Victims who have been scammed rarely file reports with authorities, often because they feel embarrassed for being gullible. Sometimes consumers don't want to go through the process of filing a complaint, if just a small sum of money was lost.
According to the U.S. consumer authority, the Federal Trade Commission, over 4,300 Finns were swindled by an American pyramid scam, Skybiz.com. However, Finland’s Consumer Agency said only a few of the victims reported the crime.
Typical schemes involve deals that seem too good to be true. Phishing, in which criminals persuade consumers into offering information like bank account numbers, is also common.
Officials say the best way to avoid being swindled is to remain sceptical of special offers and enquiries.
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