FBI E-Scams and Warnings Website
The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) continues to receive reports of individuals' e-mail or social networking accounts being compromised and used in a social engineering scam to swindle consumers out of thousands of dollars. Portraying to be the victim, the hacker uses the victim's account to send a notice to their contacts. The notice claims the victim is in immediate need of money due to being robbed of their credit cards, passport, money, and cell phone; leaving them stranded in London or some other location. Some claim they only have a few days to pay their hotel bill and promise to reimburse upon their return home. A sense of urgency to help their friend/contact may cause the recipient to fail to validate the claim, increasing the likelihood of them falling for this scam. If you receive a similar notice and are not sure it is a scam, you should always verify the information before sending any money.
If you have been a victim of this type of scam or any other Cyber crime, you can report it to the IC3 website at www.IC3.gov. The IC3 complaint database links complaints for potential referral to the appropriate law enforcement agency for case consideration. Complaint information is also used to identity emerging trends and patterns. ....More
Internet Crime Prevention Tips
Internet crime schemes that steal millions of dollars each year from victims continue to plague the Internet through various methods. There are preventative measures that will assist you in being informed prior to entering into transactions over the Internet. ...More
Internet Crime Schemes
Current and ongoing Internet trends and schemes identified by the Internet Crime Complaint Center along with its description. ...More
Internet Crime Complaint Center
Prior to filing a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), please read the following information regarding terms and conditions. Should you have additional questions prior to filing your complaint. ...More
How to Avoid Internet Investment Scams
The Internet serves as an excellent tool for investors, allowing them to easily and inexpensively research investment opportunities. But the Internet is also an excellent tool for fraudsters. That's why you should always think twice before you invest your money in any opportunity you learn about through the Internet. This alert tells you how to spot different types of Internet fraud, what the SEC is doing to fight Internet investment scams, and how to use the Internet to invest wisely. ...More
How to recognize phishing e-mails or links
Phishing e-mail messages are designed to steal your identity. They ask for personal data, or direct you to Web sites or phone numbers to call where they ask you to provide personal data. Sometimes phishing e-mails direct you to spoofed web sites. Here’s an example of the kind of phrase you might see in an e-mail message that directs you to a phishing Web site. ...More