Auction scams are king of the cons

The National Consumer League in the US has identified the Top Ten Cyberscams Of 2001 - with many of the usual suspects featuring prominently.

Auctions constitute 63 per cent of all Web-related complaints. Most of the problems involved merchandise that was misrepresented or never delivered. But the continued prevalence of the infamous Nigerian money scam is the most alarming. Around for more than a decade, it is the fastest-growing type of Net fraud.

The scam usually begins with a plea from a supposed civil servant in Nigeria who is trying to get money out of the country. Victims are promised a percentage of the cash if they let their bank account be used. The trap is sprung when the victims are told the deal is off unless they stump up cash for unexpected fees or bribes. If paid, these are inevitably followed by more cash requests and, sometimes, those targeted are encouraged to travel to Nigeria where they are further squeezed for money.

nclnet.org