10 Things You can do to Avoid Fraud
(Separate Website)
A guide to avoiding internet scams
By: Federal Trade Commission
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Spam and Hoaxes
(Separate Website)
A collection of information and tips, this website will help you identify online hoaxes and avoid being victimized.
By: WiredSafety.org
Fake Check Scams
(Separate Website)
A fake check scam occurs when someone gives you a realistic-looking check or money order and asks you to send cash somewhere in return. Learn about the many different types of fake check scams so you can avoid them. Also, see this Web site's informative quizzes and videos to learn more about this growing problem.
By: FakeChecks.org, The National Consumers League
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Common Fraud Schemes
(Separate Website)
The FBI provides descriptions of the most common types of fraud -- scams that could reach you by email, letter, or phone. You can also sign up here for email updates when new scams are identified.
By: FBI
Cross-Border Scams
(Separate Website)
A guide to common "cross-border scams" that use false promises to trick you into providing personal information or transferring your money to a foreign account. The site includes sample letters that will help you recognize a scam when you see one.
By: OnGuard Online
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
BBB's List of Online and Offline Scams
(Separate Website)
The Better Business Bureau offers timely alerts about scams you may encounter.
By: Better Business Bureau
Hoaxes, Rumors and Urban Legends in Chain Emails
(Separate Website)
Chain emails arrive in your inbox, warning you to make a copy of the message and forward it to one or more people. It may warn you that something bad will happen if you "break the chain." Know the truth about chain emails and the safest ways to deal with them.
By: WiredSafety.org
Top Internet Scams 2007 Keep yourself informed! Review the "Top 10 List" of Internet scams and learn about the latest scam trends.
By: National Consumers League's Fraud Center
New E-Scams and Warnings
(Separate Website)
This resource from the FBI is updated with timely information about new scam trends and computer crimes.
By: FBI
Beware of Offers for "Free Government Grants"
(Separate Website)
Watch out for emails that claim to provide "free government grants." The email may ask you for your Social Security or bank account numbers or to pay a "processing fee." This could be a scam to steal your identity and should be reported.
By: National Consumers League's Internet Fraud Watch
Tips for Avoiding Charity Email Scams
(Separate Website)
It's important to know that there are email scams taking advantage of victims of natural disasters, charitable organizations and of people, like you, who may be willing to donate money. Read these tips to make sure your money is going to the right place and not in a criminal's pocket.
By: National Consumers League's Internet Fraud Watch
FBI Press Release: BotNet Cybercrime
(Separate Website)
A botnet is a group of computers that are controlled by a criminal to carry out a variety of Internet crimes. You could be a victim and not even realize it, because sometimes criminals can access your computer from another location. Learn more about the FBI's recent Operation Bot Roast, a national project and investigation of over one million potential, unsuspecting victims of cybercrimes involving botnets.
By: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
What are Rootkits and Botnets?
(Separate Website)
Computer hackers are always finding ways to break into computer systems. Rootkits and botnets are sometimes used to do this, and are often hidden so you may not even realize that your computer has been attacked. This information sheet explains the growing problems with rootkits and botnets, and offers tips on how to keep your computer secure.
By: United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)
Romanian Auction Fraud
(Separate Website)
Auction fraud is the most common kind of Internet crimes associated with Romania. Learn about Romanian auction fraud and report an incident here.
By: Internet Crime Complaint Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Sign Up For Free Email Alerts For Current Info On Internet Fraud and Computer Crimes
(Separate Website)
The National Cyber Alert System sends you current info with tips on how to keep your computer secure.
By: Department of Homeland Security
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Imposter or Fraudulent Web Sites: A Warning From the U.S. State Department, Visa Services
(Separate Website)
This US Department of State website cautions against fraudulent websites that claim to provide visa assistance for immigrants.
By: U.S. Department of State
New York State Office of Homeland Security and Consumer Protection Board Warn Against Fraudulent E-Mail Scams Seeking Personal Information
(Separate Website)
Have you received an email that appears to be from the New York State Office of Homeland Security that says you've been chosen to receive funds in exchange for your personal information? Homeland Security (OHS) and the NY State Consumer Protection board warn consumers of this serious scam and remind you that they will never send you an email request for your personal information.
By: New York State Office of Homeland Security (OHS) and New York State Consumer Protection Board
Don't Open Bogus Email that Claims to Come From the FTC
(Separate Website)
An email that looks like it's from the FTC's "Fraud Department" concerning a "complaint" in your name may be a fraudulent email. It may even include links and an attachment that download a virus, so it's very important for the public to know what to do if they receive an email like this. Read more here.
By: Federal Trade Commission
IRS Warns Taxpayers of IRS Email Scams and Fake IRS Web Sites
(Separate Website)
Received an email that looks like it comes from the IRS? It could be a scam. Learn how to identify and report IRS email scams and fake IRS Web sites.
By: Internal Revenue Service
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Warning: That Email May Not Really Be From The Social Security Administration
(Separate Website)
If you receive an email message that looks like an official SSA request, you should know about this recent scam. Authorities have discovered that some criminals have used this method to convince people to provide personal information, such as a Social Security Number. Click here to learn how to identify an email like this and for information about how to report the scam.
By: Social Security Administration (SSA)
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Warning: Fraudulent Emails that Appear to be from the IRS
(Separate Website)
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) simply does NOT contact tax payers via email. Scammers send out emails like this one to convince receivers to respond with personal information, like a Social Security Number. If you receive an email like this that appears to be from the IRS, immediately forward it to phishing@irs.gov and then delete it from your inbox.
By: Internal Revenue Service
Receive Email Alerts From US-CERT About Online Security
(Separate Website)
These alerts from a government agency devoted to cyber security offer updated information sent directly to your email. Choose from four email lists: 1) Technical Cyber Security Alerts; 2) Cyber Security Bulletins; 3) Cyber Security Alerts; and 4) Cyber Security Tips. Each is written for a different audience, so read each description carefully before signing up to make sure it's what you're looking for.
By: United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT)
Spyware Tips You Should Know
(Separate Website)
Applying anti-spyware software on your computer is important to protect your security online, but sometimes too much protection can actually hurt your computer. Read these important tips to help prevent unintentional problems while using these tools.
By: Department of Homeland Security & US-CERT
International Financial Scams
(Separate Website)
The US Department of State provides information about a variety of international Internet scams that can rob you of your money and your security.
By: U.S. Department of State
Project Safe Childhood
(Separate Website)
Learn more about this federal program aimed at combating online sexual exploitation crimes against children. There are short, informative videos at the bottom of the page, and you can print out the transcripts to share with others.
By: U.S. Department of Justice
New York State Internet Fraud Crime Report, 2006
(Separate Website)
Interesting statistics on how much money the average New York State victim loses to a scam depending on their age and the type of fraud involved.
By: Internet Crime Complaint Center
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Connecting Consumers with Law Enforcement Agencies
(Separate Website)
You can use this site to file a complaint about a scamming incident, or learn more about recent trends in fraud and identity theft.
By: Consumer Sentinel
Other Internet Fraud Crime Reports
(Separate Website)
Search for an Internet fraud report for any U.S. state.
By: Internet Crime Complaint Center
Online Risks: Statistics From Recent Studies
(Separate Website)
Do you know how many children are on the Internet today? Better understand the risks they face. Read the results of these government and Internet safety organization studies and learn about the need for increased Internet safety.
By: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC); Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)
Online Harassment & Stalking Statistics
(Separate Website)
You may be surprised how common online harassment and stalking incidents are. Download these documents and see a breakdown of recent studies and statistics.
By: Working to Halt Online Abuse
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