"Hegestratos was caught by his crew trying to sink the ship in the attempt to defraud a ship insurance called, "bottomry".

This would indicate that frauds and or scams have been around for a couple of thousand years.

Shouldn't we be well aware of them by now?

The problem we face with today's scams is that they have been improved over the years in sophistication.

The elderly are targets, the less computer savvy persons are targets.

In reality we are all potential targets of a scammer.

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There are a number of different types of scams, phone scams, computer scams etc, etc ad nauseam.

Recently there have been scams where a person selling a phone is contacted by a potential buyer.

A meeting of the parties is organised at a location nominated by the buyer.

The meeting takes place, the buyer gets hold of the phone and legs it.

The victim ends up with no phone and no cash.

To defend ourselves against the scammers we need to be better informed.

One way of becoming well informed about scams is to get on the Google Net and type in "Scam Watch".

You will then be treated to a website full of information about current scams, types of scams and how to report scams.

Get on and have a look.

Remember that you can Dob in a Druggie any time you like by contacting Nowra Police on 4421 9699 or ringing Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000. If it looks suss, report it. Do not drink and drive. As always, in case of emergency, call (000). Non Emergencies contact Police Assistance Line on 131444 or your local police. To provide anonymous information call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Domestic and Family Violence Info visit www.police.nsw.gov.au

Don't forget. Cops are tops.

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