Identity theft has unfortunately become a by-product of our internet age--but a new scam has entered cyberspace. Businesses are being targeted by bulk-emailers who want to place an order for a product. It looks okay on the surface, well sort of, until you realize that the buyer is in Lagos, Nigeria--with a yahoo account as a business address. One local business was targeted here--the so called customer wanted refrigeration parts--20 pieces worth 16 thousand dollars. The business owner let the customer place the order, and even waited for the credit card to clear. Turns out the credit cards were stolen from U.S. consumers, and this business owner was shocked when he got a phone call from a Chicago woman asking why they had charged her card. With all the warnings about Nigerian scams to consumers businesses may seem a "soft" target...unfortunately this business owner was out 16 thousand dollars. The Federal Trade commission reports businesses lost 48 billion dollars in 2003 due to identity theft.
Businesses beware...big time.

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