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Common Online
Frauds & Scams
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Software and Computers
- Beware how
you pay. Whenever possible, PAY BY CREDIT CARD. Credit cards are the safest way
to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if
you never get the goods or if the offer was misrepresented.
Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes
unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers
will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly. If the seller does not accept credit
cards, it would be best to shop elsewhere.
- Beware about
incredibly low prices or rebates. The goods may not exist at
all, be bootleg copies, or the seller may be on the verge of going
out of business and never deliver the promised merchandise or rebate.
- Beware of
limited details. A legitimate seller will give you all the
details about the products, the total price, the delivery time,
the refund and cancellation policies, and the terms of any
warranty.
- Beware of
pressure. Legitimate companies will be happy to give you time
to make a decision. It’s probably a scam if they demand that
you act immediately or won’t take “No” for an
answer.
- Beware of
unsolicited emails. They
are often fraudulent. If you are familiar with the company that
sent you the email and you don’t want to receive further
messages, send a reply asking to be removed from the email list.
However, responding to unknown senders may simply verify that
yours is a working email address and result in even more unwanted
messages from strangers. The best approach may simply be to delete
the email.
- Beware of
imposters. Someone might send you an email pretending to be
connected with a business or create a Web site that looks just
like that of a well-known company. If you’re not sure that
you’re dealing with the real thing, find another way to
contact the legitimate business and ask.
- Beware who
you’re dealing with. If the seller is unfamiliar, check
with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better
Business Bureau. Some Web sites have feedback forums, which can
provide useful information about other people’s experiences
with particular sellers. Get the physical address and phone number
in case there is a problem later.
- Beware if
personal information is requested. Don’t provide your
credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying
for something. Your social security number should not be necessary
unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if
someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an
account asks for information that the business already has.
Information on this website is provided by Chris Triolo, additional
information on internet Frauds and Scams can be found at www.FBI.gov or www.nclnet.org
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