Telltale Signs of a Chinese Scam
Posted 10-22-2008 at 05:32 AM by Kerry Finch
Scam artists have gone high-tech now. They use the Internet to find victims to prey on. They’re out to make a quick buck out of you by selling you nothing but an empty promise. If you’re not alert enough, you may end up feeling sorry for your self.
While unscrupulous persons won’t run out of storylines to give you, here are some telltale signs that are common to most of these scams:
* You received an unsolicited proposal via email from a total stranger.
* The Chinese company uses the words “Import/Export” in its name.
* The offer involves a large sum of money or a large volume of goods.
* You are asked to send some money as an advance payment or a deposit for some expense to be incurred locally in connection with their business.
* The firm appears to be fairly new or with less than a year’s experience in business.
* References appear to be spurious or cannot be verified.
* The scheme seems too good to be true or promises to make you rich quickly.
If you notice any of the warning signs of a scam, protect your self by not responding to any suspicious emails. Make it a habit to say “No” to get-rich-quick proposals that usually turn out to be fraudulent schemes or illegal activities. Approach each new proposal that is unsolicited with caution by asking for copies of licenses, a list of references, and other details of the company which you can check out on your own. When transacting even with legitimate businesses, always secure payment by using the circuitous banking system. Specify letters of credits or bank wire transfers as your preferred modes of payment. The paper trail and numerous requirements of banks will deter those with less than noble intentions from pursuing you as their victim.
While unscrupulous persons won’t run out of storylines to give you, here are some telltale signs that are common to most of these scams:
* You received an unsolicited proposal via email from a total stranger.
* The Chinese company uses the words “Import/Export” in its name.
* The offer involves a large sum of money or a large volume of goods.
* You are asked to send some money as an advance payment or a deposit for some expense to be incurred locally in connection with their business.
* The firm appears to be fairly new or with less than a year’s experience in business.
* References appear to be spurious or cannot be verified.
* The scheme seems too good to be true or promises to make you rich quickly.
If you notice any of the warning signs of a scam, protect your self by not responding to any suspicious emails. Make it a habit to say “No” to get-rich-quick proposals that usually turn out to be fraudulent schemes or illegal activities. Approach each new proposal that is unsolicited with caution by asking for copies of licenses, a list of references, and other details of the company which you can check out on your own. When transacting even with legitimate businesses, always secure payment by using the circuitous banking system. Specify letters of credits or bank wire transfers as your preferred modes of payment. The paper trail and numerous requirements of banks will deter those with less than noble intentions from pursuing you as their victim.
Total Comments 0
