Online and Digital Scams

How It Works

Online and digital scams occur when fraudsters use the internet to trick people into revealing personal information or sending money. These scams often come in the form of phishing emails, fake websites, or fraudulent online shopping schemes.

Common Methods of Online and Digital Scams

• Fake e-commerce sites: Fraudsters set up fake websites to sell products that are never or only partially delivered after payment is made.
• Phishing: Emails or text messages that look like they’re from legitimate companies, asking victims to click a link and enter sensitive information.
• Tech support scams: Fraudsters pose as tech support representatives, claiming a computer virus needs immediate fixing, often gaining access to the victim’s device.

Warning Signs

• Unsolicited emails or texts asking you to click on a link or provide personal information.
• Phishing emails: Emails that appear legitimate but are designed to steal personal information. These emails usually include spelling and grammar errors and use generic greetings rather than your name.
• Fake websites: Websites that mimic legitimate sites to capture your personal or financial data. These sites usually include slight misspellings in the domain name and have outdated logos.
• Online shopping scams: Non-existent goods/services after payment.
• Investment/loan scams: Promises of high returns or favorable loans that are fraudulent.
• Offers that seem too good to be true, such as winning a prize or getting a product for a significantly discounted price.
• Receiving a message from a friend or contact that is unusual or suspicious, potentially indicating their account has been hacked.
• Requests for remote access to your computer, often under the guise of fixing a problem.
• False receipts received via email showing your purchase of software, such as anti-virus software, in the hopes you will contact them.
• Ransomware/malware: Malicious software that cuts off access to your own data or device and demands a ransom to regain access to your data or device.

Ways to Avoid It

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources, especially in unsolicited emails or texts.
• Use strong security software: Ensure your devices are protected by up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software.
• Verify before providing personal information: Always verify the legitimacy of websites and emails before entering sensitive information.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your online accounts to add an extra layer of protection.
• Monitor your credit reports
  • Obtain free credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com.
  • Regularly review your credit reports for any unauthorized inquiries or accounts, suspicious activities, or errors.

Ways to Report It

Online and digital fraud includes phishing, tech support scams, and fake e-commerce sites designed to steal personal information or money. Taking prompt and comprehensive action when faced with debt collection fraud can help mitigate any potential damage.

• Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
  • Online: Visit ReportFraud.ftc.gov to report the scam. Provide as many details as possible about the interaction.
  • Phone: Call the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) if you prefer to file your complaint over the phone.
• Report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
  • Online: Submit a complaint to the IC3, a division of the FBI.
  • This is especially useful for internet-related crimes.
• Report to your local law enforcement
  • Local law enforcement: Visit or contact your local law enforcement agency to report the scam.
  • Cybercrime units: Some law enforcement agencies have specialized cybercrime units.
• Notify Additional Federal Agencies (if applicable)
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): If it involves investment fraud.
    • Online: sec.gov
    • Phone: 1-800-SEC-0330
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): For telecommunication scams.
    • Online: fcc.gov/complaints
    • Phone: 1-888-225-5322
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS): For mail-related scams.
    • Online: uspis.gov
    • Phone: 1-877-876-2455
• Report to Social Media and Online Platforms
  • Social media: Report fraudulent activities to social media platforms.
  • Shopping sites: Contact customer service or use reporting tools on legitimate websites.
  • Payments platforms: If payment was made through a payment service, report the incident immediately to their customer support.
• Alert Your Financial Institutions
  • Notify your bank, credit card companies, or any financial institutions involved.
  • Request a replacement of any affected cards and monitor your accounts for unauthorized transactions.

Remember: Always remain vigilant and proactive in protecting your financial information.