Scam Report:

• scamming the scammer: Engadget reports on an eBay user pulling a great counter-scam on a European rip-off artist who had created an elaborate plan to steal his Apple P-P-P-Powerbook computer. This time the good guy wins and the Euro-trash is out hundreds of dollars.

• 'Phishing' Scam Reports Jump: Phishing is the fastest growing scam on the Internet. Criminals are sending out millions of "urgent" e-mails trying to get unsuspecting consumers to divulge personal information such as their Social Security numbers or the passwords for online accounts. They then use that information to raid the users accounts.

Phishing Alert: Fake E-Mails Are Latest Internet Con
Identity thieves 'phishing'

• Beware of Scams as Medicare Discount Drug Cards Become Available: Using the drug discount card program as a hook, crooks are trying to pry personal information out of seniors to commit identity theft or credit card fraud. According to federal and state officials, Medicare beneficiaries could also be sold bogus discount cards or be persuaded that a certain drug card is approved by the government when it is not.

BBB Warns of Drug Card Scams
Scams stalk drug discount cards

• Web eases adoption, but watch for scams: Adoption is a loosely regulated $2B business. Misleading information on overseas adoptions is a problem prospective parents have to be made aware of.

• Company Promising Free Gas Scams Consumers: Crooks based in Nevada are calling consumers all over the country offering free gas, free cable, free long distance service for a one time charge of just over a dollar... Don't do it.