Wiring Money Scam - Make sure you dont become a scam victim!


Dont be a scam victim!

Scam #4 - "Wiring Money Scam" or "In Trouble Scam"

Obviously anytime someone asks you to wire money over the internet you should be on high alert, no matter what the reason as this is almost always a scam. This "in trouble scam" is one where someone has the email account of a friend or family member, you get a random email from someone you know that says they are in trouble and they need you to wire some money to bail them out of the situation. It could be any reason, car accident, in jail, arrested, etc, any reason to try and make the email look legitimate so that you wire money to help. They may say they were traveling or are overseas, and got into trouble and just need some money quickly. Don't fall for it, its a scam. Again note that they want money "wired". Wiring money means you should be on scam ALERT. Again there are many varieties of this scam, and its very easy for someone to make the email look like it came from someone you know.

The bottom line is simple. You can avoid almost all these types of scams by using common sense. If you think you may be getting scammed, you probably are.
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Just follow 4 simple rules and you can avoid most scam attempts online:

  • If you get a check or money order over the internet, always confirm 4 to 5 days later by calling your bank to confirm any check or money order has "cleared" before sending any product. The bank will always tell you if it has cleared, wait for that.
  • Never wire money over the internet to someone ever. It doesn't matter what their excuse is, dont do it.
  • Don't open email attachments. This is how they spread viruses. Its easily faked, and easily can have embedded malware and viruses.
  • Never click website links in email. EVER. Use your bookmarks to go to bank websites, etc. (Email links are easily faked, so make it a rule!)

    If you need my help, you can also post a detailed explanation with the scam information here before you do anything. I review these posts often and will give you my opinion on your situation. Just make sure your post includes all details.

    • Please feel free to link directly to this webpage, as spreading this information will help all people avoid becoming a scam victim.