The FBI released the below report:
Shoppers looking for a good deal this holiday season should
also be aware of increasingly aggressive and creative scams designed by
criminals to steal money and personal information. According to the FBI’s
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), Florida again ranked second in the
number of alleged scam victims reported in 2015, with 20,306 consumers claiming
a total loss of over $94.5 million. This year, the FBI Jacksonville Division
wants local shoppers to be extra vigilant of the following schemes and red flags.
Online Shopping Scams: If a deal looks too good to be true,
it probably is. Steer clear of unfamiliar sites offering unrealistic discounts
on brand name merchandise or gift cards as an incentive to purchase a product,
as you may end up paying for an item, giving away personal information, and
receive nothing in return except a compromised identity. In addition, do not
open any unsolicited e-mails or click on the links provided. Before shopping
online, secure all bank and credit accounts with strong and different
passwords. The same should be done for airline and rewards accounts, because
the emergence of these offerings has led to an increase in the demand for and
resale value of stolen information.
Social Media Scams: Beware of posts on social media sites that
appear to offer vouchers or gift cards, even if it appears the offer was shared
by an online friend. Some may pose as holiday promotions or contests that lead
to participation in an online survey designed to steal personal information. In
addition, do not post photos of event tickets on social media sites as
fraudsters can use the barcode to recreate tickets for resale.
Smartphone App Scams: Some apps, often disguised as games
and offered for free, may be designed to steal personal information from your
device. Before downloading an app from an unknown source, look for third-party
reviews and be mindful that alternative app marketplaces can potentially
include stolen content and compromised versions of otherwise trustworthy
applications.
Work-From-Home Scams: Beware of postings offering work that
can be done from the comfort of home, as these opportunities may have
unscrupulous motivations behind them. Take caution when money is required up
front for instructions or products, or when a job post claims “no experience
necessary.” Carefully research individuals or companies before providing them
with personal information and never provide personal information when first
interacting with a potential employer.
Additional steps to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:
Check bank and credit card statements routinely, including
immediately after making an online purchase and weeks following the holiday
season.
Only purchase merchandise from a reputable source.
Don’t trust a website to be secure just because it claims to
be.
Do not respond to spam e-mails or click on links contained
within them.
Avoid filling out forms contained in e-mails that ask for
personal information.
Be cautious of all e-mail attachments and scan them for
viruses before opening.
Verify requests for personal information from businesses or
financial institutions by contacting them using the main contact information on
their official website.
Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of your
own country.
How to report fraud: Consumers who suspect they’ve been
victimized should immediately contact their financial institution and then law
enforcement. They are also encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI’s
Internet Crime Complaint Center regardless of dollar amount lost, and provide
all relevant information regarding the complaint.
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