How can you protect yourself from online theft?
How can I protect my identity online?
- Protect your computer and smartphone with strong, up-to-date security software.
- Learn to spot spam and scams.
- Use strong passwords.
- Monitor your credit scores.
- Review your credit score.
- Freeze your credit.
- Only use reputable websites when making purchases.
- Stay alert.
How do online love interests get scammed?
The scammers transfer stolen money into the new account, and then tell their victims to wire the moneyout of the country. Victims think they’re just helping out their soulmate, never realizing they’re aiding and abetting a crime. Here are some warning signsthat an online love interest might be a fake. They ask you to:
What to do if you pay someone who you think is scamming?
Here’s what to do if you paid someone you think is a scammer or gave them your personal information. Did you pay with a credit card or debit card? Contact the company or bank that issued the credit card or debit card. Tell them it was a fraudulent charge. Ask them to reverse the transaction and give you your money back.
Is it OK to send money to someone you met online?
Here’s the real deal: Don’t send money to someone you met online — for anyreason. If your online sweetheart asks for money, you can expect it’s a scam. Unfortunately, online dating scams are all too common. There may be tens of thousands of victims, and only a small fraction report it to the FTC.
What to do if you get scammed on your computer?
If a Scammer Has Access to Your Computer or Phone Report a Scam to the FTC When you report a scam, the FTC can use the information to build cases against scammers, spot trends, educate the public, and share data about what is happening in your community. If you were scammed, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.