We've covered this topic numerous times on the show and in past web tips (see Tip #177 for example [1]), but it bears mentioning again. We all know that unscrupulous people populate our communities and the Internet. One of their main objectives is to dupe innocent and unsuspecting people. Email provides yet another medium for them to practice their craft.

As with Microsoft and viruses, eBay and AOL, being large well known companies, make great bogus email targets. The biggest scam to watch out for is an official looking email stating that either the company has lost your information or needs to 'verify' your information. Click here to read a couple of these types of emails [2].

Usually these scam artists are trying to extract either your user name and password or your credit card information from you. After which, they can wreck your family name (and its credit rating) faster than a speeding bullet. LEGITIMATE COMPANIES WILL NEVER ASK FOR PASSWORDS OR CREDIT CARD NUMBERS FROM YOU VIA EMAIL.

Did I say that clearly enough? I hope so, because I don't want you to be duped via email.

To review our email rules:

1. Always be suspicious
2. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is
3. If something doesn't quite smell right, it probably isn't right.
4. When in doubt, ask someone (like our show on Saturday mornings or call/email the company you think is sending the message)
5. Refer to the various hoax sites I have posted on the tip linked above and the hoax site in our Links and Resources section below
6. Scam artists prey on our emotions. If an email makes you emotional, it probably is a scam.
7. Always be suspicious

Email is a wonderful communication medium. Though plagued by scam artists and spam, it can still be safe and secure IF we stay alert. So be weary and be safe when reading your email.

Oh, did I say always be suspicious?