ID
Theft/Credit Card Protections
The Federal Bureau of Investigation wants everyone
shopping this holiday season to enjoy purchasing
gifts for loved ones and friends without the fear
of becoming a victim of credit card fraud, credit
card ID theft and financial information fraud. There
are plenty of protections you may easily take to
protect yourself from the unscrupulous criminal
element looking to steal your money.
The FBI's Financial Crimes Section, Criminal Investigative
Division, and the Cyber Crime Section, Cyber Division,
oversee investigations of such crimes not only in
the United States but work with international police
agencies on computer frauds around the world.
You can protect yourself by not providing any credit
card or financial information to any person or company
you are not familiar with. Be sure you are communicating
with a reputable company when making credit card
purchases in person and ensure that clerks are not
using your credit card in an unorthodox manner.
When making purchases on the Internet, the Cyber
Division has some very important tips:
*
Try to obtain a physical address rather than merely
a post office box or phone number;
* Send e-mail to verify e-mail address of a company
and be wary if they use free e-mail services;
* Check with the Better Business Bureau from the
seller's area;
* Inquire about returns and warranties;
* Maintain records of all online transactions.
* Remember, do not give out your social security
or driver's license number to the seller or anyone
else.
* Important, if it's too good to be true, it probably
is.
The FBI works closely with other federal, state
and local law enforcement agencies in protecting
you. Should you become a victim of credit card/financial/Internet
scam, contact the FBI or your nearest police agency
to report. Providing as many details as possible
gives investigators that much more information to
work with while investigating the crime.
Learn more about the FBI's Cyber and Criminal Investigative
Divisions on the Internet site at http://www.fbi.gov.
