The United States' Move to Stop Internet Frauds

There are so many components of the Internet; email, message boards, chat rooms, and web sites. And any scheme or fraud that utilizes any of these components is known as Internet fraud. Fraudulent transactions using the Internet usually solicit victims or put in the proceeds of fraud to financial institutions.

Specific types of Internet fraud include: business opportunities such as work-at-home schemes, credit assistance, fraud and stealing of identity, investment schemes, credit card offers, vacation prize promotions, online auctions and retail schemes, Nigerian money offers, Internet access services, advance fee loans, health and diet scams, cable descrambler kits, and free goods such as long distance phone cards, computers, electronics and etc.

In an attempt to put a stop to Internet fraud, the US Department of Justice enforces Internet fraud cases all over the country and prosecutes individuals and groups engaged in any type of Internet fraud.

As a joint initiative between the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Advocacy Center, the Internet Fraud Initiative was created. The purpose of the Initiative is to provide details on the nature and scope of the problem, give training for prosecutors, and create a program of public education.

The Federal Trade Commission has the power to file civil lawsuits and bring them to federal district courts. The Commission, along with other state and federal agencies, surfs the Internet for sites that contain fraudulent claims. Site operators receive warnings from the agencies and the Commission. The Commission and its staff created consumers clicks that serve as warnings to people who respond to the advertisement.

Here are a few tips on how to keep safe in the Internet. To make sure that you and your personal and credit card information are intact, always keep your personal information safe and private. Always use a secure browser, especially when doing transactions. Be careful about communicating with someone online, especially when the person conceals his identity. Use a filtering software to screen out programs and protect your family from harmful and inappropriate sites. Do not use personal checks when paying bills online. Use a credit card instead. Review phone bills and other bills and inquire about charges that you do not recognize.

When conducting business online, here are a few reminders. If the offer sounds too good to be true, be on alert immediately. Never agree to advance fee demands. If you wish to invest, take your time and have the investment researched first. You an also have an attorney accountant review any proposed contracts. If there are earnings claims, request that they be put in writing. If a product promises to cure all, consult a health-care professional about it.

Now when you go shopping online, keep your password private. Try to get more information about the seller, especially when you are at an auction site. Shop only with legitimate companies and get all the details before you finalize transactions. You should only share credit card details with a company that you trust. Finally, use only your credit card to pay transactions and keep a proof of the transaction with you.