Security Tips
As more people use the internet to find the best deals to buy
merchandise, they have also unfortunately fallen prey to internet
predators. These predators use classified ad websites to lure potential
buyers/sellers to locations. Once they arrive, victims are robbed of their
money or merchandise. These predators also use other internet scams
to take your money or identity.
Here are safety tips to prevent you from falling victim to these internet
predators:
SCAM AND FRAUD PREVENTION:
Deal locally; Avoid long distance or overseas transactions.
Never wire funds via money transfer services/money wire services -
anyone who asks you to do so is a scammer.
Never send money to a P.O. Box address
Beware of Counterfeit cashier checks & money orders. Banks will cash
them and then hold you responsible when the fraud is discovered weeks
later.
Never give out financial information (bank account number, social
security number, credit card number, etc.).
Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services and know that only a
scammer will "guarantee" your transaction.
Counterfeit (knockoffs) & stolen merchandise are commonly sold via the
internet.
INTERNET CRIME SCHEMES
Internet crime schemes that steal millions of dollars each year from
victims continue to plague the Internet. The following is a listing of some
of these schemes. For more information logon to www.ic3.gov & click on
the link Internet Crime Schemes for a detailed explanation of each
scheme.
Counterfeit Cashier's Check Credit Card Fraud
Debt Elimination DHL/UPS Employment/Business Opportunities
Escrow Services Fraud Identity Theft
Internet Extortion Investment Fraud Lotteries
Nigerian Letter or "419" Phishing/Spoofing Ponzi/Pyramid Reshipping
Spam
Third Party Receiver of Funds
ROBBERY PREVENTION:
Avoid personal meetings for money/merchandise exchanges.
If meeting in person is absolutely necessary...
Avoid locations that you are unfamiliar with.
Agree to meet in a public place with heavy pedestrian traffic flow .
Avoid going alone.
Tell someone where you’re going and when you should be back. Once
at the location, survey the area before you meet. If things don’t “look or
feel” right then leave. Trust your instincts!
Once at the location don’t agree to go to another location, it could be a
setup.
Remember, if it looks too good to be true it probably is!!!
Don’t become a victim!!!
For More in details about types of scam and how to protect yourself we
would like to suggest you pleases visti https://www.scamwatch.gov.au
here are some direct helpful links
Unexpected money
Scammers invent convincing and seemingly legitimate reasons to give
you false hope about offers of money. There are no get-rich-quick
schemes, so always think twice before handing over your details or
dollars.
Link- https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/unexpected-money
Unexpected winnings
Don't be lured by a surprise win. These scams try to trick you into giving
money upfront or your personal information in order to receive a prize
from a lottery or competition that you never entered.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/unexpected-
winnings
Fake charities
Scammers impersonate genuine charities and ask for donations or
contact you claiming to collect money after natural disasters or major
events.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/fake-charities
Dating & romance
Scammers take advantage of people looking for romantic partners, often
via dating websites, apps or social media by pretending to be
prospective companions. They play on emotional triggers to get you to
provide money, gifts or personal details.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/dating-romance
Buying or selling
Scammers prey on consumers and businesses that are buying or selling
products and services. Not every transaction is legitimate.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/buying-or-selling
Jobs & investment
If you are looking for a fast way to make money, watch out – scammers
have invented all sorts of fake money-making opportunities to prey on
your enthusiasm and get hold of your cash.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/jobs-investment
Attempts to gain your personal information
Scammers use all kinds of sneaky approaches to steal your personal
details. Once obtained, they can use your identity to commit fraudulent
activities such as using your credit card or opening a bank account.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/attempts-to-gain-
your-personal-information
Threats & extortion
Scammers will use any means possible to steal your identity or your
money – including threatening your life or 'hijacking' your computer.
Link - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/threats-extortion
