Fire on Fire

Plushing

2008-03-30T07:45:00.002-06:00

Plushing
Phushing is defined as identity thieves people stealing other people's personal information to use for illegal purposes. ID thieves trick people into providing their SSN, account numbers, PIN numbers and other peronal information.

Watch out for “phishy” emails. The most common form of phishing is emails pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank, organization, or government agency. The sender asks to “confirm” your personal information for some made-up reason: your account is about to be closed, an order for something has been placed in your name, or your information has been lost because of a computer problem. Another tactic phishers use is to say they’re from the fraud departments of well-known companies and ask to verify your information because they suspect you may be a victim of identity theft! In one case, a phisher claimed to be from a state lottery commission and requested people’s banking information to deposit their “winnings” in their accounts. Don’t click on links within emails that ask for your personal information. Fraudsters use these links to lure people to phony Web sites that looks just like the real sites of the company, organization, or agency they’re impersonating. If you follow the instructions and enter your personal information on the Web site, you’ll deliver it directly into the hands of identity thieves. To check whether the message is really from the company or agency, call it directly or go to its Web site (use a search engine to find it).

Beware of “pharming.” In this latest version of online ID theft, a virus or malicious program is secretly planted in your computer and hijacks your Web browser. When you type in the address of a legitimate Web site, you’re taken to a fake copy of the site without realizing it. Any personal information you provide at the phony site, such as your password or account number, can be stolen and fraudulently used.

Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen. Sometimes a phisher will direct you to a real company’s, organization’s, or agency’s Web site, but then an unauthorized pop-up screen created by the scammer will appear, with blanks in which to provide your personal information. If you fill it in, your information will go to the phisher. Legitimate companies, agencies and organizations don’t ask for personal information via pop-up
screens. Install pop-up blocking software to help prevent this type of phishing attack.

Protect your computer with spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall, and keep them up to date. A spam filter can help reduce the number of phishing emails you get. Anti-virus software, which scans incoming messages for troublesome files, and anti-spyware software, which looks for programs that have been installed on your computer and track your online activities without your knowledge, can protect you against pharming and other techniques that phishers use. Firewalls prevent hackers and unauthorized communications from entering your computer – which is especially important if you have a broadband connection because your
computer is open to the Internet whenever it’s turned on. Look for programs that offer automatic updates and take advantage of free patches that manufacturers offer to fix newly discovered problems. Go to www.onguardonline.gov and www.staysafeonline.org to learn more about how to keep your computer secure.

Only open email attachments if you’re expecting them and know what they contain. Even if the messages look like they came from people you know, they could be from scammers and contain programs that will steal your personal information.

Know that phishing can also happen by phone. You may get a call from someone pretending to be from a company or government agency, making the same kinds of false claims and asking for your personal information.

If someone contacts you and says you’ve been a victim of fraud, verify the person’s identity before you provide any personal information. Legitimate credit card issuers and other companies may contact you if there is an unusual pattern indicating that someone else might be using one of your accounts. But usually they only ask if you made particular transactions; they don’t request your account number or other personal information. Law enforcement agencies might also contact you if you’ve been the victim of fraud. To be on the safe side, ask for the person’s name, the name of the agency or company, the telephone number, and the address. Get the main number from the phone book, the Internet, or directory assistance, then call to find out if the person is legitimate.

Job seekers should also be careful. Some phishers target people who list themselves on job search sites. Pretending to be potential employers, they ask for your social security number and other personal information. Follow the advice above and verify the person’s identity before providing any personal information.

Be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your personal information. It’s hard to tell whether something is legitimate by looking at an email or a Web site, or talking to someone on the phone. But if you’re contacted out of the blue and asked for your personal information, it’s a warning sign that something is “phishy.” Legitimate companies and agencies don’t operate that way.

Act immediately if you’ve been hooked by a phisher. If you provided account numbers, PINS, or passwords to a phisher, notify the companies with whom you have the accounts right away. For information about how to put a “fraud alert” on your files at the credit reporting bureaus and other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Clearinghouse, www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 877-438-4338, TDD
202-326-2502.

Report phishing, whether you’re a victim or not. Tell the company or agency that the phisher was impersonating. You can also report the problem to law enforcement agencies through NCL's Fraud Center, www.fraud.org. The information you provide helps to stop identity theft.

Get Rich Schemes and Fake Review Websites

2008-01-21T18:08:00.000-07:00

Some websites are themselves scams; claiming to offer you a good deal, a warning about scam business plans or reviews of other websites and get-rich schemes. The overwhelming majority of the time, they are shams, actually promoting their own (or others) prices or products, which are terrible and at worst, they're identity thieves! Some use that a variety of convoluted businesses to skirt the laws and regulations, as many, if not most Multi-Level Marketing companies do, some are blatant rip-offs.

What Defines a Get Rich Scheme or a Scam WebSite?We all intuitively know when we are being conned or scammed, but there are some clear warning signs to watch for, that we use to define scam websites:

Hyperbole - The first and most obvious clue to this type of scam is hype. If the website uses exaggerated claims and hype phrases like "earn passive residual income", "for only pennies a day", "now you can get slim in just minutes" or "Get rich now!", "Earn big bucks in minutes per day!" you can bet it is a scam. A simple rule of thumb is if you see multiple dollar signs like "$$$", you can be certain that a scam is at work!

Hidden charges - When they offer something for free, but you have to enter a credit card to pay for "shipping and handling", watch out! Once they have your credit card number, they can bill anything they want to it. Of course, you can dispute it, but they've prepared for that; the fine print usually says that you have also agreed to try their product or service, and if you don't follow their complicate return rules exactly, then you've bought it.. something you don't need, didn't want and doesn't work, often for hundreds of dollars.

No details - They won't give, up-front, you the slightest clue about HOW you'll make all this money in no time and for almost no effort. Guess what? You have to buy their magic book of their secrets or sign up to their program! Ooh!

Bait-and-Switch: If the website's advertising, or domain name are clearly different from the intent of the website once you get there, it's a scam.

Misdirection - if you type in a web address, but it redirects to a different web address, that is usually a sign of a scammer.

Work at Home Scams

2007-10-08T11:37:00.000-06:00

Know who you’re dealing with.
The company may not be offering to employ you directly, only to sell you training and materials and to find customers for your work.

Don’t believe that you can make big profits easily.
Operating a home-based business is just like any other business – it requires hard work, skill, good products or services, and time to make a profit.

Be cautious about emails offering work-at-home opportunities. Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent.

Get all the details before you pay.
A legitimate company will be happy to give you information about exactly what you will be doing and for whom.

Find out if there is really a market for your work.
Claims that there are customers for work such as medical billing and craft making may not be true. If the company says it has customers waiting, ask who they are and contact them to confirm. You can also ask likely customers in your area (such as doctors for medical billing services) if they actually employ people to do that work from home.
Get references for other people who are doing the work. Ask them if the company kept its promises.

Be aware of legal requirements.
To do some types of work, such as medical billing, you may need a license or certificate. Check with your state attorney general’s office. Ask your local zoning board if there are any restrictions on operating a business from your home. Some types of work cannot be done at home under federal law. Look for the nearest U.S. Department of Labor in the government listings of your phone book.

Know the refund policy.
If you have to buy equipment or supplies, ask whether and under what circumstances you can return them for a refund.

Beware of the old “envelope stuffing” scheme.
In this classic scam, instead of getting materials to send out on behalf of a company, you get instructions to place an ad like the one you saw, asking people to send you money for information about working at home. This is an illegal pyramid scheme because there is no real product or service being offered. You won’t get rich, and you could be prosecuted for fraud.
Be wary of offers to send you an “advance” on your “pay.” Some con artists use this ploy to build trust and get money from your bank. They send you a check for part of your first month’s “pay.” You deposit it, and the bank tells you the check has cleared because the normal time has passed to be notified that checks have bounced. Then the crook contacts you to say that you were mistakenly paid the wrong amount or that you need to return a portion of the payment for some other reason. After you send the money back, the check that you deposited finally bounces because it turned out to be an elaborate fake. Now the crooks have your payment, and you’re left owing your bank the amount that you withdrew.

Do your own research about work-at-home opportunities.
The “Work-At-Home Sourcebook” and other resources that may be available in your local library provide good advice and lists of legitimate companies that hire people to work for them at home. You may discover that these companies hire only local people and that there is nothing available in your area.

If you need advice about an Internet or telemarketing solicitation, or you want to report a possible scam, use the Online Reporting Form or call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060.

FTC Consumer Alert - Online Auctions

2007-08-11T17:09:00.000-06:00

Online Auctions: Bidders Be Wary

Online payment and escrow services have become extremely popular in the Internet auction world - and for good reasons: Online payment services allow buyers to use a credit card or electronic bank transfer to pay sellers who may not be equipped to accept these kinds of transactions. Online escrow services accept and hold a buyer's payment until the merchandise is received and approved; then, they forward the payment to the seller.

But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is advising online buyers - and sellers - to be alert to phony online payment and escrow services. The consumer protection agency says that occasionally operators of these sites pose as sellers and buyers to improperly obtain money or goods.

How can you determine whether an online payment or escrow service is legitimate? The FTC offers these tips:

Read the service's terms of agreement. If it's an online payment service, find out whether it offers buyers any recourse if sellers don't keep their end of the bargain, whether it prevents sellers from accessing their funds if buyers are not satisfied with the product, and who pays for credit card charge backs or transaction reversal requests.
Examine the service's privacy policy and security measures. Never disclose financial or personal information unless you know why it's being collected, how it will be used, and how it will be safeguarded.
Check out the online payment or escrow service's Web site. Sites that are of poor quality, say, with misspelled words, or that claim to be affiliated with the government are suspect.
Call the customer service line. If there isn't one - or if you call and can't reach someone - don't use the service.
Be suspicious of online escrow services that can't process their own transactions, but rather require users to set up accounts with online payment services.
Check with the Better Business Bureau, state attorney general or consumer protection agency where you live and where the online payment or escrow service is based to see whether there are unresolved complaints against the service. Be aware that a lack of complaints doesn't necessarily mean that a service has no problems.
Read Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit http://www.ftc.gov/ or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Emergency Information: What to do if you think you have been scammed!

2007-07-18T09:21:00.000-06:00

Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated every day, so don't blame yourself. It is more important to act quickly to protect your information and identity. If you believe you have been tricked this way, assume that you will become a victim of credit card fraud, bank fraud, or identity theft. Below is some advice on what to do if you are in this situation in the United States:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What to do, if...

If you have given out your credit or debit or ATM card information
Report the theft of this information to the card issuer as quickly as possibleMany companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.Cancel your account and open a new oneReview your billing statements carefully after the lossIf they show any unauthorized charges, it's best to send a letter to the card issuer describing each questionable charge.Credit Card Loss or Fraudulent Charges (FCBA).Your maximum liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50.If the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized useATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers (EFTA).Your liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your ATM or debit card depends on how quickly you report the loss.You risk unlimited loss if you fail to report an unauthorized transfer within 60 days after your bank statement containing unauthorized use is mailed to you
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have given out your bank account information
Report the theft of this information to the bank as quickly as possibleCancel your account and open a new on
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have downloaded a virus or Trojan
Some phishing attacks use viruses and/or Trojans to install programs called "key loggers" on your computer. These programs capture and send out any information that you type to the phisher, including credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, Social Security Numbers, etc. In this case, you should:
Install and/or update anti-virus and personal firewall softwareUpdate all virus definitions and run a full scanConfirm every connection your firewall allowsIf your system appears to have been compromised, fix it and then change your password again, since you may well have transmitted the new one to the hackerCheck your other accounts! The hackers may have helped themselves to many different accounts:Check your eBay account, PayPal, your email ISP, online bank accounts, online trading accounts, Amazon.com and other e-commerce accounts, and everything else for which you use online password
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have given out your personal identification information
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. If you have given out this kind of information to a phisher, you should do the following:

Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Corporation, and do the following:Request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file.Request a FREE copy of your credit report to check whether any accounts were opened without your consent.Request that the agencies remove inquiries and/or fraudulent accounts stemming from the theft.

