Ditch dodgy email

IT looks as though the email scam merchants are on the hunt for innocent victims if my inbox is anything to go by.

One of the first things people do when they arrive in France is hook-up to the internet and open an email account so they can keep in touch with friends and family.

But unfortunately this also opens you up to the array of tricks, frauds and crooked emails that are circulating the internet every day.

So I’ve put together a list of some of the dodgiest email scams:

Nigerian Banks Accounts
This is one of the most widespread email scams which promises you a share of millions of dollars if you help transfer money out of a war ravaged African state. Obviously they will need your bank account details, some personal information and a very gullible recipient.

Phishing
Now this type of scam is very crafty as it claims to be from a bank or online service and will often use graphics from the actual sites. The message will claim that you need to update security passwords and account details after a recent threat to the site, so if you would be oh so kind to type in your details we will leg it with your cash.

Lottery Emails
I’ve had a couple of these in the last few days and would you believe I’ve won a few million Euro that ensures a life of luxury. But look I need to make a small payment upfront to cover taxes, money laundering certificates and insurance against the sky falling down.

Hot Penny Shares
Not so common this one but again make sure you hit the delete button when it arrives in your inbox. This scam is letting you in on the ground floor of a company that is set to rocket after a major technological breakthrough, you pay your pennies the fraudsters see the price rise, they sell, the price plummets.

Cheap Software
Again another one I’ve seen a lot of lately and this could be particularly appealing if you have bought a computer in France and want English language software. Rock bottom prices on the most popular software, just head over to our website and we’ll have your bank account details before you can say ‘oh my God, where’s my cash?’.

If you have any examples of these email scams make sure you delete them immediately, not only from your inbox but from your deleted items as well.

Some banks and other online services ask you to forward on scams if you receive one, check their websites for procedures and email addresses.

And to keep ahead of the scams take a look at the MillerSmiles website.