Internet Scams Essay -- Computer Fraud Fraudulent

Internet ScamsFrom the comfort of an cyberspace users own home they truly have the world at their finger tips. They have bother to a Global Market place through the internet. Cyberspace offers unlimited options for quick and easy ways to shop, find investment opportunities, communicate, and much more. Unfortunately however, in todays world fraudsters also find the internet to be a quick and easy way to fool and rob unsuspecting surfers with infatuated advertising and false promises. The fraudsters target those who do not know how to determine the validity of online offers and sales. According to the National Fraud Information Center (NFC) there were 36,802 complaints of internet fraud in 2002, and the complaints increased to 37,183 in 2003 (Internet Scams). This growing problem affects internet users everywhere, who can lose hundreds of dollars to these cunning, ruthless scam artists.According to the NFC undelivered or misrepresented goods or services from auction websites made up 89% of scam complaints in 2003 (Internet Scams). In his article entitled Sleaze Bay, David Freedman explains why auction websites ar so appealing for fraudsters As is true of much of the Web, the characteristics that make auction sites so appealinganonymity, speed, low overhead, access to millions of people, lack of outside regulation, an ability to interact from a great distanceare the very same characteristics that make rip-offs so easy (1). According to Freedman, sites such as E-bay may be matter to shill bidding a practice against E-bay rules that is often illegal. Shill bidding involves a seller, their friends, family, or other sellers bidding to entice other bidders to join and post their profits. This is based on the idea that bi... ...ainst internet fraud. Works CitedFleitas, Amy. Internet Spam Spawns Scams. Bankrate, Inc. 22, Apr. 2004 http//www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/20021025b.aspFreedman, David. Sleaze Bay. Forbes. (2000) 5 pgs. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.forbes .com/asap/2000/1127/134.html FTC Names Its Dirty Dozen. national Trade Commission. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/doznalrt.htmHendersen, Les. Pyramid Schemes. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/Delivered/pyramids.htmInternet Scams. National Fraud Information Center. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.fraud.org/2003internetscams.pdfLanford, Jim and Audri. Internet ScamBusters. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.scambusters.org/index.htmlOnline shop. Office of Fair Trading. 22 Apr. 2004 http//www.oft.gov.uk/Consumer/Your+Rights+When+Shopping+From+Home/Online+shopping.htm