Major Credit Bureaus

Equifax
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.
Experian
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write: P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write: P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013 TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Trans Union To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634 TDD: 1-877-553-7803
Notify your bank(s) and ask them to flag your account and contact you regarding any unusual activity:
If bank accounts were set up without your consent, close them.
If your ATM card was stolen, get a new card, account number and PIN.
Contact your local police department to file a criminal report.
Contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline to report the unauthorized use of your personal identification information.
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your identity theft.
Check to see whether an unauthorized license number has been issued in your name.
Notify the passport office to be watch out for anyone ordering a passport in your name.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Ask for a free copy of "ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen in Your Good Name", a guide that will help you guard against and recover from your theft.
File a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), with a mission to address fraud committed over the Internet.For victims of Internet fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.
Document the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to regarding the incident. Follow-up your phone calls with letters.
Keep copies of all correspondence.

Tips on How to Identify a Scam or Fraud

2007-05-10T16:23:00.000-06:00

If the email, phone call, prize or lottery notification has any of the following elements, we strongly suggest it is probably a fraud and you do not respond to it. Below are some general tips to recognize scams. Detailed information can be found from the the website:

The name of the company is listed on this website somewhere.

The email matches one of the definitions or formats on this website.

The organization has no website and can not be located in Google.

The email or requestor asks for bank account information, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, passport numbers, your mother's maiden name or other personal information.

The email or caller advises that you have won a prize - but you did not enter any competition run by the prize promoters.

The mail may be personally addressed to you but it has been posted using bulk mail - thousands of others around the world may have received the exact same notification. Especially true if you find an exact or similar email posted on this website.

The return address is a yahoo, hotmail, excite.com or other free email accounts. Legitimate companies can afford the roughly $100 per year that it costs to acquire and maintain a domain and related company email account.

The literature contains a lot of hype and exaggerations, but few specific details about costs, your obligations, how it works, etc.

The prize promoters ask for a fee (for administration, "processing", taxes, etc.) to be paid in advance. A legitimate lottery simply deducts that from the winnings!

The scheme offers bait prizes that, if they are real, are often substandard, over-priced, or falsely represented. Or, as part of the prize you can purchase "exclusive items" which may also be over-priced or substandard.

To get your prize might require travel overseas at your own cost (and personal risk) to receive it.

New Tips for Shopping Online

2007-04-04T09:40:00.000-06:00

Here are some new tips for buying online.

1. Credit Cards the best way to go.

The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation.

When it has been determined that your credit was used without authorization, you are only responsible for the first $50 in charges. You are rarely asked to pay this charge. We recommend that you obtain one credit card that you use only for online payments to make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.

Paying with a check leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud and sending a cashier's check or money order doesn't give you any protection if you have problems with the purchase.

Make sure your credit card is a true credit card and not a debit card, a check card, or an ATM card. As with checks, a debit card exposes your bank account to thieves. Your checking account could be wiped out in minutes. Further, debit and ATM cards are not protected by federal law to the extent that credit cards are.

2. Never Give Out Your Social Security Number

Providing your Social Security number is not a requirement for placing an order at an e-commerce web site. There is no need for the merchant to ask for it. Giving out your Social Security number could lead to having your identity stolen.

3. Don't give to much information

When placing an order, certain information must be provided to the seller such as your name and address. Sometimes, a seller will try to obtain more information about you. This information could be used to target you for "spam", direct mail or telephone soliciting.

Don't answer any question you feel is not required to process your order. Most web sites will mark which questions need to be answered with an asterisk (*). If a company require information you are don't want to give, leave the site and find a different company to do business with.

4. Keep Your Password Private

Most reputable web sites require the shopper to log-in before placing or viewing an order. The shopper is usually required to provide a username and a password. Never reveal your password to anyone. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters.

5. Check the Web Site Address

Don’t click on any link embedded within an email. Instead, open a new page then type in the link’s URL into the address bar and press “Enter”.

Identity thieves send large amounts of emails to Internet users that ask them to update the account information for their banks, credit cards, online payment service, or popular shopping sites. The email may state that your account information has expired, been compromised or lost and that you need to immediately update your information for the site.

Some emails sent as part of “phishing” attacks often contain links to official-looking web pages. Up to five percent of recipients respond to them and becoming victims of identity theft and other crimes.

Remember, legitimate businesses don’t ask for sensitive information via email. Don’t respond to any request for your personal information that comes to you in an email. And never click on any link embedded within an email.

6. Print Copies of Your Orders

After placing an order online, you should receive an invoice that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your information, product information, and the confirmation number.

Print out at least one copy of the page(s) showing the company name, address, phone number. Keep it for your records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy.

7. Shop in the Unites States

When you buy from a company in the U.S., you are protected by state and federal consumer laws.

8. Know the Shipping Policy

Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days.

Here are key shipping questions to ask:

Are there choices for shipping?

Who pays the shipping cost?

What does the site say about shipping insurance?

What are the shipping and handling fees, and are they reasonable?

Know the site's Cancellation, Return and Complaint Policies

Even under the best of circumstances, shoppers sometimes need to return merchandise. Make sure site has a reasonable cancellation and return policies.

Who pays for shipping?

Is there a restocking charge if you need to cancel or return the order?

Do you get a store credit, or will the company fully refund your credit card? If the site only offers store credits, find out the time restriction for using this credit.

Don't expect less customer service just because a company operates over the Internet.
Does the site list a phone number and/or e-mail address for complaints?

How long has the company been in business?

Will they still be around when you need them?

Is there a warranty on the product, and who honors that guarantee?

Use Shopper's IntuitionLook at the site with a critical eye. And heed the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Are there extraordinary claims that you question?

Do the company's prices seem unusually low?

Does it look like the merchant is an amateur?

Are there a lot of spelling or grammar errors?

Does the company's phone go unanswered?

The use of a post office box should send up a red flag, no physical address is cause for concern.

If any of these questions trigger a warning bell in your head, you will be wise to find another online merchant.

9. Be Wary of Identity Theft

As e-commerce becomes more common so will identity theft committed over the Internet. Scammers can obtain their victims information using low-tech means like dumpster diving, mail theft, or workplace access to SSNs. But they are increasingly using the web to apply for new credit cards and to purchase goods and services in their victims' names.

Check your credit card bills carefully for several months after purchasing on the Internet. Look for purchases you did not make. If you find some, immediately contact the credit card company and file a dispute claim.

Order your credit reports at least once a year and check for accounts that have been opened without your permission.

10. Consider Using Single-use Card Numbers

Consumers using some brands of credit cards can get “virtual credit cards,” or single-use card numbers, that can be used at an online store. The randomly generated substitute 16-digit number can also be used to buy goods and services over the phone and through the mail but can’t be used for in-store purchases that require a traditional plastic card.

With this free service, you never need to give out your real credit card number online. Among the card companies offering it are Citibank and the Discover card.

Additional Resources

Listed below are web sites that provide additional information about shopping online.

www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline Created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide shopping tips for buying online prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs on the
web.

www.fraud.org The National Fraud Information Center, a program of the National Consumers League, m maintains information about online scams and lets you file complaints online.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/glblalrt.htm The Federal Trade Commission's online shopping advice.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/auctions.htm The Federal Trade Commission's tips on Internet auctions.

http://www.ic3.gov/ The FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center allows you to report suspected cases of Internet and e-commerce fraud.

http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/ Federal law enforcement and industry task force helps prevent consumers from becoming victims of an Internet fraud schemes.

www.onguardonline.gov FTC, other federal agencies, and the technology industry offer advice on identity theft, phishing, spyware, spam, online shopping and more.

http://www.safeshopping.org/ Online shopping tips provided by the American Bar Association.

www.wiredsafety.org Provides assistance, information and education to Internet users including identity and credential theft, online fraud and hacking.

Internet Auction Fraud

2007-03-10T12:13:00.000-07:00

Internet auction fraud

SCD6 Economic and Specialist Crime OCU is issuing warnings, as part of
a crime prevention initiative against on Internet auction fraud and
money transfer fraud. Often people, who become the victims of fraud
through on line auction sites, are often persuaded to send the money
fraudulently obtained from them through money transfer service
providers. This section of the fraud alert website aims to provide
advice that hopefully will prevent you from becoming a victim of such
frauds.

Internet auction - basics

Get to know the parameters set by the site - they are in place to
ensure user safety. Read the safety advice provided by the on line
auction site before trading. Never step outside of these or outside of
the site no matter how enticing the deal. Fraudsters will try to trick
you into doing this. Like any popular activity you must ensure you know
‘the rules of the game’ because ‘A little
knowledge is a dangerous thing’.

When looking at an advertised item compare pricing. Beware of people
offering you a deal below the current bid or reserve price, especially
if they are contacting you direct. Remember ‘If an offer
sounds too good to be true it probably is’.

Get to know the seller by looking at their selling history and the
goods they sale. Be extremely careful around the payment method used
for persons selling with little or no selling history.

Don't get carried away in the excitement of winning an auction.
Fraudsters rely on you being over keen and off your guard. It is never
too late to ask questions of a seller to ensure that you are completely
happy with what you are about to pay for. Do not follow through if you
think it is a fraud, report the seller to the site.

Finally, if your site offers ‘second chance’
bidding on an auction verify that any notification of you qualifying
for this ‘opportunity’ actually comes from the site
and not from a fraudster impersonating them. You can do this by
carefully checking the address from which the e-mail is sent or by
contacting the site via its published website (Beware of using any
hyperlinks or numbers attached to such a
‘notification’ as these may also be false).

"Always ask yourself, have I won the item, or have they won their next
victim?"

Internet auction – payment

Buyer:

Never use money transfers as a payment method whenever someone suggests
this to you, even if it is by the seller after you have
‘won’ the auctioned item or when approached to step
outside the on line auction site. There is little security in this, no
matter what the seller says, and you are effectively sending your hard
earned cash to a stranger ‘on trust’ alone. See our
Money transfer pages for further information.

Being extremely careful around direct banking transactions to pay for
goods. There is still little security in this area also, which
increases if the seller has no or little trading history with the on
line auction site you are using. You are still effectively still
sending your hard earned cash to a stranger ‘on
trust’ alone. There have been instances where people have
sent money to bank accounts and not received the goods. This has been
more prevalent when dealing with people with no or little trading
history on the auction site as a seller.

Use on the online payment options or a reputable ESCROW account to pay
for items. ESCROW is a payment system where both buyer and
seller’s financial details are held separately and in
isolation by a legitimate third party company acting as
‘middleman’. The buyer makes their payment into the
Escrow account. The payment is only made to the seller the goods have
arrived and been deemed satisfactory by the buyer. By doing so your
transactions will be better protected and often insured. Never enter an
Escrow account site through a link in an email sent to you by anyone,
as it has not been unknown for fraudsters to set up fake Escrow
websites. Use a search engine to locate the website or enter your
chosen Escrow site through it’s proper web address. Always
check the url shown in your web browser address bar.

