How to Prevent and Report Internet Fraud or Crime
Because the world largely utilizes the Internet, Internet fraud or crime is a real threat. If you have been defrauded or have been the victim of an Internet crime, such as identity theft, you can take a few actions that may be helpful. You can also implement some strategies to prevent being a victim of Internet fraud or crime in the future.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- a computer
- all the information relating to internet fraud or specific crime
- knowledge as to what to do
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Prevention
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1
Do not click links in your email, but go to the website directly.
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2
Do not make purchases from websites that require your Social Security number or date of birth.
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3
Do not give credit card information to small websites, but insist on PayPal or Google Checkout.
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4
Keep your computer safe by installing and running antivirus and anti-spyware software that protects against viruses, adware, spyware and malware.
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5
Ensure that you have a firewall and that it is turned on.
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6
Restrict the information you provide to websites. If you bank online, go to the website from the search engine and not from a link or favorites.
Reporting
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1
Contact the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov if you have been the victim of Internet fraud. File a complaint, particularly if you have an international issue.
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2
File a complaint with PayPal (paypal.com) or Google Checkout (checkout.google.com), or both, if you made a purchase using that site and did not receive your item. f
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3
File a charge-back with your credit card company if you used a credit card for payment.
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4
File for postal fraud if you sent a check through the U.S. Postal Service and did not receive your item.
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5
Contact the county in which the perpetrator lives if you have her address and she lives in the U.S. Find out if the County Attorney or Sheriff handles Internet fraud, and if not, who does. File a complaint with the county office handling Internet crime.
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1
Tips & Warnings
International purchases and sales are more difficult to trace than transactions within the USA. Finding some fraudsters is next to impossible. Remember, the FBI doesn't always get their man, either.
copyright 2009 Linda Richard
We often write about consumer rights and issues. See more articles like this one in Resources below.
Do not give out your Social Security number on the Internet, even if you are applying for a job. Wait until you talk with the contact person directly.
International purchases and sales are more difficult to trace than transactions within the U.S. Finding some fraudsters is next to impossible.
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References
Resources
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