Plushing

Plushing
Phushing is defined as identity thieves people stealing other people's personal information to use for illegal purposes. ID thieves trick people into providing their SSN, account numbers, PIN numbers and other peronal information.

Watch out for “phishy” emails. The most common form of phishing is emails pretending to be from a legitimate retailer, bank, organization, or government agency. The sender asks to “confirm” your personal information for some made-up reason: your account is about to be closed, an order for something has been placed in your name, or your information has been lost because of a computer problem. Another tactic phishers use is to say they’re from the fraud departments of well-known companies and ask to verify your information because they suspect you may be a victim of identity theft! In one case, a phisher claimed to be from a state lottery commission and requested people’s banking information to deposit their “winnings” in their accounts. Don’t click on links within emails that ask for your personal information. Fraudsters use these links to lure people to phony Web sites that looks just like the real sites of the company, organization, or agency they’re impersonating. If you follow the instructions and enter your personal information on the Web site, you’ll deliver it directly into the hands of identity thieves. To check whether the message is really from the company or agency, call it directly or go to its Web site (use a search engine to find it).

Beware of “pharming.” In this latest version of online ID theft, a virus or malicious program is secretly planted in your computer and hijacks your Web browser. When you type in the address of a legitimate Web site, you’re taken to a fake copy of the site without realizing it. Any personal information you provide at the phony site, such as your password or account number, can be stolen and fraudulently used.

Never enter your personal information in a pop-up screen. Sometimes a phisher will direct you to a real company’s, organization’s, or agency’s Web site, but then an unauthorized pop-up screen created by the scammer will appear, with blanks in which to provide your personal information. If you fill it in, your information will go to the phisher. Legitimate companies, agencies and organizations don’t ask for personal information via pop-up
screens. Install pop-up blocking software to help prevent this type of phishing attack.

Protect your computer with spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall, and keep them up to date. A spam filter can help reduce the number of phishing emails you get. Anti-virus software, which scans incoming messages for troublesome files, and anti-spyware software, which looks for programs that have been installed on your computer and track your online activities without your knowledge, can protect you against pharming and other techniques that phishers use. Firewalls prevent hackers and unauthorized communications from entering your computer – which is especially important if you have a broadband connection because your
computer is open to the Internet whenever it’s turned on. Look for programs that offer automatic updates and take advantage of free patches that manufacturers offer to fix newly discovered problems. Go to www.onguardonline.gov and www.staysafeonline.org to learn more about how to keep your computer secure.

Only open email attachments if you’re expecting them and know what they contain. Even if the messages look like they came from people you know, they could be from scammers and contain programs that will steal your personal information.

Know that phishing can also happen by phone. You may get a call from someone pretending to be from a company or government agency, making the same kinds of false claims and asking for your personal information.

If someone contacts you and says you’ve been a victim of fraud, verify the person’s identity before you provide any personal information. Legitimate credit card issuers and other companies may contact you if there is an unusual pattern indicating that someone else might be using one of your accounts. But usually they only ask if you made particular transactions; they don’t request your account number or other personal information. Law enforcement agencies might also contact you if you’ve been the victim of fraud. To be on the safe side, ask for the person’s name, the name of the agency or company, the telephone number, and the address. Get the main number from the phone book, the Internet, or directory assistance, then call to find out if the person is legitimate.

Job seekers should also be careful. Some phishers target people who list themselves on job search sites. Pretending to be potential employers, they ask for your social security number and other personal information. Follow the advice above and verify the person’s identity before providing any personal information.

Be suspicious if someone contacts you unexpectedly and asks for your personal information. It’s hard to tell whether something is legitimate by looking at an email or a Web site, or talking to someone on the phone. But if you’re contacted out of the blue and asked for your personal information, it’s a warning sign that something is “phishy.” Legitimate companies and agencies don’t operate that way.

Act immediately if you’ve been hooked by a phisher. If you provided account numbers, PINS, or passwords to a phisher, notify the companies with whom you have the accounts right away. For information about how to put a “fraud alert” on your files at the credit reporting bureaus and other advice for ID theft victims, contact the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Clearinghouse, www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 877-438-4338, TDD
202-326-2502.

Report phishing, whether you’re a victim or not. Tell the company or agency that the phisher was impersonating. You can also report the problem to law enforcement agencies through NCL's Fraud Center, www.fraud.org. The information you provide helps to stop identity theft.

