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Scams/Fraud

Scams/Fraud

What are scams and fraud?

Scams and frauds are attempts and schemes to get you to reveal something to the perpetrator to allow them access to your information. This will then allow them to use the information to take your money or identity and use it for themselves.

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What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.

See the Section under Adults for more information.

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What is Phishing?

Phishing is a scam where Internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages to lure personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. To avoid getting hooked:

  1. Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. Don't cut and paste a link from the message into your Web browser - phishers can make links look like they go one place, but that actually send you to a different site.
  2. Some scammers send an email that appears to be from a legitimate business and ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." Because they use Voice over Internet Protocol technology, the area code you call does not reflect where the scammers really are. If you need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card.
  3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, as well as a firewall, and update them all regularly.
  4. Don't email personal or financial information.
  5. Review credit card and bank account statements as soon as you receive them to check for unauthorized charges.
  6. Be cautious about opening any attachment or downloading any files from emails you receive, regardless of who sent them.
  7. Forward phishing emails to spam@uce.gov - and to the company, bank, or organization impersonated in the phishing email. You also may report phishing email to reportphishing@antiphishing.org. The Anti-Phishing Working Group, a consortium of ISPs, security vendors, financial institutions and law enforcement agencies, uses these reports to fight phishing.
  8. If you've been scammed, visit the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft website located on our Links Page.

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What are Advanced-Fee Loan Schemes?

Advance-fee loan scams involve guaranteeing a credit card in advance for a fee before you even apply. These offers are illegal and often target people with credit problems. If someone calls you at home making this offer, tell the person not to call anymore and hang up.

Another thing to watch out for are deceptive ads promising debt relief, when in fact they are offering bankruptcy. Bankruptcy stays on your credit record for 10 years and hinders your ability to get credit. Before agreeing to any debt-relief services it's important to get all the details.

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Source: Federal Trade Commission

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