Seller:

When a cheque is accepted for payment, please be aware that although
your bank or building society may after three days state that it has
'cleared', this only means that the money has passed between the banks.
You remain liable if the cheque that you have paid into your account is
forged or stolen, this may not come to light until the cheque is
received by the other bank or the bank account holder queries a
transaction on their account. This may take longer than you anticipate.
The money is then taken back from you account so you lose not only the
items that you have shipped to the 'Buyer' but also the money that the
buyer 'paid' for the goods.

A common trick that fraudsters use is known as 'Criminal Cash Back'
where a seller accepts a cheque for an amount higher than the value of
the transaction, often to pay a 'shipping charge' to the buyers
'shipping agent'. This is actually paid to another fraudster who
receives 'clean' money from you. You then find out at a later stage
that although the cheque paid to you has 'cleared', it is a stolen or
forged cheque, and you must pay the money back to your bank with no
hope of getting the money back from the bogus 'shipping agent'. See out
pages on Criminal Cashback pages for further information.

Internet auction – account security

Protect your on line auction account details as you would your own bank
account, whether it be your actual log in details and password to your
auction account or your payment account. Do not become a victim of
identity theft by revealing your name or account details. By aware of
phishing emails that purport to come from the on line auction or
payment site you are registered with, asking you to update your account
or re-enter your details because your account has be suspended. To see
two examples of a phishing emails purporting to be sent by on line
auction site Ebay, click on the link to example 1 and example 2.

There are a number of factors that will indicate this is a phishing
attack. In example 1 the following:

1. The email address, From: eBay Administration [admin@ebayz.com]
whilst looking like a genuine one from ebay is not correct as it reads
@ebayz.com instead of @ebay.com

2. Often these emails will contain links that sometimes take you to
pages on the genuine website to give it an appearance of being genuine.
But they also can take you to fake pages set up to represent the
genuine website.

3. The link to up date your records
http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?Update, whilst looking
genuine will take you a fake website, in this case
http://johtnanx.com.phtemp.com/eb/. Always check the url shown in your
web browser bar.

Always enter your on line auction or payment site through
it’s proper web address. Save this in your favourites. Never
be tempted to enter it through a link sent to you, especially in an
email, as it might lead you to a fake site and disclosure of your
personal information. If your on line auction or payment site provides
a toolbar down load that will advise you when you are on the genuine
site, consider using this.

Who to contact

If you believe you might be being set up as a target for fraud or have
been a victim of this type of fraud and need advice contact your local
police station. If you are a resident in Greater London area this link
will provide details of your local police station. If you are resident
outside the London area, the following link will provide you with
details of your local force website from which you can obtain details
of your local police station.

If you think you have information that might prevent or provide
intelligence on this type of crime, or you become the potential victim
of another type of fraud that we are not aware please advise the Fraud
Alert team by e-mail. Please note that we will not specifically respond
to emails, unless we have a need to clarify or seek further information
from the sender. This is due to the large number of emails we receive
daily and we hope that you appreciate the demands this places on the
team.

Hitman eMail Scam

2007-02-07T00:18:00.000-07:00

Yet another email scam, but you could loose some sleep over this one.
From our friends at the FBI, I'm glad they keep us in the Loop.

Fire

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay the sender. It's a scam. FBI officials recommend you don't reply.

A new scam cropping up in e-mail boxes across the country is preying not on recipients’ greed or good intentions, but on their fears. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin.

About 115 complaints have been filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) since the scam emerged, according to special agent John Hambrick, who heads IC3. He said the extortion scam does not appear to target anyone specifically and that IC3 has not received any reports of money loss or threats carried out.

“This is a hoax, so do yourself a favor and don’t respond,” Hambrick said.

Replying to the e-mails just sends a signal to senders that they’ve reached a live account. It also escalates the intimidation, Hambrick said.

In one case, a recipient responded that he wanted to be left alone and threatened to call authorities. The scammer, who was demanding an advance payment of $20,000, e-mailed back and reiterated the threat, this time with some personal details about the recipient—his work address, marital status, and daughter’s full name. Then an ultimatum:

“TELL ME NOW ARE YOU READY TO DO WHAT I SAID OR DO YOU WANT ME TO PROCEED WITH MY JOB? ANSWER YES/NO AND DON’T ASK ANY QUESTIONS!!!”

Bill Shore, a special agent who supervises the computer crime squad in the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, said recipients should not be overly spooked when scammers incorporate their intended victims’ personal details in their schemes.

“Personal information is widely available,” he said. “Even if a person does not use the Internet or own a computer, they could still be the victim of a computer crime such as identity theft.”

The extortion scam is a less subtle variation of some other e-mail scams designed to trick recipients into turning over money or personal information. Nigerian Letter schemes, in which recipients are offered the "opportunity" to share in a percentage of millions of dollars if they would first front some of their own money, are among the most prolific, along with phishing scams where recipients are asked in unsolicited e-mails to “update” their personal information.

The new extortion e-mails vary in style and content and generally contain misspellings and some broken English. But the underlying message appears to be the same: pay the sender or risk the alternative. A scam e-mail in December said as much:

“I have followed you closely for one week and three days now … Do not contact the police or F.B.I. or try to send a copy of this to them, because if you do I will know, and might be pushed to do what I have being (sic) paid to do.”

IC3 recently noted a new twist in the scam. Now e-mails are surfacing that claim to be from the FBI in London and inform recipients that an arrest was made in the case. The e-mail says the recipient’s information was found on the suspect and that they should reply to help further the investigation. This, too, is a scam.

The scams, agent Shore said, “are an opportunity to raise awareness about Internet fraud.” The best defense is to protect your personal information as best you can and to delete—unopened—unsolicited SPAM e-mail.

For more information on scams, visit our Common Fraud Schemes page. IC3 also has information on Internet crime schemes and prevention tips.

To report Internet crime, contact IC3 or your local FBI field office.

Online Auction Safety Tips - Buying Jewelry from Online Auctions - Auction Jewelry

2006-10-31T14:11:00.000-07:00

Jewelry Auctions - Safe Buying Habits for Online Jewelry Auctions

From Carly Wickell, FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Tips to Help You Choose Reputable Jewelry Merchants
You might have heard that Tiffany filed a lawsuit against eBay a few years ago, accusing the online auction company of profiting from the sale of counterfeit jewelry and other items that had been advertised by eBay sellers as genuine Tiffany merchandise. eBay has successfully fended off similar lawsuits in the past, so Tiffany might have a hard time collecting, but their accusation has helped publicize the problems that buyers face when they purchase products from an unknown seller.
It's true--buying jewelry and other items sight unseen from a total stranger can be risky, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from unscrupulous and uneducated sellers.
Study Seller Feedback ReportsOnline auction companies have buyer and seller feedback systems, where each party involved in a sales transaction can rate the other. On eBay, each item for sale includes a section that tells you the seller's total number of feedbacks and what percentage of them are positive. It also discloses how long they've been a member. That's a good start, but dig deeper:
Click on the number next to the seller's user ID to go to the feedback summary page.
Read the comments and view the timeline to find out if the member has been a regular participant.
Were most of the feedbacks the result of sales transactions--with comments from buyers? It's more difficult to get a feel for the person's performance as a seller if the majority of feedback is for buying transactions.
Are the feedback comments from numerous buyers and sellers? The more the better, since you want to make sure you are not reading the opinions of a small group of people (who could be friends).
Tip: The layout differs, but all popular online auctions have feedback systems.
Paying for Your Purchase
PayPal is a popular service that transfers funds to sellers without revealing your credit card or bank account numbers to them. PayPal offers fraud protection--read the details on the Web site.
Yahoo! offers a service called PayDirect. Read the details to determine if your transaction is eligible for fraud protection.
Most credit cards offer fraud protection by allowing you to dispute a transaction when goods are not received or are not as advertised.
Do not send personal checks to unknown sellers--you don't want your checking account numbers in the hands of someone you don't know. A money order is a better payment method for sellers who do not accept electronic funding (but payments made by check or money order are difficult to recover if you encounter fraud).
Escrow services are sometimes used for high-ticket items. You pay the service company a fee and they hold your funds until the item is received. The service then releases funds to the seller. There are fraudulent escrow services out there, so use one that's endorsed by your auction company.
Most auction companies recommend you never send cash or instant wire transfers to a seller. Neither of those methods offers enough tracking information to locate a dishonest seller.
More Auction Safety Tips
Check the shipping charges before you bid, because some sellers inflate shipping fees to increase profits.
Contact the seller to ask questions. Did the response come quickly? Did the seller answer your questions completely?
Read the seller's return policy.
Check the seller's physical location and remember -- international transactions are most difficult to police.
Buyer BewareSight unseen purchases from individuals are risky, no matter what steps you take -- always keep that in mind when you are bidding in an auction. Use common sense and try to verify what the seller is promising by doing some research using the details provided.
Compare photos of the item with other similar items for sale.
Did the seller provide photos of signatures or other markings to help verify authenticity?
Are there similar items for sale by other sellers? If so, how do prices compare? Are bidders shying away from certain sellers?
Does the seller seem to be knowledgeable about the item? Some people resell items they've bought without ever verifying that they are as advertised.
For more tips, read each auction company's advice for buyers.
If you don't feel comfortable about an item, don't bid. You can probably find the same thing locally or through a reputable, online merchant. Have fun, but don't take chances unless you're prepared to deal with the frustrations of a poor transaction.

Tips for Sellers from The Federal Trade Commission

2006-10-02T05:29:00.000-06:00

Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject.Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, understanding how Internet auctions work can help you avoid most problems.

How Internet Auctions Work —
Rules of the Marketplace

Role of the Auction Site. Most Internet auction sites specialize in person-to-person activity where individual sellers or small businesses sell their items directly to consumers. In these auctions, the seller — not the site — has the merchandise, and often, the site will not take responsibility for any problems that may arise between buyers and sellers. Before using an Internet auction site for the first time, buyers and sellers should read the Terms of Use, and review any information the site offers.

Registration. Most Internet auction sites require buyers and sellers to register and obtain a “user account name” (or “screen name”) and password before they can make bids or place items for bid. Keep your password to yourself. If you share it, another person could access your account and buy or sell items without your knowledge. That could damage your online reputation — and eventually, your bank account.

Fees. Some sites require sellers to agree to pay a fee every time they conduct an auction, whether the item is sold or not. Other sites charge a fee only when an item is sold.

The Auction. Many sellers set a time limit on bidding and, in some cases, a “reserve price” — the lowest price they will accept for an item. When the bidding closes at the scheduled time, the item is sold to the highest bidder. If no one bids at or above the reserve price, the auction closes without the item being sold.

Some auction sites allow sellers to set a price at which a buyer can purchase the item without competing with other bidders. A buyer can choose to purchase the item for the price the seller has set, without bidding.

After the Auction: Arranging to Pay and Deliver Merchandise. At the end of a successful auction, the buyer and seller communicate — usually by email — to arrange for payment and delivery.

Phishing
Be aware of “phishing:” emails sent to you asking for your password or other personal information that look like they’ve been sent by an auction website or payment service. Usually, these emails are fishing for your information and are coming from someone who wants to hack into your account.If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address yourself. In any case, don’t cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser; phishers often make links look like they go to one site, but actually send you somewhere else.

