INTERNET SCAMS

INTERNET FRAUD

Internet fraud, what is that? What if I do not shop online, can I still fall victim to this? What type of fraud tricks do I need to look out for while shopping online? I always shop on line, what are some of the tools used in internet fraud scams? If think I am a victim of internet fraud, is there a place to report this?


Internet fraud is a crime committed where as the crook used the internet to either rip you off or steal your personal identification, to commit fraudulent activity. Internet fraud covers a large territory including but not limited to: auction fraud, internet extortion, phishing (fishing) and or spoofing, spam, trade, Nigerian Letter or “419” advance fee request letters, credit card, internet lottery, lender and or mortgage, home based business opportunities and or work from home scams. As you can see these are common types of internet fraud is not just restricted to stealing your identity, but stealing anything from your money to your identity to your reputation. Internet fraud is a growing trend among scammers. These scammers are ripping anyone off that they can all in the name of the internet. There are no bordering boundaries, no police or cyber authorities, no international FBI officials, and no formal individual investigations of the crimes. Internet crimes are virtually impossible to obtain justice, report and police. There are countless fake websites with thieves just waiting patiently to get their hands on either your confidential, financial, and or personal information. This information is normally then sold to help keep the identity theft fire alive. Internet thieves are constantly trying to get there hands on your bank account numbers, credit card numbers, passport numbers, social security numbers, and any other financial data.


What if I do not shop online, can I still fall victim to this?

Even if you do not shop online, your information can still be used in connection with internet fraud. You have to pay close attention to detail when shopping around even at your local mall. Clerks and other store workers can use your information to make online purchases from stores where they do not have to be present or show any ID while making the purchase. The only thing that they need to make a purchase is your credit card numbers and your mailing address, which they can obtain when you show your proof of ID on your driving license. They can then capture your billing address and use your credit card numbers at a later time to engage in online internet shopping. It is extremely important to have a Credit Monitoring Service , that will be on watch even when you are not. You also need to have affordable legal advice on hand where you can get unlimited phone consultations if you in fact find yourself to be a victim of internet fraud.


What type of fraud tricks do I need to look out for while shopping online?

While surfing the web, you need to look out for Phishing ( fishing). Phishing is when someone sends you an email and it contains information that requires you to fill in with personal sensitive information that would set you up to be a victim of identity theft. Watch out for unsolicited emails requesting personal information, always match your links up, and make sure that the site that you are shopping on is secured with an SSL certificate. Keep your computer clean from spy ware and stay up to date with all the latest internet fraud scams from our newsletter. It is crucial that if you are a frequent web surfer, that you have Anti Spyware software. It is important that your PC has the necessary tools to prevent spy ware, ad ware, Trojans, key loggers, Identity theft, Hijackers, Tracking threats, rogue, unwanted software, phishing, pop ups and known bad websites. This type of software protects by providing PC protection and warnings when there are any threats of illegal intrusions during web surfing. Avoid link farms and clicking on links that are sent in emails. If the page

I always shop on line, how do I know if it is safe ?

Most e-commerce or web stores have a SSL. The SSL certs normally provide protection and security while shopping online. On secure sites there is always a padlock at the bottom of the page and or a certificate posted on the front of the site that lets you know who the certificate is from, the service dates, and the site name. Secure Socket encryptions normally range between 156 – bit to 256 bit. SSL certificates are normally purchased by concerned website owners that do not want there customers information compromised. Customers are more likely to shop and or fill out web forms if they see some type of security on your site. SSL encryption encrypts information that is sent over the web.

If you have a website or if you are thinking starting your online store or business, please remember to secure your site for to avoid hackers from stealing your customers information.


If I think I am a victim of internet fraud, is there a place to report this?

If you think that you are a victim of internet fraud and or internet crime. Please find placed on where you can report your incident.

Report internet fraud to:

www.globaltradefraudfighters.com
www.ic3.gov
www.ftc.gov