Protect Yourself Against Internet Fraud
By Kristi Vaughan
Most of the companies with whom you will potentially do business via the Internet are legitimate companies interested in providing you with the best products and services possible. But, as in all forms of commerce,there are swindlers and con artists just waiting to pounce on the unwary consumer.
Protecting yourself on the Internet is much like protecting yourself when you are dealing with goods and services offered by telephone or in person. There are a few basic guidelines to follow.
Have knowledge
- Know with whom you are dealing. Con artists succeed because they are good at convincing customers of their legitimacy. So before you spend money or give out your credit card number or other personal information, know who you are dealing with. Call the Better Business Bureau or make contact with the business by telephone as well as the Internet.
- Know what you are getting. The largest number of Internet fraud complaints (pdf) reported to the National Fraud Information Center in 2003 related to the misrepresentation or delivery failure of goods and services.
- Know what schemes are sweeping the Internet. Keep abreast of the news so you’ll be suspicious of schemes should they come your way.
Be wary
- Don’t give out personal information to people or businesses you don’t know.
- Watch out for schemes that request personal information, Social Security numbers or bank and credit card numbers.
- If a deal sounds too good to be true, heed the age-old warning and listen to that nagging voice in your head. It just might be a scam.
- Question anything that sounds suspicious. If you are dealing with a legitimate business, they won’t mind your questions.
- If you are being pressured into buying something or making a financial commitment, ask yourself ‘why the rush?’
Check, double check and check some more
- Unsolicited e-mails or contest entries from unfamiliar businesses and individuals are a common contact method used by Internet scam artists. Check out the source before you spend money, especially if you did not initiate the contact.
- Don’t download pictures, music etc. that are sent to you by someone you don’t know. These could contain viruses or be used to transmit your personal information.
- If you are buying items from an online auction site, verify the seller’s authenticity and trustworthiness before you make a purchase. Legitimate online auction sites often have feedback areas and other means for doing this.
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