Kimberly Siebott Lynn Yip

Definition A crime in which the perpetrator develops a scheme

using one or more elements of the Internet to deprive a person of property or any interest, estate, or right by a false representation of a matter of fact, whether by providing misleading information or by concealment of information.

Current Scams

Virus Hoax- Tricks user into opening a malicious file.

Phishing Scam- Tricks people into providing sensitive personal information such as credit card or banking details.

E-mail Chain Letters- Convinces the recipient to make a number of copies of the letter and then pass them on to as many recipients as possible to trick or defraud users.

Tips to Avoid Fraud

Guard your personal information. Beware of imposters. Beware of “dangerous downloads.” Don’t believe promises of easy

money. Know who you’re dealing with.

Statistics

Nigerian Money OffersFalse promises of riches if consumers pay

to transfer money to their bank accounts.11% affected.Average loss: $4,043.14

Fake Check ScamsConsumers paid with phony checks for work

or items sold are instructed to wire money back.

29% affectedAverage loss: $3,310.87

Frequently Asked Questions

Someone I know is a victim of telemarketing or Internet fraud. What can I do?Tell them to report the fraud and to

gather information about the case.

How can I get my money back?-Call your bank or credit card company

immediately to see if you can dispute the charges.

How can I tell if something might be a scam?

Makes an offer that sounds too good to be true; Promises that you can win money, make money, or borrow money easily; Asks for money to enter a contest, win a sweepstakes or lottery, or claim a

prize; Refuses to send you written information before you agree to buy or

donate; Refuses to give you a physical address; Refuses to give you the details of the offer before you make any payment; Requests your bank account or credit card number when you are not

making a purchase with that account; Uses scare tactics or pressure to act immediately; Insists that you wire money or have a courier pick up your payment; Refuses to stop calling after you’ve asked not to be called again; Contacts you to ask for personal information the company already has. Gives you a check or money order and asks you to send some of the

money somewhere.    

Links http://www.fraud.org http://

www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Internet-Fraud.shtml http://

www.fbi.gov/scams-safety/fraud/internet_fraud http://www.scamwarners.com/ http://

www.consumerfraudreporting.org/reporting.php http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/

Internet+Fraud