Tips for avoiding scams and fraudulent activities on the internet
Internet scams are getting common these days. By following these common sense
rules, you could prevent it and better protect yourself.
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Be suspicious! If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Don't trust anything that says "Guaranteed" if you don't know the source.
Only a scammer will "Guarantee" your transaction.
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Protect your personal information. Never give out
financial information such as bank account number, social security number,
eBay/PayPal info, credit card number, and etc. Share credit card or other
personal information only when you're buying from a company you know and
trust.
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Know who you're dealing with. Don't do business with any
company that won't provide its name, street address, and telephone number.
Deal locally with people you can meet in person. If you suspect of any
criminal or fraudulent activities, don't hesitate to report to the police.
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Never pay in advance for a transaction. Take your
time. Resist any urge to "act now" despite the offer and
the terms. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.
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Never wire funds via Western Union, MoneyGram or any other wire
services.
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Fake cashier checks and money orders are common. Banks will cash
them for you and then hold you responsible when the fake is discovered
weeks later.
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Avoid deals involving prepaid shipping or escrow services. You
don't need to pay anything in advance before coming to a closing table
especially in real estate transaction.
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Read the small print. Get all promises in writing and
review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.
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Never pay for a "free" gift. Disregard any offer that
asks you to pay for a gift or prize. If it's free or a gift, you shouldn't
have to pay for it. Free means
free.
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FindMyRoof.com is not and will not be involved in any transaction. We don't handle
payments, provide escrow services, guarantee transactions, endorse a
product or service, offer "buyer protection" or "seller certification".
Recognizing scams
Most scams involve one or more of the following:
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Inquiry from someone far away, often in another country.
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Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face with you before consummating a transaction.
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Deals that require you to pay in advance using Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, or escrow service.
OnGuardOnline.gov
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.
Federal Trade Commission
provides consumer alerts and tips on how to recognize and avoid scams, as well as advice on other consumer issues.
FBI Cyber Action Teams
provides resources and tips on how to recognize and avoid scams, conducts cyber investigations and more.
How to report a fraud or scam attempts?
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