The Internet offers a wealth of information and entertainment. From shopping online to researching for school projects to reading the news, the World Wide Web is a basic tool we use as an essential part of our everyday lives. However, individuals and families need to be aware about the dangers lurking on the Web. Unfortunately, the Internet can give online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to your computer, personal information, finances, and much more.
As a Member of the House Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, I am engaged in ways to help prevent identity theft and other online crimes, and have introduced the SPY Act, which passed overwhelmingly in the House, to protect people's personal information online.
The best way to protect yourself - and your family - is to stay informed and learn about how to avoid becoming a victim in the first place. There are numerous resources available to help you guard yourself on the Internet, and also to assist you should you become a victim of an Internet crime.
Below is a list of official government resources to help you report and learn about Internet fraud, including websites for kids to learn about guarding themselves online.
Also, here are seven tips to help protect you on the Internet. These tips were provided by OnGuardOnline.gov, a website that offers practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
- Protect your valuable personal information.
- Know who you're dealing with.
- Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
- Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
- Protect your passwords.
- Back up important files.
- Learn who to contact if something goes wrong online.
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Reporting Internet Fraud
- Child Pornography on the Internet
- This website gives you information on how to report child pornography to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Complaints about Foreign Companies
- Report complaints about transactions with foreign companies. Certified government agencies may use this information to investigate suspect companies and individuals, uncover new scams, and spot trends in fraud.
- Consumer Complaint Form
- Report both civil and criminal complaints, such as Internet, telemarketing, and other consumer-related fraud through the Consumer Sentinel database. This tool is used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies to gain immediate and secure access to your complaint.
- Further Ways to Report Internet Fraud from Cybercrime.gov
- View this helpful chart of where to report various Internet-related crimes, including hacking, spam, copyright piracy, and child exploitation.
- Identity Theft
- If you believe you have been the victim of identity theft, use this form to send a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While the FTC does not resolve individual consumer problems, your complaint helps them investigate fraud and can lead to law enforcement action.
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center
- Alert authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation through the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC). The IFCC serves as a central place for Internet fraud complaints, works to find fraud patterns, and provides timely data of fraud trends.
- Internet Investment Fraud
- File concerns and problems with individual investors at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Complaints can alert the SEC to a bad broker or firm, an unfair practice in the securities industry, or the latest Internet fraud.
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Learning about Internet Fraud
- Avoiding Internet Investment Fraud
- Find out how to protect yourself from fraud while investing on the Internet and obtain information about safe online trading.
- Cyber Crime Information
- Obtain general information from the Department of Justice about cybercrimes and how to protect yourself. Also find information about legal and policy issues surrounding cybercrimes.
- FBI Warning about False FBI E-mails
- Read this warning about false e-mails that claim to be from the FBI, but contain the w32/sober virus.
- Financial Crimes (International)
- (.PDF | requires Adobe Acrobat Reader )
- Read this State Department brochure about common internet schemes that originate overseas, like the Gorgeous People in Trouble, Long-Lost Inheritance, Work Permit schemes and more.
- Fraud and Identity Theft Trends
- View current trends in consumer fraud and identity theft. The trends are based on consumer fraud and identity theft complaints received by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and over 60 U.S. and Canadian federal, state, and non-governmental organizations.
- Identity Theft Information
- Visit the U.S. government's central website for information about identity theft.
- Internet Protection Information for Consumers and Businesses
- View documents from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that can help you protect yourself or your business against internet fraud.
- Personal Information and Computer Security
- Information security tips from the Federal Trade Commission.
- Phishing Scams
- Learn to not get hooked by "phishing" scams that use spam or pop-up messages to deceive you into disclosing your credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security number, passwords, or other sensitive information.
- Spyware
- Spyware software monitors or controls your computer use. It may send you pop-up ads, redirect your computer to websites, monitor your Internet surfing, or record your keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft.
- Statistical Data and Reports on Internet Fraud
- Get timely information on fraud. These statistics are based on complaints received from the Internet Fraud Complaint Center, a joint partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.
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Resources for Kids
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