Payment Options
Successful bidders can choose among many options to pay for an item they have bought on an Internet auction — credit card, online payment service (which often accepts credit card payments), debit card, personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or escrow service. Sometimes, the seller limits the types of payment accepted and posts that information in the auction listing. Many sellers require receipt of a cashier’s check or money order before they send an item. Higher volume sellers often accept credit cards directly. To protect both buyers and sellers, some auction sites now prohibit the use of wire transfers as a method of payment.

Credit Cards. Credit cards are a safe option for consumers to use when paying for items bought on an Internet auction: They allow buyers to seek a credit from the credit card issuer (also known as a “charge back”) if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what they ordered.

Online Payment Services. Online payment services are popular with both buyers and sellers. They allow buyers to use a credit card or electronic bank transfer to pay sellers. They also may protect buyers from unlawful use of their credit cards or bank accounts because the online payment service holds the account information, not the seller. Many sellers prefer online payment services because the services tend to provide more security than, say, personal checks.To use an online payment service, the buyer and seller generally set up accounts that allow them to make or accept payments. Buyers provide payment information, like bank account or credit card numbers, and sellers give information about where payments should be deposited. In some cases, sellers do not have to create an account with the online payment service to receive funds. To complete a transaction, the buyer tells the online payment service to direct appropriate funds to the seller. The seller then gets immediate access to the funds. Most online payment services charge the seller to receive the funds, but some payment services charge the buyer.Some online payment services offer protections to buyers if the seller fails to ship the goods or ships goods that are not as described in the auction. Buyers should read the terms under which the protections apply. Usually, if a buyer uses a credit card to pay for goods or services through an online payment service, charge back rights are available to the buyer who uses the credit card. However, if the service considers the transfer of funds to be a method of sending cash rather than paying for goods, then charge back rights may not apply. If you cannot find out what will happen if you need a refund, or if you don’t understand how the payment service works from reading the website, find a different service or use another method of payment.Debit Card, Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order. Many smaller sellers accept forms of payment that are cash equivalents. These sellers often wait to receive the payment (and may wait for a personal check to clear) before shipping the item. Buyers should use this type of payment only when they trust the seller. At the same time, sellers should ensure that checks and money orders they receive from buyers are legitimate before shipping the goods; they should be suspicious of checks or money orders for amounts that exceed the price of the merchandise. Unlike credit cards or some online payment services, cash equivalents (and wire transfers) cannot be reversed if something goes wrong.Wire Transfers. The FTC recommends that buyers not wire money (via a money transmitter or directly to a seller’s bank account) unless they know the seller personally or can verify the seller’s identity. Buyers should be suspicious of sellers who insist on wire transfers as the only form of payment they will accept. If something goes wrong with the transaction, you most likely will lose your payment and not have any recourse. In fact, to protect both buyers and sellers, some auction sites now prohibit the use of wire transfers as a method of payment.

Online Escrow Services and Bonding Services. For big-ticket items like computers, cars, or jewelry, buyers should consider using an escrow service or purchasing from a bonded or insured seller to protect their funds. The primary purpose of online escrow services is to protect buyers and sellers from fraud. Escrow services accept and hold payment from a buyer — often a wire transfer, check, money order, or credit card — until he receives and approves the merchandise. Then, the escrow service forwards the payment to the seller. The buyer pays the fee for an online escrow service — generally a percentage of the cost of the item.Before using an escrow service, both the buyer and the seller should verify that it is a legitimate, reputable company.Some sellers may state that they are bonded or otherwise insured against fraud. If a buyer intends to rely on a seller’s bonded status or the seller’s insurance to protect against fraud, he should investigate the legitimacy of the bonding or insurance company and then make sure that the seller really is a member of — or certified by — that company. If a problem arises with a bonded seller, the buyer usually has to engage in a dispute resolution process with the seller before being able to submit a claim to the bonding or insurance company.

Types of Fraud
Most people who complain to the FTC about Internet auction fraud report problems with sellers who:
fail to send the merchandise.
send something of lesser value than advertised.
fail to deliver in a timely manner.
fail to disclose all relevant information about a product or terms of the sale. Some buyers experience other problems, including:
“bid siphoning,” when con artists lure bidders off legitimate auction sites by offering to sell the “same” item at a lower price. They intend to trick consumers into sending money without delivering the item. By going off-site, buyers lose any protections the original site may provide, such as insurance, feedback forms, or guarantees.
“second chance offers,” when con artists offer losing bidders of a closed auction a second chance to purchase the item that they lost in the auction. Second-chance buyers lose any protections the original site may provide once they go off-site.
“shill bidding,” when fraudulent sellers or their partners, known as “shills,” bid on sellers’ items to drive up the price.
“bid shielding,” when fraudulent buyers submit very high bids to discourage other bidders from competing for the same item, then retract their bids so that people they know can get the item at a lower price. Escrow Service Complaints. Another type of fraud occurs when sellers or buyers pose as escrow services to improperly obtain money or goods. The so-called seller puts goods up for sale on an Internet auction and insists that prospective buyers use a particular escrow service. Once buyers provide the escrow service with their payment information, the escrow service doesn’t hold the payment: It is sent directly to the so-called seller. The buyer never receives the promised goods, can’t locate the seller, and, because the escrow service was part of the scheme, can’t get any money back.In some cases, a fraudster poses as a buyer and, after placing the highest bid on an item, insists that the seller use a particular escrow service. The escrow service tricks the seller into sending the merchandise and doesn’t send the payment or return the goods to the seller.

Fake Check Scams Target Sellers
Sellers can be victims of fraud when buyers send fake checks or money orders that are detected by the bank only after the seller has shipped the goods. A buyer might offer to use a cashier’s check, personal check, or corporate check to pay for the item you’re selling. Sometimes, the buyer sends a fake check or money order that exceeds the cost of the item that has been purchased. The so-called buyer (or the buyer’s “agent”) states that he made a mistake, or comes up with another reason for writing the check for more than the purchase price. In either case, the buyer asks you to wire back the difference after you deposit the check. You deposit the check, learn that it has cleared, and wire the funds back to the “buyers.” Later, the bank determines that the check is fraudulent, leaving you liable for the entire amount. The checks were counterfeit, but good enough to fool unsuspecting bank tellers.

Tips for Buyers...
Despite complaints of fraud, online auctions remain a fun, efficient, and relatively safe way to shop — if you act prudently. Here’s how:

Before Bidding
Become familiar with the auction site. Never assume that the rules of one auction
site apply to another. If the site offers a step-by-step tutorial on the bidding process, take it. It may save you frustration and disappointment later.Find out what protections the auction site offers buyers. Some sites provide free insurance or guarantees for items that are not delivered, not authentic, or not what the seller claims. Know exactly what you’re bidding on. Read the seller’s description of the item or service, and if a photograph is posted, look at it. Read the fine print. Look for words like “refurbished,” “close out,” “discontinued,” or “off-brand” — especially when shopping for computer or electronic equipment — to get a better idea of the condition of the item. Sometimes this information and other important terms are in a contract that may be found by following a hyperlink in the listing to the seller’s online store.Try to determine the relative value of an item before you bid. Be skeptical if the price sounds too low to be realistic. “Brick-and-mortar” stores and price comparison sites may be good for reality checks. Find out all you can about the seller. Avoid doing business with sellers you can’t identify, especially those who try to lure you off the auction site with promises of a better deal. Don’t trust emails alone. Some fraudulent sellers have used forged email headers that make follow-up difficult, if not impossible. Get the seller’s telephone number as another way to get in touch. Dial the number to confirm that it is correct.Some auction sites post feedback ratings of sellers based on comments by other buyers. Check them out. Although these comments and ratings may give you some idea of how you’ll be treated, comments sometimes are submitted by the seller or “shills” paid by the seller. In other cases, a seller may build up his reputation by selling many low cost items before making fraudulent sales of higher cost items.Consider whether the item comes with a warranty, and whether follow-up service is available if you need it. Many sellers don’t have the expertise or facilities to provide services for the goods they sell. If this is the case with your seller, be sure you’re willing to forfeit that protection before placing a bid.Find out who pays for shipping and delivery. Generally, sellers specify the cost of shipping and give buyers the option for express delivery at an additional cost. If you’re uncertain about shipping costs, check with the seller before you bid.Check on the seller’s return policy. Can you return the item for a full refund if you’re not satisfied with it? If you return it, are you required to pay shipping costs or a restocking fee? Sometimes the return policy is found in the listing, but other times you may have to access it by following a hyperlink in the listing to the seller’s online store.Email or call the seller if you have any questions. Don’t place any bids until you get straight — and satisfactory — answers.

When Bidding
Establish a top price and stick to it. This can help ensure that you get a fair price
and protect you from “shill bidding.” Don’t bid on an item you don’t intend to buy. If you’re the highest bidder, you’re obligated to follow through with the transaction. Some auction sites bar “non-paying” bidders, also known as “deadbeats,” from future bidding.Save all transaction information. Print the seller’s identification, the item description, and the time, date, and price of your bid. Print and save every email you send and receive from the auction company or the seller.

Before Paying
Protect your identity. Never provide your Social Security number or driver’s license number to a seller. Don’t provide your credit card number or bank account information until you check out the seller and the online payment or escrow service, if you’re using one, and ensure their legitimacy. Examine the online payment and escrow service’s privacy policy and security measures. Never disclose financial or personal information unless you know why it’s being collected, how it will be used, and how it will be safeguarded.Protect your funds. Know what form of payment the seller accepts. If the seller accepts only cashier’s checks or money orders, decide whether you’re willing to risk sending your payment before you receive the product. Never wire money to a person you don’t know or whose identity you can’t verify.If the seller insists on using a particular escrow or online payment service you’ve never heard of, check it out. Visit its website. Be suspicious of any site that is generally of poor quality with misspelled words or claims that it is affiliated with the government. Call the customer service line. If there isn’t one — or if you call and can’t reach someone — don’t use the service.Before you agree to use any online payment or escrow service, read the service’s terms of agreement. If it’s an online payment service, find out whether it offers buyers any recourse if sellers don’t keep their end of the bargain, whether it prevents sellers from accessing their funds if buyers are not satisfied with the product, and who is responsible for paying for credit card charge backs or transaction reversal requests. If the online payment service cannot recover the loss from the seller, it might try to recover its loss from you, using the credit card or bank account information in its file. To limit your exposure, consider reserving a separate credit card, stored-value card, or bank account to use just for your online transactions.Be suspicious of an online escrow service that cannot process its own transactions and requires you to set up accounts with online payment services. Legitimate escrow services never do this. Check with the Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, or consumer protection agency — where you live and where the online payment or escrow service is based — to see whether there are any unresolved complaints against the service. A lack of complaints doesn’t mean that a service doesn’t have any problems. Many scammers change their company names often.

Safety Tips for Deer Hunters

2006-09-08T20:23:00.000-06:00

Yes it is fast becoming the season and I would like you all to return after the hunting season with great stories and no injuries. I've searched the net for safety and hunting tips and would like to pass them on.

Stay safe
Fire

Perhaps the most important aspects of deer hunting are safety and ethics. If no one paid any attention to these, hunting of any kind would be too dangerous to continue. That’s why it’s so important to stress these factors about deer hunting.

Hunting Safety Tips

Safe hunting is the responsibility of all hunters. Follow the tips listed below, and you will help make the outdoors safer for all.n Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat all weapons as if they’re loaded and ready to fire.Never cross a fence, climb a tree or stand or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.

Never hoist a loaded weapon into a stand.

Never load or carry a loaded weapon until you are ready to use it. Always unload weapons before riding in any vehicle, including ATVs.

