It is a good idea for businesses—single entrepreneurs, small- to medium-scale enterprises, and multi-national corporations—to have several layers of safety protocols to protect themselves from Internet fraud. However, many fraudsters are determined to take money the easy, illegal way by devising unscrupulous methods to trick people into providing them information, cash, and all.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has identified new scams that you should watch out for. Be wary of these scams:

1. Online Job Postings Scam

FBI analysts discover a new modus operandi made by online criminals engaging in wire transfer/ACH frauds. The fraudster targets businesses by sending out an e-mail response to the business’s job posting on an employment website. The fake reply e-mail contains malware that allows the attacker to access online banking credentials of the person who is authorized to conduct financial transactions in behalf of the company. The fraudster then alters the account settings to allow the sending of wire transfers.

The malware is a Bredolab variant, svrwsc.exe., which is connected to the ZeuS/Zbot Trojan.

FBI reminds businesses to be extremely cautious in opening e-mails of applicants. The agency recommends running an updated virus scan before opening any e-mail attachment. It also suggests that businesses utilize a separate computer system to conduct financial transactions.

2. Social Engineering Scams

IC3 continuously receive reports of business e-mails or social networking accounts being compromised through a scam that is devised to swindle victims. After hacking the person’s or business’s account (usually through e-mail-sent malware), the hacker portrays to be the victim to send a notice to the person’s or business’s contacts. The notice may claim that the “victim” desperately needs money because he is being robbed of his cards, cash, or passport; left stranded in a remote location; face possible eviction; and other seemingly valid reasons. He may promise to repay the money being lent. Out of genuine concern, the contact succumbs to the notice and sends the money to the fraudster.

If you receive a similar notice, make sure you verify the information before sending any money.

3. Rental Properties and Real Estate Scam

Entrepreneurs who are into the real estate and rental industry should be wary of this scam. This occurs when the victim is contacted by an interested party about a property for sale or for rent that the entrepreneur advertises. Once the price is agreed on, the fraudster issues a check for deposit. At the last minute, he backs out of the agreement and asks for a refund. Since banks typically do not place a hold on the funds, the victim has access to them and thinks that the check has cleared. Ultimately, the check is deemed to be counterfeit, and the victim is held responsible by the bank for losses.

Another type of real estate scam is centered on classified ad websites. The scammer copies postings from legitimate real estate sites and reposts these ads after a few alterations. Usually, the scammer utilizes the broker’s real name to create a fake e-mail, providing the fraud the illusion of legitimacy. When a victim e-mails the scammer to express interest, the scammer then replies that they are currently in a foreign country and requests the deposit or rent money to be forwarded to them.

Thus, before buying or renting any home, be sure to contact the real brokers or owners of the property. It would be best to phone them and ask for a visual inspection to ensure that the advertisement is real.

4. Phishing and Smishing Schemes

Be on your guard for e-mails and text messages that contain URLs to a website that promises financial growth or business opportunities. These URLs may lead you to spoofed websites, fake sites that mislead victims to provide personal information. Once the victim submits the information, the data is routed to the scammer’s computer. The data will then be used to access the victim’s personal and financial data.

To avoid being victimized by cyber fraud, take heed of these tips:

• Avoid responding to spam or unsolicited e-mails or e-mails from unknown people.
• Never click the links that are contained in unsolicited e-mails. They may contain malware.
• Do not fill out forms in e-mail messages, especially those that ask for personal or financial information.
• Compare the link in the e-mail with the link which you are directed to. This helps you determine if they will lead you to a legitimate site.
• Log on directly into the official website of a bank or financial institution rather than the one mentioned in an unsolicited e-mail. If you are unsure, call the bank that has supposedly sent the e-mail for information.
• Be careful of e-mails or notices that require you to act quickly, such as an emergency or a chance to win something. Scammers use this trick to provide you a false sense of urgency.
• Be sure to confirm any request for personal information from the financial institution or business entity requesting it by calling them on the phone.

Now have fun working with the world wide web