Although cyber-crime is prevailing
and scams are always on the waiting list to entrap you, there are measures you
can take if you end up becoming the victim of an online scam. There is a lot of
information and assistance available for anyone who is concerned about Internet
fraud. If you become a victim against any online scam then there are different
governing agencies that will support you to fight back. Here are some resources
that may help you to avoid internet fraud and scams:
- The National Cyber Security Alliance
It works with National Homeland
Security and provides tools for everyone including individuals, families and
businesses who are concerned about frauds and wants to use internet safely.
- National Fraud Information Center
National Consumers League (NCL)
has innovated Fraud.org. NCL is a nonprofit organization based in Washington
D.C. It aims at giving the consumers the information they need to avoid falling victim to Internet fraud and telemarketing.
- The Business Software Alliance
BSA educates parents and children
about Internet frauds and safety. It also teaches about cyber ethics. The BSA
secures intellectual property and open space for fair market trading through
government relations, intellectual property enforcements around the World.
- GetNetWise
Internet Education Foundation has initiated
a public service project names as GetNetWise. GetNetWise offers the resources
that helps parents to learn and teach their children regarding online safety.
- The New Internet Crime Initiative by FBI
Internet Crime Complaint Center
(IC3) of FBI started a pilot program targeting online crime. The focus of the
program was to create a secure standard for sharing information and harmonizing
investigations between law enforcement agencies. The motive of this initiative
was to close the gap between the state and local law agencies and FBI.
The Internet Crime Complaint
Center helps law enforcements by becoming a platform to gather internet-related
complaints and to generate analytical reports based on local, federal, tribal
and international law enforcement. It also helps the state and federal
regulatory agencies to develop investigations based on data gathered by IC3.
The more complaints IC3 receives
from the public and law enforcement authorities, the more effectively law
enforcement can recognizethose who are responsible for Internet fraud putting
them behind the bars. If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim
of internet crime, you can file a complaint with IC3 against the cyber-crime
committed.
Whether you are the victim or a
third party, you need the following information to file a complaint:
- Name
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Web address of the individual or organization you think defrauded you.
- Specific details on how, why, and when you think you were defrauded.
- Any other relevant information you believe is necessary to support your complaint.
The offenders may be clever, but
at least we can stay alert on our part. Do not become a victim to someone
online. Be alert, be smart, and communicate when something does not seem right
to you and stay safe. If something wrong has been occurred then do not stay
quiet and raise your voice against the Internet fraud or scam that you have
faced.