Watch your muzzle so the other fellow doesn’t have to.

Wear hunter orange so you can be seen. A blaze orange hat and at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waistlineshould be worn during all gun deer seasons. It should be worn at all times, not taken off once in the stand.

Keep guns and ammunition separately and in locked storage.n Don’t shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Know the range of your weapon. Remember, even a .22 rimfire can travel over 2-1/2 miles.

Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting firearms.

Always be sure your gun barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and only carry ammunition specifically intended for the weapon you’re using.

Always carry handguns with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. If you move from one area to another advise someone.

Dress for the weather, take a compass and maps to prevent getting lost, and be alert for other sources of danger such as poisonous snakes.

Carry a flashlight while walking through the hunting area before or after daylight.

Hunting EthicsAs the hunter learns the basics of hunting safety, he must also develop certain responsibilities to the sport. An understandingof game laws, sporting codes and wildlife management are as important as handling a weapon safely.

All hunters must develop a code that make them good hunters. This code is called “hunter ethics.” As responsible outdoorsmen, we should always remember that hunting on someone else’s land is a privilege and should be regarded assuch. It only takes a moment to ask permission to hunt and even less time to close gates behind you and to show thoughtfulness for the rights of the one on whose land you hunt. Problems between landowners and hunters affect all of us when prime hunting land is posted by an owner who’s had enough of picking up trash, chasing livestock that’s wandered through open gates and examining damage caused by a small minority. Help prevent the posting of private lands by doing your best not to harm the welcome you now have to hunt on someone else’s property.

Ask permission every time you hunt. Hunt only where the landowner wants you to; keep safely away from his house, barns and livestock; and respect his crops. Be careful to never stretch or break any fences you cross, and latch gates securely after you pass through them. The most difficult job of the law-abiding hunter who respects private property is to report those hunters who damage it to the landowner or local law enforcement official. No one enjoys this task, but a lot of thefuture of hunting depends on the sportsman who hunts by the rules, working to eliminate the poacher and the selfish individual who abuses his guest privileges.

Protect your hunting privileges by making sure the landowner knows you appreciate his letting you hunt. That means sharing your game with him, sending him a thank-you- note and nowand then taking time from your hunting to help him out with his chores. And never forget, no matter who the host is, the “welcome” aspect is important to all hunters because it helps determine how much land will remain open for hunting. Always let your good manners show. Of course, ethical hunting doesn’t end with landowner relations. Always follow these additional rules of ethics anytime you’re hunting.

Obey all the rules of safety and insist that those around you do the same.

Obey all game laws and insist that those hunting with you do likewise.

Do your best to acquire marksman-ship and hunting skills thatassure clean, sportsman like kills.

Support conservation efforts that assure good hunting for future generations

Don’t be a slob. Keep your campsite neat, and don’t offend others by openly displaying your kill in camp or on your vehicle.

Pass along to other hunters,especially youngsters, the attitudes and skills essential to being a true outdoor sportsman.

Common Internet Scams & Warning Signs

2006-07-04T13:00:00.000-06:00

Common Internet Scams

Most internet transactions are perfectly legitimate yet there are occassional reports of fraud or scams. There isn't a single, surefire way to identify fraudulent sellers or buyers. However, we've listed some of the warning signs of fraud below. Please note that none of these signs is a definitive indicator of a fraudulent seller. They are factors to help you identify high-risk transactions. Likewise, there is no guarantee that if a seller does not meet any of these criteria, it's a legitimate seller. If you are suspicious, it's a good idea to do some research. It is very important to remember that if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Warning Signs

Buyers who claim to be traveling abroad and offer to have their "agent", "business associate", "friend", or "shipper" complete the transaction. They may offer to pay by Cashiers Check for over the amount. This 'buyer' will claim to be trusting you to return the overage of funds. Banks will often cash these checks then hold you accountable for the funds once the check fails to clear.
Sellers who insist that you use Western Union or other money transfer services.
Sellers who reside in distant countries. Sellers that request money to be wired to Romania, Ukraine, Macedonia, Belarus, Pakistan, Russia, Lithuania, Egypt, Lagos, Nigeria, Colombia, Malaysia, Indonesia or Cameroon. tend to have a very high incidence of fraud. Unless you have a lot experience with international orders, you may want to decline to send money to these countries.

Sellers offering a Dog significantly below market value. This is often a scam to engage many people to send money for this non-exsistent dog. You will never receive the dog.
Sellers who request that a "shipper" be paid directly or sellers that state the Dog will be delivered directly to your door or destination. All Dogs shipped via an airplane must be picked up at the airport.

Sellers who state that you must send additional funds to get the Dog through customs.
Seller insists that you use an online escrow service other than Escrow.com. Before using any escrow service verify the company with the Better Business Bureau to insure the business has a satisfactory record.

Who should I notify if I suspect fraud?
Contact NextDayPets.com and the FTC.
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ifccfbi.gov)
Internet Crime Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov/)

Charity Folks | Online Auction | Terms and Definitions

2006-06-25T06:03:00.000-06:00

Safety Tips from Charity Folks

We want your online experience to be enjoyable and worry free. Bidding to Give, Shopping and Banking online can be convenient and secure -- if you take a few simple precautions. Many e-commerce websites utilize state-of-the-art encryption and other security procedures to safeguard you and your money.

Here are a few suggestions to help you have a secure online experience:

If you suspect a website is not what it purports to be, leave the site. Do not follow any of the instructions it may present you.

Ask yourself if the information you are asked to provide makes sense for the activity you are engaged in.

If a site or e-mail asks for information that does not feel right, do not respond.

If you believe that someone is trying to commit fraud by pretending to be Charity Folks, please contact us immediately.

Be alert for scam e-mails. These may appear to come from a trusted business or friend, but actually are designed to trick you into downloading a virus or jumping to a fraudulent website and disclosing sensitive information.

Open e-mails only when you know the sender. Be especially careful about opening an e-mail with an attachment. Even a friend may accidentally send an e-mail with a virus.

Be careful before you click on a link that is contained in an e-mail or other message. The link may not be trustworthy.

Do not send sensitive personal or financial information unless it is encrypted on a secure website. Regular e-mails are not encrypted.

Do business only with companies you know and trust.

Be aware! Phony "look alike" websites are designed to trick consumers and collect their personal information. Make sure that websites on which you transact business post privacy and security statements and review them carefully.

Verify the address of every website, known as the URL. Make sure that the URL you want appears in the "address" or "location" box on your browser window. Some websites may appear to be legitimate but actually are counterfeits. Take a few extra seconds and type the URL yourself.

Look for the padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window to ensure the site is running in secure mode BEFORE you input sensitive information.

Use strong passwords for your accounts. Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess, and use a different password for each of your accounts. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of lower case and capital letters as your password is case sensitive.

Make sure your home computer has the most current anti-virus software. Anti-virus software needs frequent updates to guard against new viruses. Make sure you download the anti-virus updates as soon as you are notified that a download is available.

Install a personal firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your home computer, especially if you connect through a cable or DSL modem.

Log off. Do not just close your browser.

Monitor your transactions. Review your order confirmations, credit card, and bank statements as soon as you receive them to make sure that you are being charged only for transactions you made.

Immediately report any irregularities.

For additional tips on online security see the following websites:

http://www.bbb.org/alerts/Computer.asp
http://iisw.cerias.purdue.edu/home_computing/

Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

2006-06-17T02:44:00.000-06:00

Tips to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Use Companies You Know
Anyone can open a store online in minutes and be gone tomorrow. Make sure you either know of the store or you should research it. Here are some things to research before doing business with an unknown company.
1. Make sure there is contact information for the company (business name, address, and telephone number).
2. Compare this with information from the domain register
3. Check to see if there has been complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Attorney Generals.
4. Compare Prices Before Buying If the price is too low there may be something wrong like it is used or it may be a bait and switch deal.
5. Check the Return Policy Before You Order When shopping we all hope that we get what we expect but sometimes there are problems that arise with what we ordered. Check the company's return policy before you order online so you will know what to expect before you order. Some companies offer no returns and you may not want to do business with them.
6. Use a Credit Card Don't use debit cards to shop online - they don't offer the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act which protects you. If you have problems with someone using the card, in most cases you will only be held liable for $50 of the charges and you can protest a charge if you don't get what you ordered.
7. Print and Keep Information About Your Order, Print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies. Also print out other information you may need such as return policies, company information, specific product information and warranty information.
8. Use Secure Passwords- Learn how to create a secure password that isn't easily hacked.
9. Trust Your Instincts- If It Sounds Too True To Be Good... It probably is!

Following these tips will help you to not get ripped off while shopping online.

Tips for Buying Online

2006-05-28T02:06:00.000-06:00

The New Yorker Attorney General recommends the following:

1. Always make sure that a Web site is secure before providing any financial information, such as credit card or a bank account number. Secured Web sites use encryption to scramble your information as it is transmitted over the Internet. How do you identify a secured Web site?
Look for Web site addresses preceded by "https". For example,

Look for a yellow or golden closed lock or an unbroken key at the bottom of your browser window.

2. If you are still uncomfortable with providing your billing information through the Internet, ask the company about alternate methods of ordering, such as the telephone.

3. Whenever possible, consider paying by credit card, which offers additional protection in case of a dispute.

4. If paying by credit card is not an option, request that the goods be sent C.O.D. and make payment by check or money order, which is easier to trace than cash.

5. Consider checking with the Better Business Bureau local to the business for a reliability report. Information in the report includes the length of time the company has been in business, the company's complaint history and whether the business participates in BBB programs, such as dispute mediation.

6. While there is no denying the increasing popularity of online auctions, New Yorkers must exercise the same caution they apply to physical world transactions. Here are some points you should watch for when participating in online auctions:

Some online auction houses only act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers during the bidding process and do not get involved in arranging for shipment and payment. Be sure to ask about such arrangements in advance.

Online auction houses often will not resolve disputes. Consider using an escrow service, which can minimize your risk.

Keep copies of advertisements, descriptions, or auction site printouts for any product you purchase.

Keep copies of any correspondence you have with a buyer or seller (including e-mail).

Do some homework. Check out the seller before you purchase a product:
If the seller is a business, check with the Better Business Bureau nearest the seller for any complaints.
If the product is being offered by an individual, obtain and verify real world information (such as name, address and telephone number) with the seller's local telephone company.
Establish verbal contact with a seller prior to agreeing to purchase.
Check the "feedback" areas of online auction sites; often they're a good source for learning about other buyers' past experiences with a seller.

10 Tips for buying a gift online

2006-05-06T10:11:00.000-06:00

Thinking about shopping and buying gifts online this year?

When shopping for a gift we, all want to get a gift that someone will treasure. What motivates a lot of people is trying to buy something we think they will love. We yearn for when they open up the present and have a pleased look upon their face.

Buying on the internet can be very tempting and fun because we can do it in the convenience of our home, with no standing in line, fast and easily. Often times we can find a cheaper price because there is not as much overhead. However, unlike a store, we can not touch and feel the product or take it home with us immediately. With millions of websites, how can consumers tell which sites are legitimate ones, especially when it is very easy to set up a site that is very professional looking ?

Pat McNulty, a fine art photographer, has come up with the following suggestions. He has had an online store for over six years and gives the following tips for shopping online for a gift.

1. Think of what the person you are looking for likes. I personally like to find gifts that are practical , or unique. But make sure you are thinking of things he or she will like and not just what you like. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they like. If you have time you can ask them to come up with a list of 5 things they would really like to have. This will take the guess work out.

