And that’s why we’d like to start your online shopping off right
with some words to the wise.
- When using your credit card for purchases, make sure the website is
secure. Look for the tiny padlock icon that symbolizes (but
doesn’t
necessarily guarantee) a higher level of security. Also, check out the
site’s security or encryption software.
- Be very cautious when responding to special offers (especially
those that come via unsolicited e-mail) and when dealing with companies or
persons outside the country.
- If you’re participating in an Internet auction, read the
fine print. Before you bid, learn as much as
you can about how the auction works, what your responsibilities are
as a buyer, what the seller’s obligations are, and what actions the website takes
if a problem occurs. Learn as much as you can about the seller. And don’t
give out your social security number or driver’s license number
to the seller.
Also, make sure your computer has a firewall and the latest anti-virus
software. And we can’t repeat this enough: don’t open unknown
e-mail attachments, including those contained in recent
messages that appear to come from the FBI.
What should you do if you think you've been scammed? Go online
and file a complaint with the
Internet Crime
Complaint Center
run by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. You can also file
a complaint with the
Federal
Trade Commission and contact your local police. We also recommend that
you file a complaint with the retailer.
For more information tips on avoiding fraud and protecting your family from
crime, visit our
Be Crime Smart webpage.
Happy "Cyber
Monday!" 