Scams 101 – Know The Terms
Posted by Michelle Moquin on July 12th, 2009
Cramming, Flim Flam, Phishing, Skimming. Heard of any of these? Maybe, maybe not. But what every one needs these days is a scam dictionary, so you can learn the type of scams flying around the net. There are 23 scams and growing, and they are the most common types of internet deception crimes, that continue to fleece internet users: That means you and me. And if you’re not hip and on top of the latest scams you may become a victim if you haven’t been already.
I’ll be blogging about the 23 terms individually, and really just giving you the basic term with a link attached so that you can read more if you chose. And although I’m not going to run them consecutively (how boring that would be), this is information that I think you would appreciate, and find helpful, so I will toss them in every so often. Like I said, you may have heard of some and some may be a surprise. My suggestion is that you make a folder to list them in, to refer to when you want to report them to law enforcement or your friends.
First, let’s look at the history of the word ‘scam’. Although the terms are fairly new to us, the word ‘scam’ has been around for decades. Just where did the word come from? Here’s a little didley I found:
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word ‘scam’ originated in the US and was first recorded in print in “Time”magazine in 1963 with the quote: “My boss was scammin’ from the public and I was scammin’ from him.”
The article also referred to the same person saying: “He worked as a carny huckster…It was a full scam.”
And there’s the clue. According to the Wall Street Journal, ”scam” was actually a “carny” or “carnival” term meaning to ”fleece the public.”
I think we’re pretty familiar with the term ‘fleecing the public’ these days. So…onto the first ‘scam’….
I’m going to start off with one from the list that I laugh at every time I get it in my e-mail. It has been going on now for years and you would think that no one would fall for such a scam anymore. But don’t be so surprised. Statistics show that the reason why this one is so popular still is because people still fall for it. And in fact check out this stat:
The Financial Crimes Division of the Secret Service receives approximately 100 telephone calls from victims/ potential victims and 300-500 pieces of related correspondence per day about this scam! Indications are that the advance fee fraud grosses hundreds of millions of dollars annually and the losses are continuing to escalate.
Can you take a guess at which scam I am referring to? ‘Advance fee’ is your clue. I’m talking about the 419 Scam:
Named for the section number of Nigerian state law that covers all manner of con tricks coming from that country — but mostly scams in which you’re told you’ve won a lottery, inherited a fortune or can help smuggle money out of the country. All of which require upfront money from you. (advance fee) For obvious reasons, these are also known as Nigerian scams.
You’ve all heard of this one right? I’m still shocked that people are still falling for this, but evidently as scambusters reports, ‘The losses continue to escalate.‘
That’s it for the daily didley on this particular scam. Want to learn more? Click here.
~~~~~~~~~~
Peter: We know which Guam girls you are routing for to be the next Top Model. Anna: Who is your fave pick?
Bahar: It is the same same story isn’t it? Once again, the men want it there way, which means still having control over their women and not giving them equal status. Sorry guys, it just isn’t good enough. Oh, how I would like to just swtich the rolls and have them see what it feels like to be treated and regards as 1/3 of a woman classification…1/3 of a human being. To just give them a taste of what the women have had to endure and live with.
Keep fighting for your freedom. I know that many of you are scared but I also know that going back to your old way of life is not the kind of life you want to have. The time for you to have equality is now.
Einaz: I want you and all the women in this world to have the freedom that is your right as a human. And I admire you for saying that you would die for your freedom. I also hope that it does not come to that but I am not naive; war takes away lives.
As far as you wanting to be a girlz, there is always room for more girls and girlz status is a goal worth striving for. Madaline, reads my blog and she will read your request.
Thank you for your kind words.
Irene: Like I said to Einaz, Madaline reads the blog, and will read your request. In regards to your fiancé….my gut tells me he is too old for you? Is this true?
ZL: No biggie – I just wanted to make sure that we were on the same same page :)
Aphonso: A very interesting read! – thanks for posting.
