Online Security and Safety
Scammers may try to use the internet to steal your personal information or trick you into sending them money. Learn how to stay safe online.
Report Cyber Crime
If you believe you're a victim of an internet-related crime, report it to these government authorities:
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) will send your internet-related criminal complaint to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement. In addition to filing an IC3 complaint, contact your credit card company. Let them know about unauthorized charges or if you think your credit card number was stolen.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shares consumer complaints, including online scams with local, state, federal, and foreign law enforcement. While the FTC can’t resolve individual complaints, it can tell you the next steps to take.
EConsumer.gov accepts complaints about online shopping and e-commerce transactions with foreign companies.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) can show you where to report internet or intellectual property crimes.
How to Protect Yourself
These tips can help you keep your computer and personal information safe when going online:
Do
Learn how to spot common scams and fraud. Learn the warning signs of internet fraud, phishing, and other online scams.
Keep your computer software updated. Download the latest versions of your operating system, web browsers, and apps.
Talk to your kids about being safe and responsible online. Find out how you can protect your kids online by teaching them about the risks.
Don’t
Don’t share your passwords or sensitive information with anyone you don’t trust. It’s also important to learn how to keep your laptop safe from identity theft when you’re in public.
Don’t use the same passwords for multiple accounts. Try to make your passwords unpredictable and avoid using names, dates, or common words.
Don’t give out personal information over unencrypted websites. Only trust encrypted sites that begin with “https” (the “s” means they’re secure). They convert your information into a code that prevents exposure to potential scammers.
Scam artists defraud millions of people each year by using internet services or software. These scams trick victims into sending money or giving out personal information. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself, or report internet fraud if you have been victimized.
Types of Internet Fraud
These are the most common examples of internet fraud.
- Data breaches - When sensitive data (personal or financial information) is leaked from a secure location. Afterward, it can be used in an untrusted environment at a corporate or personal level.
- Malware - Malware is dangerous software that is designed to disable computers and computer systems.
- Phishing or spoofing - When scammers use fake emails, text messages, or copycat websites to steal your identity or personal information. This data can include credit card numbers, bank account numbers, debit card PINs, and account passwords.
- Internet auction fraud - This involves the misrepresentation of a product or non-delivery of merchandise for sale on an internet auction site.
- Credit card fraud - This occurs when scammers fraudulently obtain money or property through the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card number.
Report Internet Fraud
If you believe you're a victim of internet fraud or cyber crime, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Or, you can use the FBI’s online tips form.
Your complaint will be forwarded to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement. You will also need to contact your credit card company. Notify them if you are disputing unauthorized charges or if you suspect your credit card number has been compromised.
How to Protect Yourself From Internet Fraud
Take these actions before browsing or shopping for products and services online:
Do
- Learn how to spot internet fraud by knowing the warning signs of common fraud schemes. These schemes include phishing or spoofing, data breaches, and malware.
- Know your buyer or seller. If you don't know who you're buying from or selling to online, do some research.
- Update your antivirus software and antispyware programs. Most types of antivirus software can be set up to make automatic updates. Spyware protection programs prevent software from collecting information from you without your consent. If your operating system doesn’t offer free spyware protection, you can buy it at your local computer store or download it from the internet. But only download programs from a trusted source. Scammers may advertise downloadable spyware protection which could actually be spyware itself.
Don’t
Don’t keep your computer running all the time. Leaving your computer on for extended periods of time will make it more prone to spyware and other attacks from hackers and identity thieves.
Scammers use a variety of methods to try to steal your personal and financial information. They use trusted logos of legitimate companies when sending email. Or, they pretend to be a family member or friend, so they can trick you into giving them sensitive information.
What is Phishing?
In phishing, scammers use fake email, text messages, or copycat websites to steal your identity or personal information. Their goal is to get credit card and bank account numbers, debit card PINs, and account passwords. The scammer may say your account has been compromised or charged incorrectly.
When they contact you, scammers will tell you to click on a link in their email. Or, they’ll ask you to give your bank account number to confirm your identity or verify your account. Sometimes, they may even threaten to disable your account if you don't reply. Don’t believe them. Legitimate companies never ask for your password or account number by email.
Report Phishing Scams
Forward phishing email messages to spam@uce.gov or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Be sure to include the full email header of the fraudulent message. Learn how by searching online for the name of your email service and the words “full email header.”
How to Protect Yourself from Phishing
Here are some ways to protect yourself from phishing scams:
Do
Contact the company if you’re unsure. Don’t call the number or use the links in the email. Instead, find their legitimate website or check a bill or account statement for contact information. Tell a customer service representative about the email and ask if your account has been compromised.
Turn on two-factor authentication. This involves accessing an account or website online using your password and another piece of information. This could be a code sent to your phone or a random number generated by an app. This protects your account even if your password has been stolen.
Don’t
What Are Vishing and Smishing?
Vishing (voice phishing) and smishing (SMS text phishing) are similar scams. Swindlers call or text, pretending to be with a company you know to steal your personal information. They may direct you to call a phone number to verify an account or to reactivate a debit or credit card.
Report Vishing and Smishing Scams
If you receive one of these requests, report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). They’ll forward it to federal, state, local, or international law enforcement. Also, contact your credit card company. Tell them if you’re disputing unauthorized charges made by scammers on your card, or if you suspect your card number was compromised.
You could also become a victim of identity (ID) theft. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to learn how to minimize your risk.
