Internet Fraud
Scam artists in the U.S. and around the world defraud millions of people each year by using the Internet to trick victims into sending money or giving out personal information.
Types of Internet Fraud
Internet crime schemes target victims using various methods:
Internet auction fraud - This scheme involves the misrepresentation of a product advertised for sale on an Internet auction site, or non-delivery of merchandise.
Credit card fraud - Through the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card, or card number, scammers fraudulently obtain money or property.
Investment fraud - This is an offer using false claims to solicit investments or loans, or providing for the purchase, use, or trade of forged or counterfeit securities.
Nigerian letter or "419" fraud - Named for the violation of Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, it combines the threat of impersonation fraud with a variation of an advance fee scheme in which a letter, e-mail, or fax is received by the victim.