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Gratefully your blog host,
michelle
Aka BABE: Your Bad Ass Bitch Editor
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July 12th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Backyard barbeques are as much a staple of summer fun as the pool opening, family vacations, and kids running through lawn sprinklers. Enjoying the outdoors is a wonderful family activity, and you can make it even more rewarding by taking a few simple measures to limit the unhealthy risks often present right out your back door, such as toxic lawn pesticides and insecticides, and the carcinogens linked to grilling your food.
A flourishing, green lawn and garden can be the pride of the neighborhood, but the insecticides often used to achieve these effects are not only toxic to the pests who eat your petunias. The pesticides work to kill insects by disrupting their nervous systems. The more popular insecticides contain ingredients such as carbamates or organophosphates. These chemicals kill insects by inhibiting the formation of the cholinesterase enzyme in the nervous system. This process, in turn, blocks the transmission of nerve impulses, and ultimately results in a complete breakdown of the bug’s nervous system. Mammals, including humans, rely on these same neurotransmitters, and will experience the same breakdown of the nervous system when exposed to these chemicals.
If you must use any of these compounds, wear appropriate gloves, clothing, and masks to minimize your exposure, and store the containers as far from your living space as possible. Another tip is to have specific gardening shoes you take off at the door so you don’t spread the chemicals throughout your house.
Another major factor of pesticide exposure that you may not even suspect is the family dog. According to a study done by the EPA’s National Exposure Research Laboratory in North Carolina, Rover can actually be the number-one contributor to the spread of insecticides in the home.
The study compared the levels of pesticides in freshly treated lawns to indoor levels. In a household with four family members and a dog, researchers found that inside air and carpet levels of diazinon (a type of pesticide) were 50 times higher than outside levels. When the dog’s paws were checked for pesticide residues, they were 55 to 250 times higher than levels found in the yard.
I’m sure that this same scenario, or a similar one, is being repeated millions of times across the country. We’re tracking in all types of chemicals from our lawns and gardens. Our exposure to pesticides and/or insecticides has never been greater, and it takes only microscopic amounts to wreak havoc.
A Viable Solution
I can’t see the problem getting any better in the near future. As a result, it’s important for you to avoid contact with, or at least minimize your exposure to, these chemicals. And it becomes extremely important that you consume the purest foods and water possible.
Additionally, it’s imperative that you regularly supplement your diet with a wide range of antioxidants. Research has shown that antioxidants can negate many of the effects of harmful pollutants and chemicals.
Also, there are some effective natural insecticides available today, and I certainly recommend them over the synthetic alternatives. I’ve discussed several of these in the past. They include neem-oil products and inorganic insect killers like boric acid and forms of diatomaceous earth. You should also be aware of a line of natural insecticides available under the EcoSMART label.
EcoSMART products contain various plant and tree essential oils (primarily eugenol, the oil from cloves). Research on these various plant and tree oils reveals that they contain a component that blocks the insect neurotransmitter octopamine. Octopamine is unique to insects, and once it is disrupted the insect’s nervous system is destroyed and the insect dies very quickly. Mammals, birds, and fish don’t have octopamine, so their nervous systems aren’t effected by the eugenol in clove oil or other natural compounds. EcoSMART products give you an effective method of killing everything from ants to cockroaches and fleas without endangering humans, pets, fish, or birds.
The EcoSMART product line has crawling- and flying-insect sprays, a wasp and hornet killer, garden and flower dusts, weed and grass killers, and insect repellents, just to name a few. Since the products consist mainly of natural plant and tree oils, which have been used for decades as flavor and aroma ingredients in beverages, foods, and cosmetics, they are recognized as safe and nontoxic to humans, animals, and the environment.
The company, EcoSMART Technologies Inc., is working on products for the professional and agricultural markets, as well. If you farm, raise animals, or use commercial pesticides, I would suggest that you contact them for information on their natural alternatives. They market their professional brand of products under the name EcoPCO and also have a Web site at http://www.EcoSMART.com. Their phone number is 877-667-0006.
There also are many other natural techniques to keep insects from coming into your home, such as sprinkling cayenne pepper around the edge of the house to repel ants. If you’re tending to your own garden, there are now dozens of books on organic gardening in bookstores and libraries. A publisher named Rodale seems to be the authority on the subject, and offers very specific recommendations for different types of gardens.
