Here are some tips from the FBI and National White Collar Crime Center's Internet Crime Complaint Center The Center accepts complaints crossing the spectrum of cyber crime matters, including online fraud in its many forms such as Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) matters, Computer Intrusions (hacking), Economic Espionage (Theft of Trade Secrets), Online Extortion, International Money Laundering, Identity Theft, and a growing list of other Internet facilitated crimes.
Online Shopping Tips
Online Shopping Tips
- Ensure a site is secure and reputable before providing your credit card number online.
- Don't trust a site just because it claims to be secure.
- If purchasing merchandise, ensure it is from a reputable source.
- Promptly reconcile credit card statements to avoid unauthorized charges.
- Do your research to ensure legitimacy of the individual or company.
- Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails.
- Beware of individuals using the DHL or UPS logo in any email communication.
- Be suspicious when payment is requested by money transfer before the goods will be delivered.
- Remember that DHL and UPS do not generally get involved in directly collecting payment from customers.
- Fees associated with DHL or UPS transactions are only for shipping costs and never for other costs associated with online transactions.
- Contact DHL or UPS to confirm the authenticity of email communications received.
- If you are using an online auction, contact the seller with any questions you have and review the seller's feedback.
- Ensure you understand refund, return, and warranty policies.
- Determine the shipping charges before you buy.
- Be wary if the seller only accepts wire transfers or cash.
- If an escrow service is used, ensure it is legitimate.
- Consider insuring your item.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers.
