Advance Fee Fraud or "419 Fraud"
In this funds transfer scheme, the target receives an unsolicited e-mail containing either a money laundering proposal or what looks like a legitimate business proposal. Variations include "over-invoiced" goods, money left to you in a will and payment for an auction purchase with a check larger than the amount required, asking for change to be returned.
The target is then asked to front an amount of money for customs, duties or bribes in order so that he/she is able to receive his/her portion of the money. This typically will happen several times – excuses and amounts will vary. In some cases, the scammer will forward to the target a seemingly real check and ask the target to deposit the check and wire some of the proceeds back to the scammer, while keeping the balance. The check will turn out to be a fake and the target will be responsible for the entire balance.

More information about Nigerian Advance-Fee Loan scams is available from the U.S. Secret Service (www.secretservice.gov/alert419.shtml) and the U.S. Department of State (www.state.gov/www/regions/africa/naffpub.pdf).
 
 
Vishing
Vishing (or "voice phishing") are attacks in which bank customers are contacted by e-mail or sometimes automated phone call and told that their checking accounts have been compromised. Instead of being referred to a website (as in phishing scams), customers are urged to call a local or toll-free number. The number connects to an automated response system that answers the call and asks you to input account information and/or your Social Security number to clear up the "problem." 
 
Pharming
Pharming is similar to phishing, but rather than spamming you with e-mail requests, pharming redirects your web browser to a fraudulent website that closely resembles the authentic site. Unlike phishing, you do not have to click an e-mail link to be directed to a fraudulent website that will ask for personal information in much the same way a phishing e-mail does. 
 
Cell Phone Text Messages
Beware of text messages received on your cell phone telling you to use your computer to access the web address given in the text message. You are told that unless you comply you will be charged or subscribed to a service. Once you use your computer to go to the web address given, your computer may be compromised with a Trojan Horse program and your data security may be at risk.