For the fraudsters the internet is just another market.

Nigeria is the epicentre of some types of fraud - they call it a 419 after the section of their criminal code involved. Most of their frauds involve the victim being willing to stretch his concience in some small way to secure a major gain.

Once the victims have broken the law once there are a thousand ways to empty their bank balances.

How do I spot a fraud on the internet?

As with fraud in the rest of the world, through vigilence. Ask the key questions

• Why have I been selected for this offer?
• How did they find my address?
• Does this offer compromise my honesty: could I tell my mother or my pastor?

If an offer seems to good to be true it probobly is too good to be true.

Should I only trade with well known names or people I know?

That's a sensible course but make sure you really are dealing with them. AOL, very well known and respected players on the wrb has suffered several attacks from people pretending to be them.

Be on the lookout for e-mail addresses very nearly the same as one you know, if in doubt go on their website and use the 'contact us' facilities there.

When can I give out my bank or creditcard details?

Only when you see the encription icon at the bottom right of your screen, and only then when you are very sure with whom you are dealing.