Learn About Internet Fraud

What is the risk in doing business on the Internet?

The Internet has become a popular media for e-commerce and online banking. As the business grows, scammers find ways to fool unwary users to submit personal and confidential details to fraudulent sites that misuse the information they get. Others hide their identity and tempt users to pay for goods and services they will never receive.

The main Internet fraud methods are:

• Pharming - A set of technical tricks that actually changes the destination of the URL that you see on your browser and directs you to an "undercover" site. In other words, you type www.mybank.com, you are sure you are accessing your bank, but you're actually entering a scam site.
• Sites "without identity" or with hidden identity - Sites that deliberately hide their ownership, making it harder to find the owner after a fraud has been committed at the site.
• Sites that collect personal or confidential information and do not keep the details secure - Sites that share your private information and email address with other sites for a profit.
• Spyware, Trojans & Key Loggers - Malicious software that tracks your use of the computer and sends the information to those who intend to misuse it.

What is phishing?

Phishing is a form of fraud rampant on the Internet. It's aim is to steal valuable information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, user IDs and passwords. To pull this off, Phishers create fake websites that are identical to popular legitimate websites that deal in E-commerce and Finance, such as banks, insurance companies and online stores. An email is sent to trick unknowing users to enter the fake site and submit personal details, such as security access codes and credit card numbers.

Who's in danger?

Everyone who uses the internet is in danger of falling prey to a phishing scam, especially those who conduct business or make purchases on the web.

But even if you don't make purchases or business transactions online, you can still get scammed! More and more phishers are targeting social security numbers and other basic identity information by posing as government officials.

For more information about Who's in Danger please read the article entitled: "Research reveals phishing hooks"

How can you stay safe?

Just by reading the information on this page, you've made yourself safer. Ignorance is key to a phishing scam. If you know these scams exist you're less likely to fall pray to them, though some fraudulent sites can fool even the best trained eye.

The safest thing to do is have someone watch-out for you. CallingID can keep you safe no matter where you go online by warning you when you access sites that falsify their identity. It can be downloaded here.

Worried about your loved ones safety? Inform them about phishing by inviting them to use the CallingID. Click Here.

What to do if you've fallen victim to online fraud?

If you think you've fallen prey to a phishing scam you should follow the steps in our Victim's Guide immediately.

How can you help keep your friends and family safe online?

Educate them about the dangers of phishing. Invite them to read this page or if you have your own website or blog, add a link to the CallingID Internet Fraud page and keep your readers safe!

Additional resources

• OnGuard Online provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
• The Anti-Phishing Workgroup is an excellent source of information about ID theft.