How to Prevent and Report Internet Fraud or Crime

Because the world now utilizes the internet, internet fraud or crime is on the rise. If you have been defrauded or have been the victim of an internet crime including identity theft, there are a few actions you can take that may be helpful.

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

1. PROTECT yourself from internet crime. Do not open spam or make purchases from spammers. Do not click on links in your email, but go to the website directly. Do not make purchases from websites that require your Social Security Number or date of birth. Do not give credit card information to small websites, but insist on PayPal or Google Checkout.

2. KNOW what to do if you are a victim of internet fraud. Contact the internet fraud website shown in Resources below and file a Complaint, particularly if you have an international issue. If you made a purchase and did not receive your item, file a chargeback if you used a credit card for payment, or file a complaint with PayPal or Google Checkout, or both.
   
   If you sent a check through the U. S. Postal Service, you can file for postal fraud, and if you have the person's address and they live in the USA, contact the COUNTY they live in. 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.

3. ASSURE your safety from future scams or crimes by using prevention methods. Keep your computer safe with a virus protection software, adware software, and a firewall.

4. 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.
   
   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. They may just appreciate that you are internet savvy.
   
   Protect your family, particularly your children, by not posting current photos of them on the internet. Do not give out your nine-digit zipcode unless you do not mind that someone can get your address. The same goes for your home telephone number, as your address can be found by your phone number.

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.
• There is no real safety on the internet, but you can be wise and careful, and not take risks.

Resources

• Internet Fraud Prevention
• Use the AG's Office for Consumer Protection
• Watch for Scams against Senior Citizens
• Read COPPA for Children's Online Privacy
• Stop Unwanted Telephone Calls
• Share in a Class Action Lawsuit

[bellerose]

on 10/1/2009 Great tips on how to prevent and report internet fraud or crime. You're right that having a cautious attitude is the best defense. 5*

[sonni57]

on 7/10/2009 Thanks for the good article on reporting internet fraud it happens a lot.

[deedavis]

on 7/10/2009 This is a great resource. Thanks for the information on how to report internet fraud or crime.