Although Internet scams and fraud can be found in almost sector on the Internet, some common scams include: Internet auction fraud, emails with foreign officials asking for money, miracle health claims, and credit card and identity theft.
Fraud Tips
Many people encounter problems with online auctions, often bidding on an item on a popular auction site, making a payment when they win, but never receiving what they bought. In other cases, people buy something but when the item gets to their home, it’s not what they paid for. In other instances, some people receive mysterious emails claiming that someone needs to move a large amount of money into the US, but they can’t do it themselves so they need help from a third party. They tell people to deposit a check with a big figure and send back a small percentage of the total amount. Then, the check will bounce and the person will be cheated out of their money. It’s also common for personal information like credit card information or social security numbers to be stolen when hackers hack shopping sites. Here’s a look at more Internet scams.
Fraud Agencies
Internet fraud has become so prevalent that many established organizations now have divisions that are designed to exclusively target it. The Department of Justice, FBI, and FTC all have special sectors devoted to fighting Internet fraud. Many consumer protection agencies also have special Internet fraud sections including the Federal Trade Commission, National Consumers League, and even the US Postal Inspection Service.
Filing a Complaint
The government actually set up a special website where you can file a complaint online. It’s quick and easy. This organization is known as the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. All you have to do is go to the website, fill out the complaint form with accurate information and submit it. The IFCC then conducts an investigation and decides if it has to be turned over to the authorities.
Additional Resources