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Crime & Safety

Police: How to Keep Safe From Internet Scams

Cranford Police Department suggests caution while online.

Cranford is not unknown to Internet scammers.

In one Cranford case, a senior resident lost over $400,000 by making payments to scammers, while insisting she was going to receive a windfall.

"She accused police, bank officials, and family members of trying to meddle in her affairs and take control of her money before eventually realizing she had been scammed," said Detective Sergeant Gerard Quinn of the Cranford Police Department.

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Once a scam is discovered, it is nearly impossible to recover funds for the victim since many of the perpetrators are overseas. Here is information on some of the more popular scams:

Advance Fee Frauds
These are the most common.

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Scammers tell the victim that they are entitled to a large sum of money, perhaps an inheritance, unclaimed property, defunct company pension, and more, but first they must make a good faith payment to show they are a reputable person, said Quinn.

West African Scam
Another variation is the West African Scam, believed to have originated in countries on Africa's west coast, although many now come from Eastern Europe.

"A supposed foreign official requests assistance moving large sums of cash from a corrupt system and needs a victim's bank details to facilitate the crime for a 'cut' of the spoils," said Quinn. "Sometimes, the criminals will ask for up front payments to help bribe local officials or buy necessary permits."

Lottery Scam
In this type of scam, a victim is contacted by someone posing as a foreign lottery official and informed that they have won a large cash prize. 

"(They are told that) the 'official' needs a bank account to withdraw the appropriate taxes before payment can be made.  The ultimate goal is access to the victim's financial accounts and/or credit card accounts," Quinn said.  "Potential victims are often strung along with false promises, making payment after payment until they are cleaned out or realize the crime has occurred."

Safety Tips to Avoid Internet Scams
Here are a few tips to help you avoid being scammed via the Internet.

1.  Never transmit sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, social security numbers, credit cards, etc., via email. Email is not secure and may be intercepted. Most reputable organizations will never request personal information via email. When transmitting to a website (such as when making a purchase), make sure the website is secure. Although not a guarantee, many secure sites start with "https://" or display a locked padlock icon in the address bar or bottom notification area.

2. Never respond directly to emails that appear to be from your bank, credit card issuer, PayPal, eBay, etc. Scammers can and do send emails that appear to come from these sources, but instead direct victims to a "phishing" site where they are encouraged to reveal private account details. Some of these scams are deliberately alarming, warning that accounts will be closed or credit reporting agencies will be notified. If you feel an email is legitimate, close it and go to the financial institution's website by typing the name into your web browser, or call the institution by telephone. Do not click links in the email or call telephone numbers provided in the email.

3.  Beware when shopping online. Whenever possible, use reputable or well-established businesses that have a web presence. Web stores with no history, and no physical address or telephone number listed should be avoided. Research potential purchase websites, including using the online Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org/us.

4.  Set aside one credit card to use for online shopping. This limits the number of accounts exposed to potential fraud online. Many credit cards give the option of contesting fraudulent charges. Choose a card with an anti-fraud guarantee. Some cards will even extend the factory warranty on purchased products. Closely monitor all statements and accounts.

5.  Common sense cannot be overstated. Very few people want to make you rich at their expense, but many want to get rich at yours. If something seems to good to be true, it probably is. Even on the Internet, there is no free lunch.

Per Sergeant Quinn, if you believe you've had your financial or personal information compromised, immediately notify the affected account and place a fraud alert with the major credit reporting bureaus. It's also a good idea to file a report with the Cranford Police Department.

Additional information may be obtained from the FBI website at http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/internetshcemes.htm

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