The Internet offers a global marketplace for consumers and businesses. However, criminals also recognize the potential of cyberspace. The same scams that have reached us on the phone and in our mailbox can now be found on the World Wide Web and in email. Organizations like the National Fraud Information Center have sprung up to help people recognize shady schemes in order to avoid more victims.
According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a partnership between the National White Collar Crime Center and the FBI, the number of victims of fraud is in the millions of thousands and the total dollars lost is in the hundreds of millions. , and it increases at an accelerated rate. exponential rate. A Google search for “internet fraud” results in over 3,200,000 listings as of this writing (updated)!
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between reputable online sellers and criminals who use the Internet to separate people from their money. You can protect yourself by learning to recognize the danger signs of fraud. If you are a victim of Internet fraud, it is important to file a complaint with the IC3 at ic3.gov quickly so that law enforcement agencies can quickly shut down fraudulent operations.
o Know who you are dealing with. If the seller or charity is unfamiliar, check with your local or state consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Search the Federal Trade Commission website at ftc.gov for the company or organization you are considering doing business with. Some websites have feedback forums, which can provide useful information about other people’s experiences with particular sellers. Get the physical address and phone number (and make a call before you give them money, to make sure the phone number is correct) in case there is a problem later.
o Protect your personal information. Make sure that any website that requires sensitive information is encrypted. An encrypted website usually has a yellow lock symbol somewhere on the page, usually at the bottom. Do not provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with which you have an account asks you for information that the company already has.
o Pay in the safest way. Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never receive your order or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them entirely if you report the problem immediately.
o Look for information on how complaints are handled. Complaints can be difficult to resolve, especially if the seller or charity is based in another country. Look on their website for information about programs that require reliability standards and assistance in handling disputes with which the company or organization participates.
o Be aware that a complaint-free organization is not a guarantee. Scam operators are quick to set up and shut down, so just because no one has filed a complaint doesn’t mean the seller or charity is legitimate. You still need to look for other fraud danger signs.
o Understand the offer. A legitimate seller will give you all the details about the products or services, the total price, the refund and cancellation policies, the terms of any guarantees and the delivery time.
o Think twice before entering contests operated by unknown companies. Fraud sellers sometimes use contest entry forms to identify potential victims.
o Beware of unsolicited emails. They are often fraudulent. Recent legislation requires that all marketing emails include an operational link that allows the recipient to be opted out of future mailings.
o Beware of impostors. Someone might send you an email pretending to be connected to a business or charity. Others may create a website that resembles that of a well-known business or charity. If you’re not sure it’s the real thing, find another way to contact the legitimate business or charity.
o Beware of “hazardous downloads”. When you download programs to view pictures, listen to music, play games, etc., you could download a virus that deletes files on your computer or connects your modem to a foreign phone number, resulting in high phone charges. Only download software from websites you know and trust. Please read all user agreements carefully.
