Scams Targeting U.S. Military

Service members are targeted by websites that claim to offer special military discounts on everything from cars to apartments for rent. But the low-priced car never arrives and the easy-to-find apartment they've rented is already occupied.

“[In] the military you have a young population on the web. They get caught up on these Internet scams, specifically targeted to them,” said Holly Petraeus, director of the Better Business Bureau’s military line and the wife of Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan.

Following are some of the most common military Internet scams:

• Online Dating Scams
• Protest Scams
• Craigslist Car Scam
• Military Loan Scams
• Terrorist Capture Scam
• Housing Scams

The BBB outlines several tips to protect yourself from becoming a victim of military scams:
-- Always research a company with the BBB before you hand over any money or personal information.
-- Be sure keep your computer protected by installing updated anti-virus software.
-- Observe the golden rule of avoiding scams: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Full article: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/08/scammers-target-military-scams-know/

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