Barbeque Marinades Can Do More Than Just Taste Good
We’ve seen it before, but new research confirms that grilling meat at high temperatures creates a number of harmful compounds. A study performed at Fu Jen Catholic University in Taipei, however, didn’t just redefine the problem. It also uncovered an easy way to reduce the levels of some of these compounds.
The researchers were originally looking to calibrate a new method of measuring these byproducts, called cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). In the process, they discovered that a marinade of plain soy sauce cut the production of COPs by more than 60 percent.
High heat from the open flame creates COPs, which are highly carcinogenic. (Lower temperatures, even sautéing and broiling, don’t seem to have the same effect.) These COPs are similar to the oxidized cholesterol found in your bloodstream.
Along with the COPs, high heat creates other groups of harmful compounds. One type is heterocyclic amines (HCAs). Research shows that adding tart cherries, red grapes, or plums (all good sources of pigmented antioxidants) to hamburger meat can cut HCA formation by 94 percent. Somehow, the idea of fruit-flavored meat didn’t sound all that appealing, but I’ve tried using the cherries and it’s pretty tasty.
Another group is polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These compounds are formed by the incomplete combustion of organic material—including the fat from grilled meat. (Interestingly, PAHs are also found in highly processed vegetable oils. The worst source is margarine—yet another reason to stay away from the stuff.) The compounds are found both in the meat itself and in the air in and around the cooking space. In one Chinese study, street vendors who sold meat products, including fish balls and rice sausages, had 22 times the exposure to PAHs compared to vendors of non-meat items such as roasted corn on the cob.
It’s easy enough to mix a handful of crushed cherries or grapes into a pound of hamburger or ground turkey, but there’s no practical way of using the fruit on a solid piece of meat such as a steak, chop, or poultry part. So, for the best protection, I’d stick with the marinating method.
For your end-of-summer barbeque, you can prepare a marinade with a cup of soy sauce, a couple tablespoons of honey, a teaspoon or so of powdered ginger, and a couple crushed cloves of garlic. (You can make this a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.) Marinate the meat in the refrigerator for three or four hours before you’re ready to cook.
The benefits of the marinade appear to come from the soy and the sugars. Traditional recipes of the Taiwan street vendors use marinades that contain about 10 percent soy sauce and one percent sugar (which lower the COPs by 60 percent). This ratio will give you some basis for creating your own marinade.
Barbequing and grilling meat is a long, time-honored tradition down here in Texas. After learning how to weld in high school shop class, building a barbeque pit is usually the first project for a lot of Texas kids—and, for some reason, it’s just the start of a lifelong quest to invent the best one ever made. Swapping tips and hints about the best wood to use and the best brisket rubs is a favorite pastime in these parts.
These Texas traditions are why I hate to report this kind of research—I feel like a traitor, especially to my brother-in-law, Troy. Give him a brisket, a couple of chunks of oak firewood, and a half a case of beer (maybe not in that order), and he’ll come back in 15 hours or so with barbeque that will convert a hardcore vegetarian.
One positive, or should I say upbeat, and practical aspect of this study was the finding that COPs are only harmful when consumed in very large quantities. The researchers discovered that in addition to using marinades, the reduction could also be achieved by not eating the charred bits of fat on the barbequed meat. So trim your steak and enjoy it in your pesticide-reduced backyard!
Take care,
Dr. David Williams
July 12th, 2009 at 11:07 am
There is a blog article going around saying that Obama and the french president were ogling a young woman’s ass. It was a clever way of showing a picture to make it look that way. Here is an article I found that disputes the bull.
——————————————————————————-Obama Was Not Looking At Ass
In another classic case of angles betraying a brother, the internet is abuzz about a photo that supposedly catches Barack Obama and French President Nicolas Sarkozy checking out some young girl’s ass. The claim is questionable, at best. News video shows that it was just a bad angle that gives a false Bill Clintonesque appearance to the two world leaders. Just to play Devil’s Advocate, however, suppose Obama and Sarkozy really did take a glance at some random ass. Is that REALLY newsworthy?
