The growing popularity of the internet has brought many positive and negative changes to society. The World Wide Web allows for people on different sides of the planet to easily communicate with each other through the use of email or instant messaging. It even allows users to make telephone calls across the globe right through their PC. These means of communication though, have opened the door into our private lives, for hackers and other people with malicious intent. Every time we go online, we are taking the risk that somebody, somewhere could be looking through our important personal information such as credit card information or social security numbers. There are more ways now than ever to easily rob people blind on the internet.
There are many different types of ways for deceitful individuals to scheme users of the internet out of their money. According to the Federal Trade Commission and Internet Fraud Watch, the most popular type of scam is those committed through online auction sites. These types of schemes have been known to offer Cartier watches, bean babies, and other items that are very appealing to the typical internet consumer. The buyer is tricked into sending his or her money to the person and they are sent nothing in return or a product that is either fake or altered. These types of fraud can be performed by anyone on their PC in the comfort of their own home. (Internet Fraud).
Another popular scheme is the "Work At Home" type of trick. The people behind these schemes use the internet as an advertising tool for business opportunities that will allow individuals to make large amounts of money through "working at home" businesses. Consumers will typically between thirty five to several hundred dollars for information on how to start a "work at home" business. Needless to say these materials are not delivered. (Internet Fraud).
The most severe form of internet fraud, involves identity theft, which is illegally getting a hold of someone's personal information in some way that uses fraud or deception and is used for financial gain.
