fraud
Internet Fraud Preventive Measures
| Internet Auction Fraud |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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 |
- 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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