Content Summary for Online Fraud Infographic
Fight Online Fraud
https://injurylawyer.com/consumer-fraud-lawyer/- The Stats
31 Million: U.S. consumers who had credit cards breached in the US in 2014.$16 Billion: Defrauded from 12.7 million consumers.22%: Students who found out that they were defrauded - only after being denied credit or being told by a debt collector (3x higher than other fraud victims).18%: American adults who said they had personal information stolen online.14 Million: Fraud victims expected in 2018.
- Security Recommendations
Get Software Updates
- Install updates for Web browsers, email programs, and operating systems.
- Prevent the installation of fake updates. Download updates directly through the software.
Use a Reputable Antivirus
- Make sure your device has antivirus software installed and activated.
- Many threats come from malware, which steal payment information, identity or can harm your device.
Ignore Emails and Pop-upsEven with anti-virus software you are never completely safe. Follow these tips to keep you safe:
- Don’t click pop-up ads - they may contain malicious software.
- Be wary of Cyber Monday emails that include attachments.
- Delete or trash them – they may contain a virus.
- To check out a deal in an email, open the actual website by typing the URL into the bar.
- An email can be well masked - you could be clicking into a totally fraudulent version of a site.
Look for SSL Padlock Icon
- The SSL padlock icon ensures information is secure.
- The symbol should appear in the far left corner of your browser’s search bar.
- The URL in your browser, should show “HTTPS,” rather than just “HTTP.”
- Do not enter personal or payment info if you visit a site without the icon or HTTPS.
- Continually check the URL as you browse. Scammers can make mock-up pages to fool you into thinking you are on the right page.
Use Credit Cards or PayPal, but not Debit Cards
- For online shopping, use either a credit card or PayPal.
- Check your statements. If anything looks unusual, call your credit card provider or bank .
Important to Know:Debit cards: Funds removed from the card belong to you. Once stolen from your account, funds are gone. It is very difficult to recover.Credit Cards: Your account is charged for the amount, but funds are not taken from your bank account immediately. The credit card company may protect you from fraud.Keep Passwords Fresh
- Use “quality” passwords when shopping online.
- Check online guides to creating excellent passwords.
- Use different passwords for every account.
- Change current passwords you have already created to make sure they are effective.
- Change your passwords often, so they don’t remain vulnerable.
Shop with Familiar SitesRemember the saying “if it sounds too good to be true" - it probably is”.On Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday there will be many great deals online:
- Buy only from stores you know and trust.
- Be very wary of fraud,or poor service, return policies, etc.
Shop from Home or Secured Networks
- Shop from a trusted connection only – preferably one that is password protected.
- Public Wi-Fi are easy targets for criminals looking to steal personal information.
Don’t Divulge Extra Info
- An online store should only require your name, billing and shipping address, payment
info, or discount/coupon codes.
- If a site requests extra information stop the transaction immediately.
Read the Fine Print:
- Carefully examine and identify the exact brand and model number on sale.
- Avoid bait-and-switch ads with low prices that are not guaranteed to be in stock.
Fine print stating "quantities are limited" is a tell-tale sign of this tactic.Beware of Hidden Shipping Costs:
- Look out for advertised prices that do not factor in shipping and handling.
- Examine all shipping and handling costs before committing to any online purchases.
Track Your Orders
- In many cases, you will have order tracking information.
- If your order does not arrive when it should, contact the shipping company.
Did you know? If you are buying from a retailer with brick-and-mortar locations,you can check for the option for in-store pickup.
- Remedies
How to Report Online Shopping FraudIf you feel you are a victim of fraud you can file a complaint with:
- The Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint.
- Your state's Attorney General. Find the contact information at naag.org.
- Your state's consumer protection agency. Visit consumeraction.gov.
- The Better Business Bureau, http://complaint.bbb.org/.
- In complex cases, or cases involving large sums, you may consider legal representation.
- Keep in mind that lawsuits need to be filed before an impending expiration date, known as the Statute of Limitations.
Sources:http://www.nasdaq.com/article/credit-card-fraud-and-id-theft-statistics-cm520388http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/cyber-monday-how-to-avoid-scams-online-shopping/http://www.ag.ny.gov/press-release/ag-schneiderman-issues-online-shopping-tips-advance-cyber-mondayhttp://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-onlinehttps://injurylawyer.com/consumer-fraud-lawyer/