Three of the most common e-mail scams which consumers should look out for are:

• Phishing – the email appears to come from your bank, a company you regularly do business with, a Government Department or from your social networking site and directs you to a mocked up website that asks you to provide personal data such as account details, passwords and credit card numbers. The site is fake and your details can be used to commit identity fraud.
• Bogus foreign lotteries – you are told you have won a foreign lottery but to claim your winnings must send off money to cover administrative fees. Often your personal details will also be requested and used to commit identity fraud.
• Advance fee scams – someone asks you to help transfer a large sum of money out of a foreign country in return for a share of the spoils but they are just looking to empty your bank account.  A recent variation involves being asked to part with money for “taxes” and “visas” in relation for a fake job offer.

Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said: “Using the internet can be safe and easy but we are urging the public to be vigilant to the dangers of ever more sophisticated online scams. Never respond to offers promising vast lottery wins or ‘get rich quick’ opportunities and never disclose personal details to people you don’t know.”

Tony Neate, Managing Director of GetSafeOnline.org, adds:

“At the moment, many of us will be particularly worried about our financial security and we shouldn’t be surprised to see online scammers trying to turn this to their advantage. Don’t let this deter you from using the internet, however – as long as you make sure you know the warning signs to look out for and how to protect your computer properly, and use your common sense, you can enjoy the web safely as millions of people do every day”.

People who have fallen victim to internet frauds should contact their local police station. Phishing emails should be reported to the relevant bank using the contact details on their website or by sending an email to reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, as well as your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

For free, independent, easy to follow advice about online safety, visit www.getsafeonline.org.

For more information on scams in general and what to watch out for visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/scams/

In most cases students and flat hunters are asked to transfer money either to themselves or a friend, then send a copy of the receipt to prove they have enough funds to cover the rent.

Armed with the receipt, criminals then fake the intended recipient’s ID and take the cash from outlets across the country. Because the money transfer industry is not regulated in the same way as credit card companies are, the victims are unable to claim any money back.

Money transfer companies insist their security procedures are adequate and that they are working with police to stop the fraudsters. The scams are run by organised, persuasive criminals who lull their victims into a false sense of security.

Always remember to follow our online safety rules:
1. Never transfer money before you actually see the apartment.
2. Never send money using payment services Western Union, MoneyGram
3. Use conventional and regulated methods of payment
4. Only pay when a contract has been signed

For more information on how to deal with scammers please click here.

2. Never send or wire money to sellers or buyers. This includes never mailing a cheque or using payment services like Western Union or Money Gram to pay for items found on Vivastreet.

3. Never send your item before receiving the money.

4.    Beware of the Overpayment Scams and bounced cheques. Be suspicious if you are overpaid for products and a number of credit card numbers are used. The scammer is expecting you to/will transfer the refund; either paying for the freight before then discovering the cheque they sent out to you has bounced or before realising the money order/credit cards details they produced were phoney.

5. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Especially when deal seems too good to be true (price is too low, rent is below market, etc.). Be careful when buying expensive items like mobile phones, laptops, plasma TVs, airline tickets and even tickets for shows/gigs.

6.    Vivastreet does not offer any sort of buyer protection or payment programs. Vivastreet does not act as an intermediary and does not make arrangements for any payments or transactions. If you are contacted by someone who claims to be from Vivastreet and you are asked to transfer money for an item for sale, this will be an illegitimate request and any emails you receive of this type will also be fraudulent. DO NOT follow any of the instructions contained within the email or given over the phone.

7. Never provide your personal or banking information. Do not give out personal, credit card or online account details (e.g. social insurance number, bank account number) over the Internet/email. We advise only buying and selling with people you can meet. Fraudsters don’t meet a person, that’s how they get caught!

8. Please report to us any attempted fraud or suspicious emails or other activity by community members. If you have knowledge of a fake ad, please report by clicking the “Scam” button on the bottom of the ad or sending the Ad ID number to our help desk along with any knowledge you may have of the situation. In case of fraud or illegal activity, we also recommend that you report it to the Police.

Do not deal with anyone who promises a free puppy for just the cost of shipping.

If you cannot see the animal in the flesh, DO NOT part with any cash under any circumstances.

If you are in doubt or you think you might be targeted by a scammer, please do not proceed any further and cease all contact with the advertiser. Please then forward the ad number to us so we can investigate further.