Online Fraud Infographic

 

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Content Summary for Online Fraud Infographic

Fight Online Fraud

https://injurylawyer.com/consumer-fraud-lawyer/
1. 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.

2. 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-ups Even 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 Sites Remember 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.

3. Remedies

How to Report Online Shopping Fraud If 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-cm520388 http://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-monday http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0020-shopping-online https://injurylawyer.com/consumer-fraud-lawyer/