Avoid Online Fraud

Even though it is usually safe and convenient to handle your personal and financial transactions on the Internet, you should still be continually aware of anyone who is attempting to defraud you of your money or steal your identity. Protecting your credit card information and personal information should always be of utmost importance.

• Get into the practice of carefully weeding out your email on a daily basis. Do not open any email that is not specifically addressed to you, has a strange subject line or appears fraudulent. If you open an email from a known company, do not fill out any financial information. Go to that company's website and call or send an email to find out if the email you received is valid. Do not fall for any of the emails that say, "The IRS has your Refund" or "Your Files Need to be Updated." If you receive an offer for an online newsletter that promises "great stock returns," talk with your financial adviser or attorney first before signing anything.
• Deal only with known companies for retail or mail order when you are ordering online. You definitely want a website that has a telephone number and address as a contact. Every site should have a privacy policy, which explains what information the company keeps on you and how it will protect your credit card information. If you have questions, call the customer service number first. If you need to sign up with a user name and password, do not use your birthday or anniversary date. Mix numbers and letters. Keep a notebook nearby where you list the different websites and the user name and passwords. Make a copy of the transaction page after making a purchase.
• void any "work at home" or "job success" emails or websites that ask for a fee upfront. These are scams. Do not provide your social security number or any other personal information to any employer until you know that it is a reputable company. You should receive a contract and IRS tax forms from the business once you have agreed to do the work. You will have an address and phone number of the company, so you can check with the Better Business Bureau or that state's consumer protection department to ensure reliability. Once you have begun to receive payments and feel comfortable about the organization, you can sign up for direct deposit of payment into your banking account.
• Check once a year with all three credit reporting agencies, which is free of charge, to make sure of your credit status and that no one has used your credit illegally. Also read through each credit card statement you receive to make sure you understand all payments. Sometimes you will sign up for a "free month" of a service. If you do not cancel, you will be charged thereafter. Close any bank accounts or credit cards that have fraudulent payments. Let your bank or credit card company know at once.