2. Set a budget and make a list. Figure out ahead of time how much you want to spend for that special someone. Make a list of everyone you want to buy for with ideas you have thought to their interest and likes. Check the person off once you have purchased the gift for them. Since it is so easy to overspend, you don’t want to have the holiday blues afterwards.

3. Search. Do a comprehensive product search using your favorite search engine. Do not immediately place an order on the first site you find. Take your time and look at several sites before buying. When you find a site you like add it to your favorites, make a note of what you were looking at, and compare it to a few more sites as well as physical stores as well. You never know where you will find the best deal.

4. Compare. Look at testimonials from previous customers. If looking at a site like Amazon, evaluate the testimonials to see if it looks like one person wrote them. Be wary of a testimonial that looks too much like an ad. Get recommendations from friends or other websites that offer feedback.

5. Do you trust the site. Do not order online that does not identify with whom you are dealing and does not provide a valid email address, location and phone number to contact if there's a problem or if you have a question. A physical address is usually better than a PO box.

6. Money Back Guarantee - Do they offer a money back guarantee? A store should show they believe in their product by offering a money back guarantee. The guarantee should be a complete and immediate refund of your full purchase price. Look for any catches on the guarantee.

7. Shipping and returns: What is the shipping charge, and if you are not satisfied,what is the return policy? Do they give you a refund for the return postage, or does it come out of your pocket? Will they let you exchange your item? When returning items make sure you keep a receipt when you ship an item back. You can even get a signed confirmation that they received it.

8. Credit and Debit Cards. Pay using a credit card, since if you did not receive the item or if the item was not the quality you expected, the credit card can help you dispute the charge. Be careful with debit cards because not all debit cards offer the same protection as credit cards.

9. Secure online ordering. Make sure you are using a secure server. You can check this by looking for a padlock sign at the bottom bar on your screen, You will also notice that the site address will change from one starting with http to one starting with https. This indicates that your transaction is going over a secure server. A secure server is crucial because it ensures that nobody else can access your financial information.

10. Print out your order. Once your order is placed, print it out, and keep any terms and conditions in an easy to find location. Save the email confirming your order. Make sure you have the company’s contact information on your print out.

How to feel safe buying online

2006-04-09T05:12:00.000-06:00

The Internet has become a very easy, convenient place to do your shopping. Buying online is the latest rave and is expected to only increase in popularity. It is still risky to buy online because of computer hackers trying to get on secured web pages, but with some of the tips below, you can protect yourself. Also, some hints on how to confirm that your items and quantities are correct.

The first step is to choose a company that you trust and respect. Purchasing from large companies that have been in business for a long time is a top priority. You want to make sure that they are reputable and stand behind their merchandise. If you buy from small companies that are new into the business, you may find they will not be as eager to please or willing to satisfy.

Next you want to check the companies return policy. Many companies’ return policies’ are different from in store to online buying. Confirm that they will accept your return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the product. See if the company allows products ordered online to be returned to your nearest store. This can be very helpful and save you shipping and handling fees. Larger companies will often offer this, where smaller companies will not even allow exchanges or returns. This is a very important fact because when you order online, products may be quite different than what you expect to receive.

Another thing to watch is if you are moved to a secured web site before the order is placed. You want to be absolutely comfortable with giving your credit card over the Internet. If you are transferred to a secured site, that confirms that you are safe to enter your credit card.
Larger companies will almost always take you to that site before you even enter your name where some smaller companies may not secure the site. This is something that you want to confirm over and over because if the web site is not secured anyone may have access to that personal information.

You want to make sure that the items that you have ordered are the correct size, shape, color, etc. Check through your items several times and yet again to confirm this. Check the billing and shipping address to be correct. Check the addition of the web page with shipping, handling, and tax. Make sure that you are aware of the delivery time and when the order will process and ship. Make sure to write down any phone numbers they offer and the order number that they offer you. This information is crucial to confirming an order.

After the order is placed, it is a good idea to re-enter the web site to check your order. Confirm everything that you already have to make sure the order was not edited. This will ease your mind and make Internet ordering a lot less stressful and make you feel more comfortable with the company. Go back and check on your order periodically to see the status and check the delivery. When it has shipped, look for tracking number information on your order. This is a good thing to have, in case you do not receive your package in time.

Overall, online ordering can be overwhelming and sometimes even scary, but it is the new trend and is expected to slow down actual shopping. Follow the few steps above and you can feel confident that your order will be delivered to the correct address, with the correct items, in a quick manner. Soon, you will be ordering your clothes, groceries, prescriptions, and toiletries online. Remember to stick with the large companies and watch for secured web pages.

Happy Shopping!!

Internet Fraud Prevention Tips

2006-03-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Internet Fraud Prevention Tips Buyer Safety, Seller Safety, Spoof Emails, Internet Scams, Report Suspicious ActivityQuick Tips:

#1Use extra caution if the price is unusually low. If an item is listed significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, take extra steps to verify the seller's claims.

#2Be cautious with international Sellers. If a dispute arises in the transaction, United States laws may not apply to the international seller.

#3Traderonline and Trader Publishing Company suggests you use a reputable escrow service such as Escrow.com to provide a secure way to buy or sell your vehicle

#4Verify the Seller's Name, City, Email, and Phone. All should be easily supplied by seller.

#5Request Proof of ownership. Private parties selling a vehicle should be able to produce evidence of Title, Registration, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for cycles 1981 and newer.

#6Request Proof of Possession. Request information or photos only someone in possession of the items could supply. One example is a specific photo not common to web postings or auctions (such as the bottom of the engine, the actual VIN marked on the frame, or a close up of a specific part).

#7Be cautious when seller is offering Free Shipping. Shipping a motorcycle or other vehicle any distance can be costly and should be reflected in a higher then average price.

#8Educate yourself about online scams by viewing our information on Internet Scams.Buyer Safety:Email and Call the seller- If the phone number listed is not accurate, use added caution to verify the seller has possession of the item. Pay by credit card because you can often dispute the charges with your card provider if something goes wrong. Never send money orders, cashiers checks, or wire transfers unless the item is already in your possession and verified to be exactly what you agreed to buy.

Read all Quick Tips Seller Safety:

Do not agree to accept any overpayment requiring a refund. A known scam has the "buyer" sending you a counterfeit cashiers check or money orders for more than your asking price, then asking you to "refund" the overage (usually by Wire Transfer) before your bank discovers the forgery. Use only respected and reputable escrow and shipping companies.

Traderonline and Trader Publishing Company suggests you use a reputable escrow service such as Escrow.com to provide a secure way to buy or sell your vehicle. If the buyer suggests an escrow service, verify that it is a legitimate company. Be cautious with international sellers, if a dispute arises in the transaction, United States laws may not apply to the international seller.

Read all Quick Tips Spoof Emails:We advise you to be cautious of email messages that ask you to submit information such as your credit card number or passwords. Senders of spoof emails hope that unsuspecting recipients will reply to a request or click on a link contained in the email and provide sensitive personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or credit card numbers. We encourage you to:Use caution with responding to any email that asks for your personal information.Report suspected spoof emails quickly to take appropriate steps to maintain your account security if you think you've responded to a Spoof email with personal financial information. What if I've already provided information to the Spoof? Quickly complete these steps in the order listed.

1. Call your Credit Card company and tell them that your account may be compromised. Follow any instructions provided by your credit card company.

2. Call your bank and tell them that your account details may have been compromised and detail for them how this occurred.

3. Change your password on your email account.

4. Change passwords on the relevant sites. If you cannot log into your accounts, then the fraudsters may have already changed the passwords, go to the next step...

5. Contact the websites involved not only should you tell them that your account may have been compromised, but you should also include a copy of the email which led to the problem.

6. Make a report to the Police (yes, even though it is a time consuming process). We encourage you to review additional information about protecting your identity found on the Federal Trader Commission web site at:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm

A known scam is sending counterfeit cashiers checks and money orders for above your asking price, with an agreement you will send (usually by Wire Transfer) your funds before the check clears your bank.

Spoof or "Phisher" emailsThese deceptive emails claim to be sent from respected or trusted web sites. The senders of these fraudulent emails hope that unsuspecting recipients will reply or click on a link contained in the email and then provide sensitive personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or credit card numbers.

Identity Theft:Online and offline efforts to gain access to your private information such as credit card, bank account with the intent of stealing funds from as many locations as possible.
Other Resources:National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)A project of the U.S. National Consumers League, a private non-profit organization, which provides consumer information regarding telemarketing and Internet fraud and maintains a complaint database. http://www.fraud.org/Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)

Internet Fraud Preventive Measures http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/strategy/fraudtips.aspFederal

Trade Commission (FTC)Information about "Spoof" or "Phishing" scams: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm

Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You

2006-03-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You: "

Online Shopping Tips: E-Commerce and You
With just a click of the mouse, shoppers can buy nearly any product online - from groceries to cars, from insurance policies to home loans. The world of electronic commerce, also known as e-commerce, enables consumers to shop at thousands of online stores and pay for their purchases without leaving the comfort of home. For many, the Internet has taken the place of Saturday afternoon window shopping at the mall.
The same things can go wrong shopping in cyberspace as in the real world. Sometimes it is simply a case of a computer glitch or poor customer service. Other times, shoppers are cheated by clever cybercrooks.
This guide offers advice on how to make your online shopping experiences enjoyable and safe.
1. Shop at Secure Web Sites
How can you tell if a web site is secure? It uses encryption technology to transfer information from your computer to the online merchant's computer. Encryption scrambles the information you send, such as your credit card number, in order to prevent computer hackers from obtaining it en route. The only people who can unscramble the code are those with legitimate access privileges.
You can tell when you are dealing with a secure web site in several ways.
First, if you look at the top of your screen where the web site address is displayed, you should see https://. The 's' that is displayed after 'http' indicates that web site is secure. Often, you do not see the 's' until you actually move to the order page on the web site.
Another way to determine if a web site is secure is to look for a closed padlock displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.
The third symbol that indicates you are on a secure site is an unbroken key.
O"

magret de canard lo

2006-02-03T04:37:00.001-07:00

Man this one lit me on Fire LOL

magret de canard à l’orange

1 large, boneless duck breast half, about 1 pound

salt & freshly ground pepper
1 whole orange
1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1/2 tablespoon Calvados
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 tablespoon finely minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon butter

1. Separate duck breast into two halves. Trim skin and fat around each half to within 1/8" of meat. Sprinkle breast halves on both sides with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Remove zest from orange and finely julienne. Reserve 1 tablespoon for use in sauce. Juice orange and combine with vinegar, Calvados and stock. Set aside.
3. Combine shallots with sugar and set aside.
4. Heat a non-stick sauté pan over medium heat. Add duck breasts, skin side down, and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn over and sauté meat side for another 5 minutes. Baste meat occasionally with duck fat rendered from breasts. Remove cooked breast halves from pan and keep warm.
5. Pour off the duck fat. Add 1 teaspoon butter and the shallot and sugar mixture. Sauté shallots over low heat until caramelized. Increase heat and add orange juice mixture. Reduce until almost a syrup. Strain, swirl in butter and combine with orange zest. Set aside and keep warm.
6. Slice breasts on the bias into thin slices about 1/8" thick. Arrange in a fan shape on heated plates. Spoon sauce over meat.

Yield: 2 servings.
Source: Pierre Franey, Pierre Franey’s Cooking in France, 1994, page 107.

