The growing number of online scams
is one of the top reasons why everyone must learn how to report a scammer.
Online users must know how to report online scams so they can do their part in
making the Internet a safer place.
Every year the amount of losses
incurred by victims of online scams is continuously increasing at an alarming
rate. This is the reason why it is important that all the online users work
together to fight any forms of online scam. To give you an idea about the top
grossing online scams, see the list below;
- Online Dating Scam
Online dating scam is one of the top
online scams where victims lose the most amount of money. This form of online
scam feeds on the illusion of romantic attachment between the victim and the
scammer. Dating site scammers are usually good at charming people, which allow
them to easily build a trusting relationship with their target victim. Once you
fall for their lies, they’ll begin using your relationship to keep asking for
favors such as money and other valuable items. Some victims take time to
realize that they’re dealing with a scammer, because they are so wrapped up in
the romantic illusion. By the time they realize that they have been scammed a
great part of their fortune is already gone.
- Investment Scam
Another top online scam that caused many
victims to lose hundreds of thousands is the investment scam. The most common
victims of this scam are retirees or pensioners who are trying to find ways to
extend the value of their retirement fund. Scammers often use high return
low-risk investment offer to lure unsuspecting victims to sign up. Once you invest, the scammer will continue to
keep making up lies about your investment, so they can squeeze you to send more
money. Once you refuse to invest more or begin to demand for the promised
return, the scammer will simply cease all communication and disappear with your
money.
Now that you are familiar with the top
online scams, you now proceed to the next step which is learning how to report a scammer. To give you an idea, check the details below;
How to Report A Scammer
- FBI’s IC3
The FBI’s IC3 meaning Internet Crime
Complaint Center is one of the most popular places where you can report a
scammer. IC3 offers an online platform where victims or witness of online scam
can provide details of a scam and how it was committed. The platform is
complete with guide questions to ensure that you don’t miss nay important
details on your complaint or report. IC3 then forwards the detail of your
report to the relevant authorities.
- SEC
You may also report a scammer to
Securities and Exchange Commission or SEC. However, they only accept reports on
investment scam. You can send your investment scam complaint via email, through
an online form, or by fax. The SEC will review the details of your report or
complaint and forward yo to the professionals in their office. These
professionals are in charge of giving you advice on how you should proceed with
your complaint.
- Local Authorities
Another place
where you can report a scammer is through your local police. The local police
can help investigate your case upon receiving your complaint. Afterwards, they
can give a recommendation on how you should proceed with your complaint. In
some cases, a class action lawsuit may be recommended, if multiple complaints
of the same nature have been filed against the same scammer.
The details above should give you
enough information so you can readily report a scammer in case you encounter
one.
