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Cyber 911 Tiplines Scams and fraud
If something sounds too good to be true - then it probably is
One of our most important tasks is helping those who have been victimized online by scams, fraud and e-mail. ISPs tend to underplay the trauma, and real risks posed by e-mail scams, Internet scams and Internet fraud.
As a crime, Internet fraud is also often under-reported.
It's inexpensive and people can communicate anonymously. What better way to take advantage of others? In addition, many users are new to the Internet, and easily conned. But the old adage, "When something seems to good to be true, it isn't true" should apply even more online than in real life.
To learn more about the kinds of scams we encounter online, to learn how to tell a real e-mail from a hoax, or to report an online fraud, use the information in this section. And make sure you think before you click "forward"; thereby becoming part of the problem - by forwarding scams and hoaxes on to others you know.
Information from this section
- Advertising on online services - there are no "get rich quick" schemes
- Online auctions - Going . . . Going . . . Uh-Oh!
- Disaster-related scams - when criminals exploit the caring and the victims
- Nigerian e-mail scam - why would a total stranger want to make you rich?
Definitions, solutions and prevention tips from our online safety section
- Identity theft - when your personal data is stolen to commit theft or fraud.
- Phishing - tips for protecting yourself from deceptive e-mails.
Other resources available from our Web site[s]
- Chain letters - how to deal with them.
- Hoaxes, rumors and urban legends - how to tell the difference between a hoax and reality.
- Scam laws - what the law says about online scams
- Scams and fraud tipline - WiredSafety's Internet scams and fraud report form