Tech scams aren't new

<p>Even Google gets scam e-mails about search engine optimization, according to the company's Web site.</p><p>It even provides an excerpt from one: "Dear google.com, I visited your Web site and noticed that you are not listed in most of the major search engines and directories . . ."</p><p>Tech scams are nothing new. In the 20th century, snake-oil mechanics preyed on the ignorance of farmers only recently acquainted with gas-powered tractors. One scam consisted of a self-described mechanic taking a photo of a broken-down tractor, smearing a salve on the developed image, and telling the farmer to wait three days for the tractor to heal itself -- long enough for the shyster to get far away from the farm.</p><p>A great collection of tech-based scams can be found in the book: "Quack!: Tales of Medical Fraud from the Museum of Questionable Medical Devices." Its author, Bob McCoy, used to run an infamous museum in Minneapolis full of devices claiming to provide cutting-edge cures to societal ills, but in fact only offered high-priced nothing.</p><p>Today's tech shysters continue to prey on people's inability to keep up with rapidly evolving technology.</p><p>-- Nathan Halverson</p>