Internet Crime Prevention Tips

Internet crime schemes, which steal millions of dollars from unknown victims every year, are still a major problem online. These scams take place in different ways, so it is important to be informed and take steps for your safety when you are doing business or transactions on the Internet. Here are some practical suggestions to help you stay safe:

1. Auction fraud

Before bidding, make sure that you know everything about the object and seller. If you have any questions, contact the seller directly. To see how other buyers rate their service, check their feedback history. Be careful while treating people from other countries because they may not be as reliable. Read the returns, refunds and warranty policies clearly before agreeing to buy. Know the shipping cost in advance so that you are not surprised later. If the seller only accepts wire transfer or cash, it is a red flag. If an Escro service is involved, check that it is a valid and famous provider. Consider taking insurance for your shopping, especially for high value items. Avoid any unexpected or unwanted proposal that feels great to come true.

2. Fake cashier check

When you receive a cashier check, take time to check it closely. Ensure that the amount written in the numbers corresponds to the amount printed in the words. See account number on check; It should not look shiny or fake. Check the signature of the person writing the check to ensure that he is not detected or copied. Official checks are usually perforated, so it should be a sign that they are real. Do not ignore any strange mark or change on the check. If you are uncertain, confirm its validity by calling the check issuing bank directly. Try to get the bank’s phone number from another source, not by check. Be cautious when treating people outside your country.

3. Credit Card Fraud

Before entering your credit card information on a website, make sure that the site is safe and distinguished. Even if a site says it is safe, do not trust it automatically – always verify. If you are buying something, make sure the seller is real and reliable. Check your credit card statement regularly to quickly detect any unauthorized fee. Do your homework to confirm the seller is valid. Be very careful in giving details of your credit card on unwanted emails.

4. Eradication of credit

Always check with whom you are working with before agreeing to any agreement. Get the name, address and phone number of the person or company you are working with. To confirm this, do some research that they are a real business. Contact the Better Trade Bureau and see if their reputation is good. Be careful while working with people from other countries. Make sure that you understand every rule and condition of the deal. Doubt companies that use the PO box or Meldrop as their official address. Talk to other customers to seek references and verify their experiences. If something looks so good that it cannot be true, then it is usually true.

5. DHL/UPS scam

Be cautious if someone uses DHL or UPS logo in email. Do not trust someone who asks for payment through money transfer before receiving the product. Remember that DHL and UPS usually do not pay directly. Any fee related to DHL or UPS should only be for shipping, not for other charges. If you are uncertain about an email, contact DHL or UPS directly to confirm its veracity.

6. Employment and business opportunities

If a company makes a highly claimable claim about how effective their product is or how much money you can earn, then be cautious. If you are asked to pay advance for information or products, then this is a warning sign. If a job advertisement is written that “no experience is required” then be careful, as this is a common scam strategy. Never give your social security number at the beginning of the appointment process. Beware of job proposals coming from unwanted emails. Always research the company to ensure that they are real and reliable. Check the Better Trade Bureau for their reputation.

7. Escro service fraud

Instead of clicking on a link, always type the URL of Escro service yourself. The website of a real escrow service will be unique and will not imitate the design of another company. Be careful if the site demands payment from a person or agent instead of a corporate institution. Avoid escrow sites that only accept wire transfer or e-currency. Beware of websites with spelling errors, grammar mistakes or conflicting information. Do not rely on sites that promise abnormally low escrow charges, as it is often a sign of scam.

8. Identification theft

Before giving your credit card number, make sure that the websites you use are safe. Always do some research to check whether the business or website is real and reliable. Try to get a physical address instead of the PO box or Meldrop. Never throw a credit card or bank statement in such a way that anyone else can use them. Keep an eye on the missing bills, as it may mean that your account has been taken into its possession. Do not get caught in scams that ask for your personal information. Never share your credit card number on the phone until you have called yourself. Check your credit statement every month for any unusual activity. If you see any unauthorized transactions, immediately inform your bank or credit card company. Seeing a copy of your credit report at least once a year is a good idea.

9. Internet forcibly recovery

Your safety setup should have several layers, making it difficult for someone to enter your system. Ensure that all security measures are available at every possible point where someone can enter your network. Find out all the equipment related to the Internet and check how well they are safe. Look for any server port that can be unsafe. Keep your software updated with the latest patch to fix any possible problem.

10. Investment fraud

If an investment opportunity feels so good that it cannot be true, it is probably true. Beware of promises of quick profit. Do not invest in anything until you fully understand what it is. Do not assume that a company is safe just because its website looks professional. Be cautious about investment proposals coming through unwanted emails. Beware of investments that promise high returns less or without any risk. Before making any investment, check the conditions yourself. Do some research on the nature of people or companies involved in it. Be careful while treating people from other countries. You may want to contact the Better Business Bureau to verify whether the company is valid.

11. Lottery

If it looks great to win the lottery, it is probably true. Be careful while treating people from other countries. If you do not remember to participate in lottery or competition, suspect. If you get a call that you have won the lottery then be careful. Beware of the lottery that charges you before giving you the award. Do not come under the guise of sending more funds to qualify for future awards. Playing foreign lottery through mail or phone is against the federal law.

12. Nigerian letter or “419”

If an opportunity feels so good that it cannot be true, it is probably true.

Do not answer the email seeking personal banking details. Doubt people claiming to be a foreign government official. Be careful while treating people from other countries. Do not believe the promises of huge amount to help you. Beware of anyone who ask to help you to transfer large amounts to foreign accounts. Do not trust the idea of getting a lot of money in return for your cooperation. Protect your account information. Be careful if additional fees are sought to continue transactions.

13. Phishing/Spoofing

Beware of any unexpected email in which your personal information is sought. Avoid filling the form in email seeking personal details. Always check that the link given in the email takes the correct website. Instead of clicking on the link of an unexpected email, log on to the official website directly. To confirm whether it is real, contact the company that allegedly sent email.

14. Ponzi/Pyramid

If an opportunity feels so good that it cannot be true, it is probably true. Beware of promises of quick profit. Take care when choosing your investment. Do research well about the people you are investing. Before putting your money, make sure that you fully understand the investment. Be cautious if you need to bring more investors. Verify the validity of whatever investment you are considering. Beware of references or stories given by the promoter.

15. Re -discipling

Be cautious if someone asks you to send a package to a “foreign home office” Be careful while treating people from other countries. Doubt if they say that their country does not allow direct shipment from the United States. If the “ship to” address is yours, but the name is different, be careful. Never give personal information to strangers online. Do not accept the packages you have not ordered. If you get a package that you did not order, either reject it when delivered or contact the company sending it.

16. Spam

Do not open spam email. Remove them without reading. Never respond to spam, because this gives the sender to know that your email address is active. Keep a main email for your acquaintances and keep a separate email for other purposes. Do not share your email address until you are sure how it will be used. Never buy anything that has been advertised in an unwanted email.

17. Third party recipient of money

Do not agree to receive payments for the auctions and do wire you have not posted. If someone says that it is difficult to get this type of money in their country, then doubt. If a job posting is written that “no experience is necessary”, be careful while be careful while behaving with people of other countries.

Read Also: