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June 2001 Newsletter:
Fraud Against Consumers

"Wait a minute! It's only June!" could be your reaction to the topic for this month. Fraud, on and off the net, is not restricted to one week a year. Fraud is an everyday reality costing businesses billions of dollars every year. Every internet user is both a potential victim and potential fraudster.

National Fraud Awareness Week is August 5 - 11, 2001. The National Fraud Awareness Week website is highlighting the Twelfth Annual Fraud Conference and Trade Show held in sunny Orlando, Florida August 5-10, 2001. Seminars and sponsors are concentrating on the latest in detection and deterrence of white-collar crime.

Here are some helpful guidelines to avoid online fraud:

1. Be a comparative shopper. Know the typical market price for the item or service before buying. Consider extraneous charges such as shipping costs, return and cancellation policies. Like the old adage, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is".

2. Shop online with companies you know are reputable.

3. Avoid email offers unless you know the sender. Two prominent examples are the Nigerian scam and a stranger who offers you an unbelievable deal on the item you did not get to buy at an auction.

4. Try to use a credit card online instead of a debit card or a check. If you have a problem, file a  "disputed charge" form with your credit card issuer. This removes the burden of paying for the item while your dispute is being investigated.

If you or your company are a victim of fraud, you can contact the appropriate agency listed below:

for Consumer Fraud Against Businesses:  contact the National Fraud Information Center
for Internet Fraud: contact the Internet Fraud Complaint Center
for Internet Auction Fraud: contact the Federal Trade Commission
for Investor/Stockbroker Fraud:  contact the Securities & Exchange Commission
for Mail Fraud:  contact the United States Postal Service
for Medicare Fraud:  contact Medicare

For more information and links, visit Cyber Criminals Most Wanted's Shopping Guidelines, Consumer Fraud, and Investment Fraud pages.

Next month's newsletter topic will be Fraud Against Businesses.

Keep your eyes open!! Be aware of any fraudulent activites. Do not allow yourself to become a victim!! Talk to your friends, family, kids, co-workers about online fraud. It is the responsibility of each netizen to keep cyberspace safe.

Remember the basic rules of internet safety that considerably reduce your chances of an online problem. Refer to the Safety Guide for a quick review. Make this a family or office practice. Constant repetition will make this chore into an everyday practice. Have a wonderful and safe internet experience.