence of menacing viruses and/or illegal content. To know more, when the victims click the pop-ups, malicious code is downloaded. After that, victims are bounded to buy updated antivirus software to correct their PCs. It is estimated that these scammers had earned about $150 million in 2009.

Computer analysts suggest that users should shut down their browser, if they receive any such pop-up and then run antivirus scan to check any malicious activity.

Online Hitman

Another scam, called as online hitman, where mailer terrorizes to kill the e-mail receiver, if they do not send thousands of dollars through Western Union or Money Gram to a receiver in the United Kingdom. In one more type, the mailer threatens to kidnap your loved ones. It is reported that the messages carry name of persons that are identifiable so that it looks like original. The sender demands the money in 30 minute time frame and you have to respond in five minute after receiving the location of the wire transfer.

Economic Stimulus

Last year, people complained about receiving unsolicited telephone calls with a recorded message, which offers fraudulent "government stimulus money." The voice on the recorded message is similar to US president announcing government funds to the needful. People are asked to visit sites like www.nevergiveitback.com or www.myfedmoney.com to receive their money. These websites seek personal information of the victim for eligibility and payment of $28 with a guarantee for receiving a large sum of stimulus money from the government. It is predicted that the personal information can be further used for financial scams.

Job Site

One of the trendiest scam is related to online job sites. Victims are asked to work from home and lured for average hourly wages or several hundred dollars per week. To get their money, victims disclose their bank details, or even passwords to the third party. Inspite of receiving money, victims' account are hacked by spammers to withdraw their funds.

Astrological Reading

Recently, government authorities traced a scam related to free astrological readings, which are delivered via spam or pop-up messages. For free advice and information, victim has to provide his/her birth date and birth location. However, for viewing full information or victim is promised for something good for his/her life, scammer asked for money, but never receives it.