FBI Guidelines for Fighting Internet Fraud

Internet crimes are the fastest and the most dangerous crimes that are being committed these days. The crimes are usually all scams and frauds in nature and the only interest of the offender lies in breaking into another account by stealing their identity. Cyber crimes are also committed by those who use the internet to launch cyber terrorism. The FBI has its own special department to fight internet crime, but they believe that the most effective way of combating cyber crime is to create awareness among the masses. They have their own guidelines which they believe when followed by the masses would go a long way to protect them from internet crime.

• Internet Auction: Internet Auction is the latest in the vast number of crimes committed over the internet today. For those who are not aware about the technicalities of internet auction, can be easily taken in by the scammers. You might be blindly following the scammer’s instructions and you will only make their job easier if you do not know the ways of protecting yourself. FBI recommends that you first you try an get complete background information of the company which is holding the online auction. If you are not sure about the rules then approach someone who uses online auction services frequently and they can also guide you to locate authentic sites. Stay away from sites that ask for your personal information. Inquire fully about their shipping charges and the mode of payment. These should be looked into carefully because if the site is registered in another country the rules and laws may also differ.
• Non- Delivery of Merchandise: The first thing that you should enquire about is that whether the company you are dealing with is genuine and legitimate or not. Because in case it is not then you may be unsuspectingly dealing in authorized items which may be delivered to you and later you may find that they come from an illegitimate source and you may find yourself in deep waters if caught with such a product. Also you must have insist on having a physical address of the company and check whether it is authentic or not.
• Nigerian Scam Letters: Scam letters from Nigeria have become another cause for trouble. The mechanism that the offenders apply is to lure the user into paying them money in returns of higher gain, generally through online lotteries. The FBI recommends that you should completely ignore such e-mails and the people who have already shared their personal details with them have realized that they were the victims of internet fraud.