Beware:
The Internet Is Growing And So Are High-Tech Scams

Technology has made all of our lives easier. But, it has also improved things for cheats and con artists, as well.

Though it may be tempting to blame computer and high-tech crime on progress, that is really not where the blame lies. Both the good and evil of technology come from the people who use it.

One scam that has been identified by the National Fraud Information Center and seems to be spreading quickly is the "809" phone number. You may receive an e-mail, usually with a subject line of ALERT. The message reads something like: "I am writing to give you a final 24 hours to settle your outstanding account… If you would like to discuss this matter to avoid court action call 1-809-496-2700. Or, you could receive a similar message on your answering machine asking you to call an 809 number. Since there are so many new area codes these days, many people unknowingly return these calls. If you call from the United States, you apparently will be charged $25 per minute - or more.

The 809 area code is located in the British Virgin Islands and can be used as a "pay-per-call" number, similar to 900 numbers. Since 809 is not in America, it is not covered by U.S. regulations of 900 numbers.

The bottom line is do not respond to these e-mails or messages by calling the 809 phone number. Trying to fight the charges later can be a real nightmare since you actually did make the call.

Another "techno-con" can happen while you are online, usually in a chat room. You may get a message from someone who identifies himself as an administrator with your online service.

The story can vary, but often you'll be told someone has been trying to hack into your account. 

You'll be asked for your password. It sounds incredible, but many people naively comply. The solution is to never give your password to anyone.

There's also another chat room fraud to look out for. If you use Internet Relay Chat, one of the many chat services on the Net, you may know about a feature call DCC chat. Using it, you can establish a direct connection with another computer user, bypassing the chat service. You eliminate a lot of the annoying lag experienced with regular chat.

But a DCC chat can also give a sophisticated hacker access to your computer. The person can then actually download information from your hard disk. The lesson here is to avoid DCC chat unless you know the person involved.

There are plenty of scams out there and new ones are coming along all the time. Just be aware that many of the old con games once practiced by letter or telephone have found their way on to the Internet. That makes your e-mail address a valuable commodity.

In an effort to get your e-mail address, some crooks send junk mail blindly to almost every possible e-mail address. You'll be told that if you'd like to have your name removed from the list, just to answer with word "remove/" (legitimate marketers often make the same offer in good faith.)

But by replying, you're confirming that yours is an active e-mail account. Then, it may be sold to marketers or used by crooks. The best advice is not to respond to any junk e-mail you receive.

The Internet is a great place to meet people and learn. You just need to be aware so you don't have to learn any painful lessons.

- Courtesy of DNET Internet, Franklin, NC http://www.dnet.net