Internet Fraud Preventive Measures |
Internet Auction Fraud
Non-Delivery of Merchandise
Credit Card Fraud
Investment Fraud
Nigerian Letter Scam
Business Fraud
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Internet Auction Fraud |
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- Understand as much as possible about how
the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what
the seller’s obligations are before you bid.
- Find out what actions the web site/company
takes if a problem occurs and consider insuring the transaction
and shipment.
- Learn as much as possible about the
seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail
address. If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau
where the seller/business is located.
- Examine the feedback on the seller.
- Determine what method of payment the
seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send
payment.
- If a problem occurs with the auction
transaction, it could be much more difficult if the seller is
located outside the US because of the difference in laws.
- Ask the seller about when delivery can be
expected and if there is a problem with the merchandise is it
covered by a warranty or can you exchange it.
- Find out if shipping and delivery are
included in the auction price or are additional costs so there are
no unexpected costs.
- There should be no reason to give out your social security number or drivers license number to the seller.
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Non-Delivery of Merchandise |
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- Make sure you are purchasing merchandise
from a reputable source.
- Do your homework on the individual or
company to ensure that they are legitimate.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather
than merely a post office box and a phone number, call the seller
to see if the number is correct and working.
- Send them e-mail to see if they have an
active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free e-mail
services where a credit card wasn’t required to open the account.
- Consider not purchasing from sellers who
won't provide you with this type of information.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau from
the seller’s area.
- Check out other web sites regarding this
person/company.
- Don’t judge a person/company by their web
site.
- Be cautious when responding to special
offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).
- Be cautious when dealing with
individuals/companies from outside your own country.
- Inquire about returns and warranties.
- The safest way to purchase items via the
Internet is by credit card because you can often dispute the
charges if something is wrong.
- Make sure the transaction is secure when
you electronically send your credit card numbers.
- Consider utilizing an escrow or alternate payment service.
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Credit Card Fraud |
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- Don't give out your credit card number(s)
online unless the site is a secure and reputable site. Sometimes a
tiny icon of a padlock appears to symbolize a higher level of
security to transmit data. This icon is not a guarantee of a
secure site, but might provide you some assurance.
- Don't trust a site just because it claims
to be secure.
- Before using the site, check out the
security/encryption software it uses.
- Make sure you are purchasing merchandise
from a reputable source.
- Do your homework on the individual or
company to ensure that they are legitimate.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather
than merely a post office box and a phone number, call the seller
to see if the number is correct and working.
- Send them e-mail to see if they have an
active e-mail address and be wary of sellers who use free e-mail
services where a credit card wasn’t required to open the account.
- Consider not purchasing from sellers who
won't provide you with this type of information.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau from
the seller’s area.
- Check out other web sites regarding this
person/company.
- Don’t judge a person/company by their web
site.
- Be cautious when responding to special
offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).
- Be cautious when dealing with
individuals/companies from outside your own country.
- The safest way to purchase items via the
Internet is by credit card because you can often dispute the
charges if something is wrong.
- Make sure the transaction is secure when
you electronically send your credit card numbers.
- You should also keep a list of all your credit cards and account information along with the card issuer’s contact information. If anything looks suspicious or you lose your credit card(s) you should contact the card issuer immediately.
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Investment Fraud |
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- Don't invest in anything based on
appearances. Just because an individual or company has a flashy
web site doesn't mean it is legitimate. Web sites can be created
in just a few days. After a short period of taking money, a site
can vanish without a trace.
- Don’t invest in anything you are not
absolutely sure about. Do your homework on the investment to
ensure that it is legitimate.
- Do your homework on the individual or
company to ensure that they are legitimate.
- Check out other web sites regarding this
person/company.
- Don’t judge a person/company by their web
site.
- Be cautious when responding to special
investment offers (especially through unsolicited e-mail).
- Be cautious when dealing with
individuals/companies from outside your own country.
- Inquire about all the terms and
conditions.
- If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
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Nigerian Letter Scam |
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- Be skeptical of individuals representing
themselves as Nigerian or foreign government officials asking for
your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank
accounts.
- Do not believe the promise of large sums
of money for your cooperation.
- Guard your account information carefully.
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Business Fraud |
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- Purchase merchandise from reputable
dealers or establishments.
- Try to obtain a physical address rather
than merely a post office box and a phone number, call the seller
to see if the number is correct and working.
- Send them e-mail to see if they have an
active e-mail address and be wary of those that utilize free
e-mail services where a credit card wasn’t required to open the
account.
- Consider not purchasing from sellers who
won't provide you with this type of information.
- Purchase merchandise directly from the
individual/company that holds the trademark, copyright, or patent.
- Beware when responding to e-mail that may not have been sent by a reputable company.
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