Internet Scams

"Every generation believes that it has invented everything, and the Internet generation is no exception. Scams like the Nigerian letters, snake oil sales, pyramid schemes, credit card fraud and even phishing (using false documents to get sensitive information) have been around for decades, if not centuries. The Internet just makes it easier for some scamsters to go about their business. On the other hand, it has also made it easier to expose some of them. This talk will be about how to identify scams, how to fight them, and how to laugh at how transparent some of them are."

We are very pleased to feature Peter Bowditch at the Beehive Hotel on Wednesday April 6th. Peter will be discussing Internet Scams. Peter is a Sydney-based commentator, well known for his aggressive approach to uncovering scams and rip-offs. For more advance information on Peter Bowditch, go to his website: http://www.ratbags.com

Richard Saunders, President of Australian Skeptics in New South Wales is a media producer, and is responsible for both The Great Divining Video and The Great Australian Skeptics CD. Richard will be at the Beehive Hotel on the evening of April 6th demonstrating some of these programs. Richard is also a developer of the NSW-based travelling presentation Mystery Investigators . This show brings the Skeptical message to school groups in an interactive and entertaining way. Richard will report on Mystery Investigators and discuss some of the possibilities for a similar resource in Victoria. http://www.mysteryinvestigators.com

We'll be asking a gold-coin entry to these two presentations, which begin at 8pm, but we'll be there for a pub meal beforehand if you want to join us.

When	Wed 6th April, 8pm
Where	Beehive Hotel, Hawthorn
Cost	Gold coin

Websites

• http://www.scamwatch.gov.au

Vic Skeptics News Items involving Internet Scams

ACCC Consumer Express: February - Scam Awareness Month

This month's topics include: Spam and scams ... The spam and scams rogues gallery ... Loathsome lottery scams ... Nasty 'Nigerian' scam ... Phishing scams ... Spoofing ... Attack of the Zombies ... Mobile scams ... Horse betting and share trading software ... Where to report scams and spam ... Spam in Australia

http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/583631/fromItemId/3737 or email express@accc.gov.au to subscribe.

---

Scammer Scammed: A Melbourne financial manager swindled his own clients out of more than $1 million, but then blew it when he was suckered into a notorious Nigerian letter scam. He now faces jail and an industry life ban after admitting that his greed was criminal.

http://theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/18/1097951628112.html

---

Warning over illegal chain letters

"The Age": More than 1000 Victorians have been sent warning notices this week after consumer affairs inspectors intercepted nearly 13,000 illegal chain letters.

More than 80,000 of the letters have been seized around the country. The letter details the plight of an indebted man who participates in a "perfectly legal business opportunity" and reaps $1.1 million. Recipients are asked to send $10 to a name on the top of a list and forward the letter to 200 people. It promises that $70,000 in $10 notes will flood their letterbox. Consumer Affairs Minister John Lenders said the letters were a form of pyramid selling and individuals who particupated in such schemes faced fines of more than $24,000 if prosecuted. http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/cbav/fairsite.nsf/pages/of_hottopics_davidrhodes?OpenDocument

---