Here we go again! It seems like scammers never miss an opportunity to try and scam us! I often wonder why smart and creative people use their talents to pursue planned illegal activity instead of worthwhile employment. Does anyone know the answer to this question?? I suppose they think it’s a quick way to get rich without working hard?! And, I guess that criminals assume they won’t get caught or that the general public isn’t as smart as they are? Or is it just a factor of laziness?

As with urban legend stories that contain some truth, scammers use documents that “appear” official-looking. So, sometimes we instinctively latch onto that miniscule aspect.

One of my husband’s friends recently received an e-mail asking for personal bank account information to supposedly “expedite” his Federal 2008 Economic Stimulus check. This is a portion of the e-mail that he received:

"Over 130 million Americans will receive refunds as part of President Bush’s program to jump start the economy. Our records indicate that you are qualified to receive the 2008 Economic Stimulus Refund. The fastest and easiest way to receive your refund is by direct deposit to your checking/savings account. Please click on the link and fill out the form and submit before May 05th, 2008 to ensure that your refund will be processed as soon as possible.
Submitting your form on May 05th, 2008 or later means that your refund will be delayed due to the volume of requests we anticipate for the Economic Stimulus Refund. To access Economic Stimulus Refund, please click here."



Technology has enhanced our lives in numerous ways, but it’s also paved the way for criminals to seek new paths of exploiting others. How do they live with themselves? And, again, why do they do it?

But, we can also use technology to stop these scammers in their tracks. As a general policy, I don’t respond to any e-mails asking for my personal information. No legitimate source has ever e-mailed me for that type of information.

It’s also excellent that AARP has written an article about this scam…their readership is enormous.

The complete article with all the details of this new scam is on AARP’s web site: http://www.aarp.org/money/personal/articles/economic_stimulus_scams.html

Let’s arm ourselves with information and stop this balling from rolling in its’ tracks.