Internet fraud

The Internet offers a global marketplace for consumers and businesses. But crooks also recognize the potentials of cyberspace. The term "Internet fraud" refers generally to any type of fraud scheme that uses one or more components of the Internet (chat rooms, e-mail, message boards, or Web sites). It's sometimes hard to know the difference between reputable online sellers and criminals who use the Internet to rob people. You can protect yourself by learning how to recognize the danger signs of fraud. If you are a victim or attempted victim of Internet fraud, it's important to report the scam quickly so that law enforcement agencies can shut the fraudulent operations down. What is the most important, don‘t believe promises of easy money. Because if someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, it is really huge posibility, that you can loose your own money.
Some facts about internet fraud:

Top methods of payment
Wire 46%
Credit Card 20%
Bank Debit 9%
Debit Card 8%
Money Order 8%
Check 5%
Cashiers Check 2%
Cash 2%

Methods of initial contact with crooks
www 69%
e-mail 31%

Ages of consumers
Under 20 2%
20 – 29 25%
30 – 39 24%
40 – 49 24%
50 – 59 17%
60 – 69 6%
70+ 2%