Most people find it hard to believe that they could become victims of fraud, but one should never underestimate the ingenuity of swindlers who make money by misleading others. State and federal laws and agencies have limited capacity to protect consumers from fraud on the Internet. The savvy consumer must stay alert to the possibility of fraud. The National Fraud Information Center offers the following suggestions for side-stepping fraud on the Internet:
Never reveal checking account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal financial data at any Web site or online service location -- unless you are sure you know where this information will be directed.
When you subscribe to an on-line service you may be asked for credit card information. When you enter any interactive service site however, beware of con artists who may ask you to "confirm" your enrollment in the service by disclosing passwords or the credit card account number used to subscribe.
Use the same common sense you would exercise with any direct or telephone credit card purchase. A flashy professional Internet Web site does not guarantee that the sponsor is legitimate. Know the company with which you plan to do business.
Report anything you see on the Internet that you suspect might be fraudulent. The National Fraud Information Center's toll-free number is 1-800-876-7060. Their mailing address is P.O. Box 65868, Washington, D.C. 20035. Their Web address is http://www.fraud.org
Your state Office of the Attorney General is empowered to investigate consumer complaints, including Internet complaints. They can give you information about any problems or concerns they have encountered with the business.
The Better Business Bureau can tell you if there have been any complaints or inquiries about a business and how it was resolved. Some online advertisements will have a blue-seal that you can click on to connect to the Better Business Bureau for a report on the advertiser's track record. The online Web site for the BBB is http://www.bbbonline.org
The Federal Trade Commission enforces several consumer protection laws that are relevant to computer transactions, such as false advertising and consumer credit. Suspicious actions on the Web, when reported to the National Fraud Information Center, are shared with the Federal Trade Commission and the National Association of Attorneys General. In this way, consumers join with state and federal agencies in actions to curtail fraud on the Internet.
Although many regulations and agencies have been established to protect consumers from fraud, the principle of let the buyer beware remains the consumer's best protection. Legal protections are limited, fraudulent activities flourish, and once money is lost in a fraudulent scheme the chances of getting it back are extremely small. Awareness of the possibility of fraud is your first line of defense.
The Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Consumer Credit has many other credit related brochures available. Call our toll-free number or write to the address on the cover for a copy of any of our listed or for further consumer credit information.
0 التعليقات:
Post a Comment