Yes, Barack Obama is the President of the United States, and yes Nicolas Sarkozy already has a trophy wife of his own in France…but they are both still men. Men are visual creatures. We look at ass. It’s just what we do! Exercising discretion is the key, because it’s never a good look to flat-out ogle some butt cheeks. To paraphrase a line from the movie “Role Models”, you have to treat booty like the sun: You never stare directly at it.
That said, a guy will slip up from time to time and get caught off guard by a nice backside and become compelled to look. Even married guys. ESPECIALLY married guys, because looking is all they can do in good conscience. In that split second, discretion goes out the window, and “I’d like to hit that” becomes the prevailing thought in your mind. In most men, the mind quickly switches back to whatever the hell else was going on shortly after getting that glance out of our system. It’s only bad in three instances:
1. If you yell out “GOD DAMN GIRL!” and proceed to harass her,
2. if you are with your lady when it happens, and she sees you looking
3. If other judgmental pricks catch you in the act, as this photo almost sorta-kinda illustrates.
I was going to dedicate this paragraph on a detailed analysis of why that girl’s ass is not nice enough, but that would force me to impose my own high standard of tail appreciation on two older gentlemen whom I’ve never met before. Plus, it would force me to objectify our brilliant, wonderful First Lady by talking about her shapely, ample backside and comparing it to some foreign jail bait in some flip-flops. I do stuff like that all the time with actresses and models, so I’m going to show some respect for one of the best role models around for young ladies and refrain from typing such nastiness.
See? I’m not always a cretinous oaf. Nor is Obama or Sarkozy. This photo is a bad angle, like the John MeCain and Sarah Palin one that I posted on here last fall. It did give me something interesting to talk about right now, so I’m glad it was taken. Otherwise, this might be another random entry dedicated to my love affair with bacon!?
————————————————————————-
Terry
July 12th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Michelle:
I am constantly amazed by the things I learn here. Yes, you have touched on my biggest concern. He is 28 years my senior. I do love him, but this ia a concern. We have talked about having a family of our own. He already has two children from a previous marriage.
I want to wait 5 to 6 years before I consider becoming a mother. He says that if I want to become a mother I have to decide in 1 to 2 years after we are married. We plan to marry in about 6 months.
This is too soon for me. I realize that waiting could make it very difficult for him to be an attentive father. But I don’t want to give up the most important time of my career to have babies.
You are saying what I have been thinking. Maybe this is a time for me to start honing my “dating skills.” I could break off our engagement, and continue our serious relationship. But I could leave my options open for younger suitors to convince me to start up a serious relationship on the side.
The thought is exciting. The logistics may be daunting. But as Zen Lill said she managed to do it with 3, I don’t see why 2 should intimidate me.
Thank you for responding so quickly.
Irene
July 12th, 2009 at 11:39 am
Zen Lill:
If you don’t mind me asking, how long did you maintain your 3 serious relationships? Did any of the men catch on? How much distance do you recommend there should be between the men to insure that I accidently run into one while on a date with the other?
I know that you can not be exact. I was just wondering. I have lived in only 3 MMs in by dating experiences.
Irene
July 12th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Michelle:
I have really been educated reading your article and the comments of Robert. I am surprised that only 50% of marriages end in divorce.
Here is a little ditty that reflects the situation.
—————————–
Before Marriage:
He: Yes. At last, it was so hard to wait.
She: Do you want me to leave?
He: NO! Don’t even think about it.
She: Do you love me?
He: Of course! Over and over!
She: Have you ever cheated on me?
He: NO! Why are you even asking?
She: Will you kiss me?
He: Every chance I get!
She: Will you hit me?
He: Are you crazy! I’m not that kind of person!
She: Can I trust you?
He: Yes.
She: Darling!
After Marriage:
Now read this from bottom to top.
———————————
Lisa
July 12th, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Hi Mischa, good one…I’ve rec’d many ‘advance fee’ e-mail’s for gaining millions on the back end, hmmm, think they had another ‘back end’ in mind (usually called a bend over).
