Online Fraud Detection on How and why people commit efraud Online Security Straight Talk: Be careful while sh | Page 2
Beware of solicitations from charities that don’t necessarily deliver on their promises or are illequipped to carry through on their plans. Resist demands for on-the-spot donations.
5. Phishing emails: Hackers use phishing emails to get your personal information or break into
your computer. Beware of e-cards where the sender’s name is not apparent and you are
required to share additional information to get the card; and for messages purporting to be
from companies like UPS, Federal Express or major retailers with links or attachments to
package tracking information. BBB Advice: Don’t click on any links or open attachments from
unsolicited emails that could download malware on your computer to steal your information,
especially from companies you don’t deal with. Email addresses that don’t match up, typos and
grammatical mistakes are common red flags. Make sure you have current antivirus software
and that all security patches have been installed on the computer.
Also beware:
Letters from Santa: Trusted companies do offer personalized letters from Santa, but scammers
mimic them to get personal information from unsuspecting parents.
• Grandparents scam: Be cautious of any call from family or friends claiming any kind of
emergency, such as, an accident, being arrested or in the hospital. Never send money unless
you confirm with another family member that it’s true.
• Temporary holiday jobs: Retailers and delivery services need extra help at the holidays, but
beware of solicitations that require you to share personal information online or pay for a job
lead. Apply in person or go to retailers’ main websites to find out who is hiring.
• Unusual forms of payment: Be wary of anyone asking you to pay for purchases using prepaid
debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These payments cannot be traced or
cancelled. Use a credit card for 0% liability.
• Free gift cards: Pop-up ads or email offering free gift cards are often just a ploy to get your
personal information that can later be used for identity theft.
• Social media gift exchange: It sounds like a great plan; buy one gift and get 36 in return. But
it’s just a variation on a pyramid scheme and it’s illegal.
For more information: Visit bbb.org/canton to look up a business, file a complaint, write a
customer review, report a scam with Scam Tracker, read tips, follow us on social media, and
more!