Consumer Fraud

Over one million Americans have been defrauded in the last year as a result of e-mail “phishing” attacks.  Phishing scams use e-mail and websites designed to look like those of legitimate companies to trick consumers into divulging financial and personal information such as account numbers, passwords, user names, Social Security Numbers, and other sensitive data.  

The invitation to visit the phisher-site is often delivered via e-mail disguised as a link to a familiar, trusted site.  The fake address bar that shows a legitimate address actually directs those who click on the link to an address that is noticeably different from that of a legitimate business.  Some versions of the fake address bar are programmed to track Web-surfing and to intercept transactions with legitimate sites.

Phishers also send out “official-looking” e-mails pretending to be a legitimate financial institution or credit card company.  These messages typically report an account problem or warn of a possible account fraud threat and request a direct e-mail reply. Either way, through address bar link or e-mail reply, the goal of the phisher is to convince the consumer there is an immediate need to update their financial information.

Don’t Get Lured In by Phishing Scamsters!

If you receive an e-mail from your financial institution, internet service provider, or any party requesting financial information, personal or other sensitive data:

n    Treat the e-mail with suspicion.

n    Do not reply to the e-mail or respond by clicking on a link within the e-mail message.

n    Report all suspicious e-mails to the LEGITIMATE business referenced in the message.

Helpful Guide to Online / Electronic Payments

According to Forrester Research, U.S. online retail sales will more than double over the next six years, reaching $316 billion by 2010.  The choices for how to pay and the terminology used to explain the different options can be confusing for even the most savvy shopper.
How Would You Like To Pay?

• Credit cards remain the most popular payment vehicle for online shoppers.
• Debit cards - which allow you to pay electronically with funds from your checking account - are increasing in use for online purchases.
• Stored-value cards allow you to transfer cash value to a card. Many retailers sell stored-value cards in place of gift certificates.
• "E-wallets" are online payment systems that either use some form of stored value or automatically access an account you have “linked” to your credit or debit card.

Make Sure You Are "Paying" It Safe

• Use a secure browser - Look for the "lock" icon on the browser's status bar, and the phrase "https" in the URL address for a website, to be sure your purchase information is secure during transmission.
• Check the site's privacy policy, before you provide any personal financial information to a website.
• Read and understand the refund and shipping policies of a website you visit, before you make your purchase.
• Keep your personal information private. Don't disclose your address, telephone number, Social Security number, financial account number, or e-mail address unless you know who is collecting the information, why they're collecting it, and how they'll use it.
• Give payment information only to businesses you know and trust. Never give your password to anyone online, even your Internet service provider. Do not download files or click on hyperlinks sent to you by strangers.
• Keep records of your online transactions and check your e-mail for contacts by merchants with whom you're doing business.
• Review your monthly credit card and bank statements promptly and thoroughly for any errors or unauthorized purchases.
• Report suspected errors or problems immediately to assure you are protected and any errors or problems are resolved as quickly as possible.
• Notify your credit or debit card issuer immediately if your card(s) or checkbook are lost or stolen, or if you suspect someone is using your accounts without your permission.