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.  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 Offers False promises of riches if consumers pay to transfer money to their bank accounts. 11% affected. Average loss: $4,043.14

 Fake Check Scams Consumers paid with phony checks for work or items sold are instructed to wire money back. 29% affected Average 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.

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