Irene, I’m not saying that I’m a master communicator but I did make it clear to the 2 men in Connecticut that I wanted to remain open bc I was a busy independent woman (had two jobs, one that made me money and one that got me plain old fun, a chance to chat with anyone I wanted to and to make some quick serious cash weekly). I actually had to tell these 2 after a few months bc it became increasingly hard to explain why they were on every other weekend rotation – this is where men have it easy, they can not call for a week or so and women will just take their call and say OK to a date (or not) and leave it at that.
These two became a titch pouty so I had to say something, it didn’t go over well but I left them the option to call an ‘early out’ and gave them time to think about it, within a few days they both chose not to end it, but I gave the caveat then: no pouting when I say I’m busy that day, no asking q’s about it either. The 3rd man had his parents’ mansion in Southport at his disposal but actually was a bils mans’ son who had a real job in Texas, he flew in every other/3rd weekend often taking Fri and/or Mon off so I could just claim I’d made weekend plans already and we’d hang on Fri/Mon. I didn’t tell him about the others bc I told him he was free to see others in TX and probably was but after one year he made it clear it was move to Texas and marry or end it, I ended it.
The other two hung in there for just under a year and a half, all were started within 6 weeks of each other, give or take…the one hairy moment – ack – Texas man flew in early and buff firefighter man who was supposed to be on duty both came to the gorgeous upscale nightclub I worked (I bartended 2/3 nights a week, made myself an extra 700-1000 a week there) and they sat next to each other, needless to say I said hi, got each a drink and hoped they didn’t start a chat up, it was a loudish disco time of night so I chose to not speak to either of them and then called upon my fellow ‘tenders to help me out of the predicament, turned out OK, firefighter was dog tired just wanted to stop by and say hi (hi – and ack, bye) and Tx wanted to load me in a limo after work and head to NYC, and I was totally in : ) during that couple of years, I often daydreamed about beds with me alone in them out of exhaustion but it was the best thing I ever did – the choosing.
Marriage is the monogamy factor for me, even though I never set out to ‘cheat’ I didn’t really call a random unplanned make out session with a wingman or an encounter with a sexy ex while being involved with another ‘cheating’ so I’m not as ‘monogamous’ as I previously thought. I guess men have a point when they want to take their women’s meat off the table, not their own, I complied…never would do that wingman/ex or cheating stuff while happily married…
That’s it I think, I hope that was helpful for overcoming the intimidation factor, Irene, it’s the leaving them an ‘out’ that matters – it is their choice as well.
Lisa, that’s a funny little marriage didley : )
Caio, Zen Lill
July 12th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Hey Terry, thanks for mentioning the above, I caught the shot on Tv and laughed, that chickie had great hair and bootay, hell-I’m a hetero woman and I checked out her ass : ) btw, so freakin’ what that they were looking? You think when a good looking man with a exceptional bum enters the room women don’t take a sneek peak or even a stare (it’s even more discreet if there’s a serious meeting going on)? Think again…you just never direspect your own man by lingering too long. same same. I’m so glad even Fox news realized that it was a lame-o story. – ZL
July 13th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Natural Remedies to Treat and Prevent Heart Disease
Gary Null, PhD
Heart disease is America’s number-one killer. Yet heart disease, which is primarily caused by inflammation and an accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries, is one of the most preventable of all illnesses.
The key is to make lifestyle changes and take natural supplements. In fact, there is scientific evidence that people who already are suffering from heart problems can reverse the effects of the disease.
Here are three all-natural programs — one for general heart health, another for high cholesterol, a third for high blood pressure. Choose one, two or all three programs.
If you are doing more than one at a time, don’t double or triple up on supplements. Take no more than the highest amount called for in one program. All the supplements listed are available at most health-food stores.
Regular aerobic exercise is part of each of these programs, and I offer advice on getting the most out of exercise at the end of this article.
Important: Review these programs, including supplement dosages, with your doctor. Natural remedies are not a substitute for traditional treatment but are meant to be done in conjunction with whatever your primary doctor or cardiologist recommends.
GENERAL HEART HEALTH
Your body needs certain nutrients to counteract the effects of internal inflammation on the coronary arteries…
Coenzyme Q10, one of my favorites, is a superstar in protecting the heart. It increases oxygenation to the heart and helps prevent recurrences in people who have had a heart attack. Recommendation: 100 mg to 300 mg daily.
