HOW TO REPORT ONLINE FRAUD, SCAMS AND THEFT

April 14, 2009 Sandy G.

From Kim Komando’s Tip Of The Day

The Web can be a scary place. Phishing scams show up in your e-mail inbox. Employment scams litter job search sites. Criminals attempt to steal your information with malware.

Every Internet user has to know how to avoid online crime. I’ve written plenty of great tips on this subject.  Check them out and you’ll be able to spot these scams.

But accidents do happen. Many smart, responsible people fall victim to online crime. Criminals are always innovating. And in some respects, we’re always playing catch up.

But to whom do you report online crime and scams? You can’t pick up the phone and call 911. Many criminals aren’t even in the United States. How can you help shut them down?

There is no Internet police force. But there are places to report online criminals. Some can take legal action. Others can shut down scams in different ways.

Scams on Google

Google works hard to keep scams and fraud out of its services. But a few things are bound to slip through. If you spot something, you can report it to Google.

Google’s most popular product is quality search results. But many people try to game the system. Scams can end up in search results. These sites could simply be spam. Or they can contain links to malicious sites. Some may even redirect you to other sites forcefully.

You can report these bad search results here. Include the exact query you used in the search. And you’ll need the URL for the search results page. Enter as much information as possible. It will help Google track down and remove these sites.

Google ads can be another tool used by scammers. These ads appear on thousands of Web sites (including this one). Sometimes inappropriate or malicious ads get through. If you spot one, report it here.

Bad business

If you don’t stick to reputable sites, shopping online can be dangerous. You can lose money and personal information to deceptive retailers. Once you’ve been had, dealing with them can be a pain.

Luckily, you don’t have to go it alone. Several agencies can help you resolve complaints. First is the Better Business Bureau. You can lodge a complaint here.  It will act as a mediator between you and the company.

Along the same lines, you should contact your state attorney general’s office. It has the tools to resolve your complaint. You can find a complete list of AGs on this site.

Report serious crime

Resolving a complaint is one thing. But more other authorities may be needed to investigate serious online crime. Report online crime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. It’s a joint operation between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. It tracks and investigates online crime. And it will forward your case to the proper law enforcement agency.

If you’re afraid your identity is at risk, take additional action. Identity theft is a huge problem. So, the credit bureaus have created tools to help. A credit freeze can save you a lot of trouble. Learn all about using this tool and more here.  

Fraudulent e-mail

You also need to worry about what’s in your inbox. Everyone receives spam and phishing messages. Don’t even open these. And certainly don’t click included links or reply to them.

Several programs can help you avoid spam. Try xTerminator, MailWasher or SpamBayes. All of these will reduce the spam you receive.

You can also forward spam to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov. Phishing messages are a more serious threat. This tip will show you what to do with them.

More ways to stay safe online:

• Be sure you’re giving to reputable charities
• Get free software to protect your computer
• Watch an e-mail scam in action

For Kim’s weekly Newsletter, Tip Of The Day, Cool Site Of The Day, News Of The Day, and much more, please visit Kim Komando’s site by clicking here.

***Please note:  I am not affiliated with Kim Komando or Komando.com in any way, nor am I receiving any compensation for this post.

~Sandy G.

Entry Filed under: CONSUMER INFORMATION,KIM KOMANDO,NEWS,SITE LINKS

2 Comments

• 1. Someone  |  July 16, 2009 at 7:01 PM

  Hello
  Sorry I had shared my contact details.
  But I wish to get advice from you. Their is a webhosting company in Bangalore India named manashosting.com
  This company had looted me and involved in crime. How could I report this company to every body.

  I just scanned the web and found various issues reported earlier
  you can also check them here
  http://www.mouthshut.com/product-reviews/Manashosting.com-925102697.html
  http://www.consumercourt.in/hosting/5355-manashosting.html
  http://consumer.admanya.com/reviews_ManasHosting_Web_Hosting-1189-0.html
  http://sachinkraj.wordpress.com/2008/01/03/manashosting-the-worst-decision/

  Now could you please help me fight this Fraud company. Kindly publish the post and make your users aware that this company is fake

  The question why I am doing this because i had been cheated by this company and I don’t want any body else should be cheated.Although I am taking serious action against the cheater company as they taken money and not renewed my domains.I looses my business due to their cheating.

  I had also reported to their registrar and also going to report ICANN and other international organizations regarding the subject. Kindly Help me.

  –
  Victime of Manashosting Fraud.

• 2. Dhir  |  July 30, 2009 at 7:49 PM

  Reply to above comment:-

  Hello dear friend,

  Same like you I have also expierince with Manas Hoting company.

  I have bought webspace from this SCAM comapny Manas Hosting.

  When frist I give contact details to them within minutes their Fu**ing sales person(woman)
  contact me to get purchase many times. After 2 days I have purchased webspace.
  But after that I have lot of problems with this “CHALU” people. i.e. control panel, domain regi., support etc.
  When I talked tech. staff, they are totally unproffessional ….don’t know basic ABCD of
  webhosting.
  They only ask to rise support tickets MILLIONS of times and still problem & problems.

  I urge all this post readers that STAY AWAY from this MANAS Hosting Fraud. You will loss your Money
  & time. Try to spred this to all over the net to save pepole from this Cheat company.

  .