How to Use a Diving

2006-02-03T04:37:00.000-07:00

Unlike James Bond in "Thunderball," a scuba diver uses his knife as a tool - not for cutting the air hoses of his underwater enemies.

Steps:

1. Choose a knife with a sharp, serrated edge. Cutting and sawing may be necessary. (Image 1)

2. Use a knife with a flat head. This is an excellent tool for adjusting gauges, and it eliminates any worry of stabbing something - such as your diving buddy. (Image 2)

3. Employ the pry notch and ruler along the knife's edge to harvest shellfish and measure crab. Remember that light refraction can make that small shell look huge.

4. Select a knife with a hard disc pommel end that can be used for hammering.

5. Strap the knife sheath on the inside of the lower leg or thigh. Veteran divers call a knife strapped on the outside of your leg a "kelp catcher." It doesn't take a lot of imagination to understand why. (Image 3)

1. 2. 3.

Tips:

If you choose to strap the knife on the outside of your upper arm, be sure you regularly remove your BC using a shoulder-snap release. Otherwise, in case of an emergency, the BC vest will catch on your knife as you slip it off.

Warnings:
Never harm marine life unless you have purchased a harvesting permit for legal gathering. This applies to prying anemones, starfish and urchins from rocks, and cutting coral or kelp.

Do not watch "Thunderball" before scuba diving.

Serrated vs. Plain -- A. G. Russell Knives

2006-01-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

Serrated vs. Plain -- A. G. Russell Knives: "Serrated vs. Plain

Author: Joe Talmadge
Source: rec.knives Newsgroup
December 1998

I. Introductions

There's been a jump in recent years in the popularity of serrated edges, and there's often confusion as to when a serrated edge is advantageous, versus when a plain edge is advantageous. The question comes up often in rec.knives.

For our discussion, we'll need to talk about what we're doing with the knife. Think about what you can do with a knife: you can shave, slice, slash, saw, hack, chop, etc. For our purposes, we'll divide all knife uses into two very broad categories:

Push cuts: The main cutting is done by pushing the edge through the thing-to-be-cut. For example, when you shave, you push the edge of the knife through your beard. When peeling an apple, you push the edge under the skin of the apple. When chopping wood, you try to push the edge into and through the wood.

Slicing cuts: The cutting action is substantially done by dragging the edge across the thing-to-be-cut. When you slice meat or a tomato, you drag the edge across the tomato as you cut through it. Slicing and sawing are examples of slicing cuts.

II. Plain vs. Serrated: The Conventional View

In general, the plain edge is better than the serrated when the application involv"

How to spot a Counterfeit Knife

2006-01-05T20:13:00.000-07:00

Know the knife you are looking for:

A book on knife patterns and numbering systems used by manufacturers and distributors will come in very handy. Companies maintain well-documented production records, and deviations will be your first clue that a knife may not be genuine.

Do your homework before you make an offer or bid on a knife.

Inspect the knife closely, look for signs of mismatched blades and back springs, uneven wear and handle material that fails to match the model number.

Use a good magnifier with good lighting when inspecting the knife. Today repairs can be done with such precision that even an expert can be fooled.

Ask the seller if the knife has been altered, cleaned or repaired. Restoration reduces the value from a collector's point of view.

Realize that knives are tools, and styles have changed to meet demands as society has evolved. The style of knife should match the era from which it came.

Know what materials were commonly used when the knife in question was made. Remember, glue is a modern inventions, and old knives were assembled with pins.

Expect old knives to be worn and blades to have been sharpened. Knives were purchased by the original owners to be used, not collected. You will find some old knives in mint condition, but expect to pay a premium price for these rarities.

Remember that copies may look like the real thing, but the materials will be modern and the craftsmanship usually not as good.

Ask a knowledgeable collector or reputable dealer to look at a knife if you are not sure it is authentic most are glad to help.

There is a tendency to embellish the facts of the knifes history, buy the knife, not the story.

As with all sells online or off remember "If a deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is." Proceed with caution when you find something that once in a lifetime deal.

Warnings: Fraud is difficult to enforce when buying collectibles, because the seller can always claim ignorance. Be sure that you have the right to return a knife if it is discovered to be something other than what was represented at the time of purchase.

Anatomy of a Knife

2005-10-09T15:19:00.000-06:00

Over the next several weeks I will post mini articles dealing with types of knives. It is my belief that knowledge is power so the more you know about something the less likely you are to get ripped off.

Fire

Final week

Using knives

"Always cut away from yourself" is the basic adage to keep in mind while using a knife. By extension, assume that the knife is going to slip, and look where the blade would go. In Boy Scout parlance, an area within the radius of the arm and blade length combined is called the "blood circle". When checking the blood circle it is best to hold the knife by the blade, otherwise you defeat the purpose.

Knives offered to another person should always be offered handle first.

A sharp knife is often claimed to be a safer knife. Dull knives supposedly lead to excessive use of force to cut materials, increasing the chance that the blade may slip and the force will be transferred to an unintended destination such as the user or another person or object. Also, a dull or damaged knife will inflict a worse wound than a relatively 'clean' cut from a sharp knife. Conversely it can be argued that what is dangerous is not knowing how sharp a knife is and thus how much force to use.

A knife should be kept clean, dry and sharp. Steel blades rust easily, but oiling will prevent pitting due to oxidation and tarnish. Most knives are not intended as pry bars or screwdrivers. Either use is likely to break off the tip of the blade, or to bend or break the knife beyond repair. Most high-quality knives are also tempered very hard, so that they will retain an edge longer. However, this also makes them brittle.

Sharpening

Knives are sharpened by grinding against a hard surface, typically stone. The smaller the angle between the blade and stone, the sharper the knife will be, but the faster it will dull. A guide is very helpful. Very sharp knives sharpen at 12-15 degrees. Typical knives sharpen at 22 degrees. Knives that chop may sharpen at 25 degrees. In general, the harder the material to be cut the higher the angle of the edge. The composition of the stone affects the sharpness of the blade (finer grain produces sharper blades), as does the composition of the blade (some metals take/keep an edge better than others).

Examples of sharpening tools are the clamp-style systems, which use a clamp with several holes with pre-defined angles. The stone is mounted on a rod and is pulled through these holes, so that the angle remains consistent. Another variant is the crock stick setup, where two sticks are put into a plastic or wooden base to form a V shape. When you pull a knife up the V, the angle is held for you, as long as you hold the blade perpendicular to the base.

Remove a wire edge (burr) if one forms during sharpening. Use a slighly steeper angle with very light pressure to do so. If not removed, it will break off in use, and the knife will instantly become dull. An alternate method of removing a wire edge is stroking from side to side on a very fine stone, using light strokes. This will flip the burr back and forth as it is ground off.
To feel for a wire edge, move your thumb lightly across the edge. It should come off with no resistance. If you feel a little bit of pull at the edge or the nail is sightly abraded, you may have a wire burr.

Honing stones (also called whetstones) come with coarse and fine grits and can be hard or soft describing whether the grit comes free. Arkansas is a traditional source for honing stones, which are traditionally (though a poor practice) used with water or honing oil. India is another traditional source for stones.

Ceramic hones are also common, especially for fine grit size.

Water stones (both artificial and natural) come in very fine grits. They are stored in water, and develop a layer of slurry which dulls the edge if you hone the blade as if honing into the stone. Generally, these are more costly than oilstones. Oil is not to be used on these.
Oil is sometimes used to lift the metal dust, called swarf, off the stone. This is generally bad to do during polishing. There are better ways than oil to clean a hone. Coated hones, which have an abrasive, sometimes diamonds, on a base of plastic or metal are another kind of hone. Rather expensive, are sharpening blocks made with corundum.

Stropping a knife is sometimes a finishing step. This is traditionally done with a leather strap impregnated with abrasive compounds, but can be done on paper, cardstock, or even cloth in a pinch. It will not cut the edge significantly, but produces a very sharp edge with very little metal loss. It is useful when a knife is still sharp, but has lost that 'scary sharp' edge from use.
Other times the final step is done with a steel. This fine process can effect alignment of the edge. Realigning the edge goes a long way in keeping the knife sharp, as often times, a rolled edge will make an otherwise sharp knife dull.

Mechanical consideration of rolled edges If a knife is used as a scraper or encounters hard particles in softer materials or is used asymmetrically, there may be a sideways load near the tip. In this case the knife should resist bending or breaking. Making some simplifying assumptions about the forces and the knife edge's ability to resist them may shed some light on ideal sharpening.

Assume the knife is thin and the force is applied at the very edge. Sheets of material are bent by stretching the outside or compressing the inside. Both the area taking the force and the lever arm converting force to torque are proportional to thickness, so the bending resistance is proportional to the square of the thickness. (That explains the strength per weight of aluminum, compared to steel.) If the force is applied at the edge, the bending torque is proportional to the distance from the edge. So, in this case, the ideal cross section is proportional to the square root of the distance from the edge. This is a (microscopic) parabola. This contrasts to the usual practice of trying to sharpen knives to a wedge near the edge. Perhaps this sheds light on the function of razor straps and on the practice of using two angle guides to sharpen a knife.
On the other hand if the type of use cannot be predicted, it may be better to sharpen it to a wedge and let the first use bend the edge to an appropriate curve. A wedge shape has the property called "scale invariance". It has the same relative shape for any depth of cut.

Week #3

Blades

Materials

Blades are usually made of steel(s); though there are a few knives using materials like high tech ceramic and titanium, these are very uncommon. Stainless steels have gained popularity in the latter half of the twentieth century because they are highly resistant to corrosion (though they can rust under extreme conditions). Tests done by Razor Edge Systems, and described in their book "The Razor Edge Book of Sharpening" indicate that stainless steel knives hold an edge better than regular steels. Stainless and semi-stainless steels include D2, S30V, 154CM, ATS-34, and 440C. Chromium is the major alloying element in stainless steels, giving them the 'stainless' quality. Steels having high carbon but low chromium content are prone to rust and pitting if not kept dry. As of 2004 there are a variety of exotic steels and other materials used to form blades. Knife manufacturers such as Spyderco and Benchmade typically use 154CM, VG-10, S30V, and CPM440V (aka S60V), as well as high-speed high-hardness tool steels like D2 and M2. Other manufacturers sometimes use titanium, cobalt, and cobalt containing alloys. All three are more ductile than typical stainless steels, but have quite a vocal support group despite concerns about health effects of cobalt content. The craft of Damascus steel may be lost, but marketers today misuse its name to apply to pattern welding, which creates layered and admired patterns. The cost of the process restricts it to high-end knives. There is typically more demand for exotic alloys in the utility, outdoor, and tactical or combat knife categories than there is in the kitchen knife category. Forschner/Victorinox make decent, inexpensive kitchen knives; high-end manufacturers include Wüsthof, Global, Henckels and Böker (Tree Brand). Some manufacturers, particularly of kitchen knives, make ceramic blades; these are harder and stay sharp longer, but because of their brittleness, chip and break more readily.

