Avoiding Fraud
Following are some useful websites for avoiding or reporting fraud on the Internet and off.
The web links below are in random order. We have no control over the content, accuracy, or timeliness of the sites to which we link, nor for sites accessed through secondary links. Please Contact Us if you find a link that needs updating. Thank you.
Scam artists use clever schemes to defraud millions of people around the globe each year. Being on guard online can help you maximize the benefits of the internet and minimize your chance of being defrauded. Learn how to recognize common scams and what you can do to avoid them.
Getting educated and taking a few basic steps may well keep you from becoming a victim of crime and fraud—and save you a great deal of time and trouble.
The best way to fight internet fraud is to learn how to avoid becoming a victim. However, if you become a victim, there is help available. Here is a list of official government web resources to help you report and learn about internet fraud.
How aware are you about your risks of ID theft?
Scams don’t happen just on the Internet!
This section of the FTC website offers practical information on a variety of consumer topics. The information here can help you avoid rip-offs and exercise your consumer rights. You can also call toll free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357)
Scambusters is committed to helping you avoid getting taken by dangerous Internet scams, frustrating spam, devious identity theft, and other cunning offline and online scams.
United States Department of Justice
In depth information on fraud can be found on the DOJ site. This page has information on mass-marketing fraud. See the links on the left for Identity Theft and Identity Fraud and other information.
Don’t Be an On-line Victim: How to Guard Against Internet Thieves and Electronic Scams
National Consumer’s League Fraud Center
Information on fraud and how to avoid being a victim.
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Links and information on avaoiding and reporting fraud. Their Identity Theft publication can be found here.
Social Security Identiy Theft brochure
“Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number” includes: “How might someone steal your number?”; “What if you think someone is using your number?”; “Contacting Social Security”
“APWG is the international coalition unifying the global response to cybercrime across industry, government and law-enforcement sectors and NGO communities. ” Hover your mouse over the “Resources” tab at top for links, articles, and even games to promote cybercrime awareness and Internet security.