Omega-3 fatty acids decrease the growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque, which can lead to atherosclerosis, known as hardening of the arteries. Omega-3s also reduce the risk of arrhythmias, which can lead to sudden cardiac death. Recommendation: 3,000 mg daily.
L-carnitine helps transport long-chain fatty acids, which bring energy to the heart and aid in prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Vitamin E, which has tocotrienols and gamma tocopherol, is an antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage. Recommendation: 200 international units (IU) to 400 IU daily.
Cayenne pepper contains the active ingredient capsaicin, a natural blood thinner that helps prevent heart attacks and strokes. Dosage: Sprinkle regularly on food. Caution: Check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Hawthorn berry relaxes blood vessels, enhances circulation and helps prevent arterial hardening. Recommendation: 100 mg twice daily.
REDUCE CHOLESTEROL
Elevated levels of cholesterol are a major marker for heart attacks. Cholesterol provides the raw material for plaque, a fatty substance that builds up inside arteries and clogs them. Optimal levels: A combined blood cholesterol count under 200 mg/dL, with LDL levels (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) under 100 mg/dL and HDL levels (“good” cholesterol) over 40 mg/dL.
L-carnosine is an amino acid found naturally in the body. This antioxidant helps rejuvenate cells and protect them from premature aging. Recommendation: 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily.
Niacin/vitamin B3, also known as nicotinic acid, lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol. Recommendation: 100 mg daily.
Shiitake mushrooms speed up the processing of cholesterol in the liver and stimulate the immune system. Recommendation: One-half to one cup of shiitake mushrooms daily. I like them lightly sautéed in olive oil.
Fruits and fruit juices are rich in phytonutrients, which are powerful antioxidants. Recommendation: Two to three servings daily. Look for juices that have no added sugar. Best: Tart cherry, pomegranate, wild blueberry.
LOWER HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Prolonged high blood pressure (hypertension) damages the lining of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This can lead to atherosclerosis. Optimal blood pressure levels: A systolic rate (the top number) under 120 mm/Hg and a diastolic rate (the bottom number) under 80 mm/Hg.
Calcium citrate and magnesium. This combination supplement promotes relaxation of the muscles, including the heart. Recommendation: 1,500 mg daily.
Garlic lowers blood pressure by thinning the blood, thus enhancing circulation. Recommendation: Two to three cloves daily. It is easiest to digest when sautéed until translucent (not brown). Or take a 1,000-mg garlic supplement, but check with your doctor if you are on a blood-thinning drug.
Potassium is needed for electrolyte balance, especially if you take blood pressure medication. Recommendation: 500 mg daily.
Green vegetable juices, especially those from spinach, broccoli and kale, help thin the blood, lowering blood pressure. You can buy them at health-food stores or make them yourself with a vegetable juicer (add a pear or an apple if you like a sweeter taste). Recommendation: Two to three six-ounce servings daily. Check with your doctor if you are on blood-thinning medication.
EXERCISE
Regular aerobic exercise, such as fast walking, reduces cholesterol, increases circulation and keeps arteries healthy. To get the most out of exercise…
Work up to 45 minutes of aerobic exercise four times a week. This can take several months. Get a clean bill of health from your doctor before starting.
Take your pulse. Take it before you exercise, then immediately upon stopping, then every five minutes until your pulse has returned to its pre-exercise level. You know you are in shape if your pulse returns to its pre-exercise level in less than five minutes.
When you walk or jog, keep your feet as close to the ground as possible, almost as if you’re shuffling. The higher the knee comes off the ground, the greater the pressure and the risk of injury when your leg comes down.
Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Gary Null, PhD, consumer health advocate and educator for more than 30 years. He is a nationally syndicated talk show host and author of more than 70 books, including Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing and Bottom Line’s Power Aging (both available from Boardroom, Inc., 800-678-5835, http://www.BottomLineSecrets.com/store). He is adjunct professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, New Jersey, and research director of Institute of Applied Biology, New York City. http://www.garynull.com