About Steel

All knife steel is martensitic, which means that small crystal grains and lattice irregularities, that make it hard, are formed as it cools from austenitic structure while hot to ferritic structure while cold. Knife steel has fairly low nickel content, because nickel tends to keep steel in the austenitic structure, even when cold. Stainless knife steels are high in carbon, but "carbon steel" means there is not also a lot of chromium. Stainless steel is steel with very high (12–18%) chromium
content. It is corrosion resistant (though knife steel is less so than higher nickel stainless steel) because, except in acid, one of the metals or one of the oxides is always stable. Stainless steel usually has particles of chromium (or other alloy metal) carbides. These explain its reputation for long wear (the carbides are harder than the metal) and for being harder to sharpen and not taking as good an edge as rustable, low alloy ("carbon") steel (the ceramic particles themselves cannot be sharpened easily.) The bulk hardness and toughness of stainless steel tend to be lower than those of low alloy steel. Vanadium and molybdenum are important alloy metals because they make the gain size smaller, which improves hardness and toughness. Vanadium, and perhaps molybdenum, also increase corrosion resistance.

Week#2 post

Shapes

There are a variety of knife blade shapes; some of the most common are listed below.

(1) A normal blade has a curving edge, and flat back. A dull back lets the wielder use fingers to concentrate force; it also makes the knife heavier and stronger for its size. The curve concentrates force on a small point, making cutting easier. Therefore, the knife can chop as
well as pick and slice.

(2) A curved, trailing-point knife has a back edge that curves upward. This lets a lightweight knife have a larger curve on its edge. Such a knife is better for slicing than a normal knife.

(3) A Double edged or spey blade has two edges. The idea is to make a blade that cuts in either direction, with a strong sharp point. This shape is primarily used for fighting knives (daggers, bayonets) because it can cut in both directions and point in line with the handle.

Clip Point blade

(4) A clip point blade is like a normal blade with the tip "clipped" to make the tip thinner and sharper. The back edge of the clip can have a false edge that can be sharpened to make a second edge. The sharp tip makes the blade exceptional as a pick, or for cutting in tight places.
If the false edge is sharpened it increases the knife's effectiveness in piercing. The Bowie has a clipped blade.

(5) A sheepsfoot knife has a straight edge, and a curved dull back. It gives the most control, because the dull back edge is made to be held by fingers. Sheepsfoot knives are good for whittling, including sheep's hooves.

(6) An Americanized tanto style knife is thick towards the point. It is superficially similar to the points on most Japanese long and short swords (katana and wakizashi). The traditional Japanese tanto knife uses the blade geometry of (1). The edge is straight. The point is actually a second edge on the end of the blade, with a total edge angle of 60-80 degrees.

An ulu knife is a sharpened half-circle. This sort of blade is all edge, with no point, and a handle in the middle. It's good for scraping, and sometimes chopping. It is the strongest knife-shape. An example is a head knife, used in leatherworking both to scrape down leather (reducing thickness), and to make precise, rolling cuts to form shapes.

Drop-Point blade

A drop-point blade is very similar to a clip point, but it features the back convexed down, rather than having a clip taken out of it. It handles much like the clip-point.

Week #3 post

Types of knives:

Knives can be categorized based on either form or function.FormKnives exist in several styles:

Fixed blade knives- A fixed blade is a knife in which the blade does not fold and extends most of the way into the handle. This type of knife is typically stronger and larger than a folding knife. Activities that require a strong blade, such as hunting or fighting, typically rely on a fixed blade. Some famous fixed blade designs include the Ka-bar and Bowie knives.

Folding knives- A folding knife is one that has a pivot between handle and blade, allowing the blade to fold into the handle. Most folding knives are small working blades, pocket knives are usually folding knives. Some folding knives have a locking mechanism:

• The most traditional and commonplace lock is the slip-joint. This isn't really a lock at all, and is found most commonly on traditional pocket knives. It consists of a backspring that wedges itself into a notch on the tang on the back of the blade.

• The lockback is the simplest true locking knife. It is found on most traditional locking knives. It is like a slip-joint, but the lock consists of a latch rather than a backspring. To disengage, one presses the latch on the spine of the knife down, releasing the tang.

• The linerlock is the most common today on knives, especially so-called "tactical" folders. Its main advantage is that it allows one to disengage the lock with one hand. It consists of a liner bent so that when the blade opens, the liner presses against the rear of the tang, preventing it from swinging back. To disengage, you press the liner to the side of the knife from where it is attached to the inside of the scales.

• The framelock is a variant of the linerlock, however, instead of using the liner, the frame functions as an actual spring. It is usually much more secure than a liner lock.

• There are many other modern locks with various degrees of effectiveness. Most of these are particular to single brands, most notably Benchmade's AXIS™ lock and SpyderCo's Compression™ lock. Many folding knives (particularly locking models) have a small knob, or thumb-screw that allows the user to open the knife quickly with one hand. Dorsal vs. Ansall In the middle ages, a dorsal meant a knife with a 'back', or a one-sided knife. An ansall was a two-sided knife, with a blade on both sides. These terms have since fallen out of use.

Function

Knife In general, knives are either working (everyday-use blades), or fighting knives. Some knives, such as the Scottish Dirk and Japanese Tanto function in both roles. Many knives are specific to a particular activity or occupation:

• A bread knife is a special knife with a longer, serrated blade especially designed for easily cutting all types of bread. The blade is straight with a blunt end. The serrations (teeth) allow it to cut bread using less vertical force, so keeping the bread from being compressed. They also leave fewer crumbs than most other knives.

• A hunting knife is normally used to dress large game. It is often a normal, mild curve or a curved and clipped blade.

• A scalpel is a medical knife, used to perform surgery. It is one of the sharpest knives available.

• A stockman's knife is a very versatile folding knife with three blades: a clip, a spey and a normal. It is one of the most popular folding knives ever made.

• A dive or diver's knife is adapted for underwater use. Dacor dive knives have tough thermal plastic handles, durable sheaths, and a convenient push-button release, for example.

• Utility, or multi-tool knives may contain several blades, as well as other tools such as pliers. Examples include Leatherman, SOG, Gerber, Wenger and Victorinox (The "Swiss Army knife") tools.

• An electrician's knife is specially insulated to decrease the chance of shock.

• A kukri is a Nepalese fighting and utility knife with a deep forward curve.

Machete blade

• A machete is a long wide blade, used to chop through brush. This tool (larger than most knives, smaller than a sword) depends more on weight than a razor edge for its cutting power.

• A parang, bolo or golok is a knife very similar to a machete but heavier and with a blade designed to move the center of gravity further from the hand for increased chopping power in woodier vegetation.

• A survival knife is a sturdy knife, sometimes with a hollow handle filled with equipment. In the best hollow-handled knives, both blade and handle are cut from a single piece of steel. The end usually has an O-ring seal to keep water out of the handle. Often a small compass is set in the inside, protected part of the pommel/cap. The pommel may be adapted to pounding or chipping. Recommended equipment for the handle: a compass (usually in the pommel). Monofilament line (for snares, fishing), 12 feet of black nylon thread and two needles, a couple of plastic ties, two barbed and one unbarbed fishhook (unbarbed doubles as a suture needle), butterfly bandages, halizone tablets, waterproof matches.

• Special purpose blades may not be made of metal. Plastic, wood and ceramic knives exist. In most applications, these relatively fragile knives are used to avoid easy detection.

• Custom-made knives called microtomes are used to cut specimens for microscopy. The sharpest knives ever constructed are probably the ultramicrotomes with diamond edges used to slice samples for electron microscopes.

• A boning knife is used for deboning meat, poultry, and fish.

• A palette knife is used for spreading icing (frosting). Some palette knives have a serrated edge on one side. (in the U.S. this knife is refered to as a frosting spatula)

For whittling (artistic wood carving) a blade as short as 25mm (1 inch) is common.Serrations on a blade "saw" through the item being cut and stay sharp for a long time. The points protect the slicing areas from nicks. A good serration pattern will stay sharp several times as long as a straight edge.The edge is sharpened at different angles for different purposes. 15 to 25 degrees is a good all-around angle. Slicing knives should have sharper angles, down to ten degrees. Chopping knives need blunter angles, out to thirty degrees.

A few tips on bidding for Overstock Auctions Users

2005-07-29T09:42:00.000-06:00

Welcome! Below you will find some basic tips for on line auction bidding which I have found very useful.

Tip #1
Wow! this is too good to be true. It's the old adage: if it seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. The majority of auction sellers are very honest, there are a few that are not. The key here is to protect yourself by doing the following quick checks.

Carefully read all of the Auction wording. I know some auctions have a lot of wording but it is to your advantage to read everything, especially the small print, usually that is where the unpleasant surprises are hidden.

Ask questions: If you are reading an auction and a question pops up in your mind click on the link to "ask the seller a question" and ask! If you don't receive a reply, move on. It may not be a rip off but if the seller does not reply, then you may have a lazy seller or a bad seller. If it is an auction for a lot of money, is it worth the risk to find out which one they are?

Check out the seller 's Home Page. Do they have information about themselves there? You want to know a little bit of information about the person you are going to be conducting business with when the auction has ended.

Check the seller's Business Ratings out, it can provide important information prior to bidding. On Overstock you can do this by finding the box titled seller's information (top right of the auction page) and clicking on the Read ratings and comments link toward the bottom of the box. I would go back about 60 days and read all the comments. While you are reading click on a few of the auctions and see what kind of items were sold. Some sellers will sell a lot of real cheap items to build up their ratings. Be careful here, some sellers have a lot of great items that do not cost a lot. An example is something you will find on eBay but I have not seen on Overstock, some eBay seller's build up their ratings is buying and selling recipes. It cost you one dollar and both parties get a positive feedback. This does not mean they are all bad sellers, just be a little more careful in reading the whole auction.

Tip #2
Something to watch for when reading the auction.

The One-Penny Auctions or under pricing an item: This is a tool that I have used in the past but caused so much confusion I avoid. There are three basic reason for One Penny Auctions.

The first reason is to save money on fees; every auction cost the seller a fee to list. The fees are based on the starting bid of the auction. You will see a lot more of this on eBay because their fees are so high.

The second reason is to attract buyers. Everyone would like to get a great item for a penny. Somewhere in the auction wording it will give you the shipping and handling amount. This amount will include the true cost of the item you are bidding on.

The third reason is to lure in new people who have no experience with on line auctions, and hassle them into paying for an item at a much higher cost than the bid amount. This one just makes me mad and also makes the new buyers mad.

This is very easy to cure, just read the entire auction. Somewhere in the wording is the true amount you will pay. If the auction you are looking at has a shipping calculator be sure to use it before you bid, just put in your zip code and it will list the total amount for shipping and handling.

Tip #3
Remember when your mother told you to always read the fine print, the same applies to reading auctions. Don't be distracted by all the seals, banners or labels. Just because the auctions has a seal or banner that says the seller is a power this or a trusted that, does not make them a good seller. Take the time to read the comments left by buyers in the seller's ratings or feedback. Click on the auction number and see what the person purchased and always check the shipping cost.

Tip #4
Want a look at what the sellers are really like? Check out the auction site's message board. You can get a look into the way a seller treats other people. See how the sellers views the site they are selling on. If they are very negative about the auction site ask yourself why and what is behind their entries. Do you really want to do business with a person who has nothing good to say about anything.

Tip #5
One last tip I can think of is the use of certain words in descriptions. The word "Like" or "Similar To" and many others are often use for items that look like the real thing but are not. This does not mean it's a bad item, just make sure you are willing to settle for a look like rather that the real thing. If it is not the real thing then you should be able to get it for a much lower price.

There are other things that can happen, but if you use the top five suggestions most of your bidding will be fun, which is as it should be. I hope this has helped, I love to sell and buy using on line auctions and I would like everyone else to love it too!

Fire

Feel free to share your tips or how you delt with a bad experence by making a comment, please leave off names of sellers or business names. The information you share today could keep someone else from getting ripped off.