What are Online Scams?
Online Scams can be defined as schemes using Internet elements such as e-mail, web sites, etc., to present fraudulent solicitations to prospective victims to compromise their confidential and personal information, usually with the intention of getting their money.
Different Types of Scams
• Credit card scams
• Auction fraud
• Purchase frauds/high pressure sales
• Spoofing/phishing scam
• Money transfer fraud
• Online investment schemes/securities fraud
Protection Tips
• Be extremely wary of phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• Be doubtful of individuals representing themselves as foreign government officials asking for your help in placing large sums of money in overseas bank accounts.
• Don’t share your credit card number online unless the site is secure and reputable. Use secure payment methods. If any transaction looks suspicious or you lose your credit card(s), contact the card issuer immediately.
• Check at minimum the identity and background of sellers. Find out details like how the sale or auction works, and what are the terms and conditions before bidding for any item.
• Clear your logins and passwords from within the browser. This is especially important if you’ve been working on a public computer. Change logins and passwords frequently.
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date and do not click on any links that seem suspicious or originate from unknown sources. Do not open suspicious attachments from known sources.