Spam Alert
Internet Spams
Here are a few tips for safe online shopping:
You might be about to step into a scam if:
- The deal seems too good to be true.
- The other party pressures you for a quick decision.
- The other party wants you to wire money.
You should slow down and be cautious if:
- You don't know the other party.
- You haven't researched the other party's credentials.
- You, or someone you trust, haven't inspected the item for sale.
You should stop if:
- A seller you don't know asks you to wire money, or a seller you haven't checked out pressures you to send a cashier's check or money order.
- A buyer wants to pay with a cashier's check or money order made out for more than the selling price of the item, and wants you to return the change.
- The other party suddenly requires you to change the terms of payment after you have already struck a deal.
And always remember:
- Never e-mail anyone your account numbers or social security number.
- Do not respond to e-mails asking for personal information, even if it looks like it came from a Web site you know or do business with.
- Do not click links inside of e-mails - use the address bar in your browser.
These are just a few of the ways Internet scammers try to con you when you're buying or selling online. Please see OnGuard Online for more tips on how to protect yourself on the Internet. 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.
