Protecting Yourself From Internet Outlaws (NAPSA)—When asked why he robbed banks, the notorious gangster Willie Sutton said, “Because that’s where the moneyis.” Sutton knew where the money was then and today’s criminal knows where it is now—the Internet. Usually it’s a safe place for consumers to do business, but swindlers also see this as a new place to do their business—fraud. As the scammers have gone into cyberspace to victimize Amer- ican consumers, a unique law enforcement/industry partnership has been created to educate consumers about Internet frauds. The Merchant Risk Council and major corporations Monster.com and Target have joined the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FBI’s and National White Collar Crime Center’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in this campaign. A new Web site, www.Looks TooGoodToBeTrue.com, offers consumers in-depth information on the latest Internet scams ranging from auction fraud to identity fraud, and from reshipping scamsto foreign lotteries. It also provides prevention tips to Web users, links to file com- plaints and you can order “Web of Deceit,” a free DVD on Inter- net fraud prevention. Consumers are encouraged to be on guard when they are online. Frauds can be avoided if consumers follow these simple steps listed below: Be suspicious of e-mails that appear to be from banks, online auction sites or other retailers. A New WEB sitTE offers consumers in-depth information on the latest Internet scams. Usually they will ask you to cor- rect mistakes in your account information or to provide other personalinformation. Never use a link in an e-mail to visit any Web site. Type in the address that you normally use to log on to thesite. If you have doubts, call the business on the telephone. You should always be able to resolve any issues with the customerservice representative if the company is legitimate. Only purchase goods and services from sites you trust. Software makes it easy to create Web sites and e-mails that look exactly like the real ones. Examine all offers carefully before purchasing. With the holiday shopping season upon us, the opportunities for fraud over the Internet are on the rise. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true— evenif it’s on the Internet—it probably is. For more information and protection tips, visit www. LooksTooGoodToBe True.com.
