10 Internet Fraud Tips

These top ten internet fraud tips covers online banking security, donation fraud, organization scams and location confirmation, including common sense tips that most people overlook.  Fraud and money scams travel along the internet highway each day. It's only wise to be cautious and prepared. It's easier to have the wool pulled over the eyes than it is to uncover fraud, but being prepared is the key to enjoying a better internet experience and avoiding internet fraud. 

1. Online banking. When an unfamiliar source asks for personal online banking information, including banking ID or password, it's a red flag. Never give out a social security number, ever.
2. Online applications. If it's too good to be true, chances are, it is. "Make money online without doing a thing" is a common ad in connection to internet fraud.  By the time an application has been filled out there is enough personal information to track down personal security answers to questions that may either lead to personal account hacking or online financial account entry.
3. Online donations. It's easier to give a donation than to figure out when a donation results in internet fraud. Stick to the well known organizations, and go to their websites your self. It is also wise to check and see just how much of the donation goes to the cause. Most organizations take out a percentage to pay for their efforts.
4. Donation centers. A well known organization or business should not have a misspelled domain. Chances are the domain name is hiding a scam.
5. Communications.  Buyer beware! Find out the website's delivery and shipping information before committing to a purchase. A plus would be a listed company phone number and a physical address rather than a P.O. Box address. You can also play it safe by checking the Better Business Bureau of the company's location for any complaints before purchasing. The result may expose potential scams.
6. Credit card fraud. One of the top internet fraud schemes consists of online credit card transactions. Only use a credit card for transactions from trusted websites. When in doubt, do without.
7. Out-of-Country.  Do not make purchases from companies outside the country. Internet fraud has been known to come from outside of the purchasers country. Always secure the location through a valid address that checks out with a valid phone number. Only send merchandise after an out-of-country purchase has been completed.
8. Financial promise. Auction sites tend to have potential buyers admiring a seller's merchandise. When the buyer wants to send the seller a money wire promise you should decline.  Never go by promises while conducting online business. Most of these false promises comes from long distances or outside of the country. Whether inside or outside your borders. never live by a financial promise.
9. Stolen merchandise. When purchasing a large item, such as a car or motorcycle, check the VIN number with the authorities first. This number will tell you whether or not the merchandise is stolen.  If any item, product or bulk order is in question surrounding the legal nature check with authorities before proceeding. Avoid legal issues, check first.  And again, when in doubt do without.
10. False Identity. Beware of false identity scams.  When emails from an unknown government official arrive, always use caution. If there are links attached to the email then spy ware may not be far behind, which can result in hackers seeking your personal account data. Never follow a link that tends to appear questionable. the best route to take is to follow links from well known sources.