Get Rich Schemes and Fake Review Websites

Some websites are themselves scams; claiming to offer you a good deal, a warning about scam business plans or reviews of other websites and get-rich schemes. The overwhelming majority of the time, they are shams, actually promoting their own (or others) prices or products, which are terrible and at worst, they're identity thieves! Some use that a variety of convoluted businesses to skirt the laws and regulations, as many, if not most Multi-Level Marketing companies do, some are blatant rip-offs.

What Defines a Get Rich Scheme or a Scam WebSite?We all intuitively know when we are being conned or scammed, but there are some clear warning signs to watch for, that we use to define scam websites:

Hyperbole - The first and most obvious clue to this type of scam is hype. If the website uses exaggerated claims and hype phrases like "earn passive residual income", "for only pennies a day", "now you can get slim in just minutes" or "Get rich now!", "Earn big bucks in minutes per day!" you can bet it is a scam. A simple rule of thumb is if you see multiple dollar signs like "$$$", you can be certain that a scam is at work!

Hidden charges - When they offer something for free, but you have to enter a credit card to pay for "shipping and handling", watch out! Once they have your credit card number, they can bill anything they want to it. Of course, you can dispute it, but they've prepared for that; the fine print usually says that you have also agreed to try their product or service, and if you don't follow their complicate return rules exactly, then you've bought it.. something you don't need, didn't want and doesn't work, often for hundreds of dollars.

No details - They won't give, up-front, you the slightest clue about HOW you'll make all this money in no time and for almost no effort. Guess what? You have to buy their magic book of their secrets or sign up to their program! Ooh!

Bait-and-Switch: If the website's advertising, or domain name are clearly different from the intent of the website once you get there, it's a scam.

Misdirection - if you type in a web address, but it redirects to a different web address, that is usually a sign of a scammer.

Work at Home Scams

Know who you’re dealing with.
The company may not be offering to employ you directly, only to sell you training and materials and to find customers for your work.

Don’t believe that you can make big profits easily.
Operating a home-based business is just like any other business – it requires hard work, skill, good products or services, and time to make a profit.

Be cautious about emails offering work-at-home opportunities. Many unsolicited emails are fraudulent.

Get all the details before you pay.
A legitimate company will be happy to give you information about exactly what you will be doing and for whom.

Find out if there is really a market for your work.
Claims that there are customers for work such as medical billing and craft making may not be true. If the company says it has customers waiting, ask who they are and contact them to confirm. You can also ask likely customers in your area (such as doctors for medical billing services) if they actually employ people to do that work from home.
Get references for other people who are doing the work. Ask them if the company kept its promises.

Be aware of legal requirements.
To do some types of work, such as medical billing, you may need a license or certificate. Check with your state attorney general’s office. Ask your local zoning board if there are any restrictions on operating a business from your home. Some types of work cannot be done at home under federal law. Look for the nearest U.S. Department of Labor in the government listings of your phone book.

Know the refund policy.
If you have to buy equipment or supplies, ask whether and under what circumstances you can return them for a refund.

Beware of the old “envelope stuffing” scheme.
In this classic scam, instead of getting materials to send out on behalf of a company, you get instructions to place an ad like the one you saw, asking people to send you money for information about working at home. This is an illegal pyramid scheme because there is no real product or service being offered. You won’t get rich, and you could be prosecuted for fraud.
Be wary of offers to send you an “advance” on your “pay.” Some con artists use this ploy to build trust and get money from your bank. They send you a check for part of your first month’s “pay.” You deposit it, and the bank tells you the check has cleared because the normal time has passed to be notified that checks have bounced. Then the crook contacts you to say that you were mistakenly paid the wrong amount or that you need to return a portion of the payment for some other reason. After you send the money back, the check that you deposited finally bounces because it turned out to be an elaborate fake. Now the crooks have your payment, and you’re left owing your bank the amount that you withdrew.

Do your own research about work-at-home opportunities.
The “Work-At-Home Sourcebook” and other resources that may be available in your local library provide good advice and lists of legitimate companies that hire people to work for them at home. You may discover that these companies hire only local people and that there is nothing available in your area.

If you need advice about an Internet or telemarketing solicitation, or you want to report a possible scam, use the Online Reporting Form or call the NFIC hotline at 1-800-876-7060.

FTC Consumer Alert - Online Auctions

Online Auctions: Bidders Be Wary

Online payment and escrow services have become extremely popular in the Internet auction world - and for good reasons: Online payment services allow buyers to use a credit card or electronic bank transfer to pay sellers who may not be equipped to accept these kinds of transactions. Online escrow services accept and hold a buyer's payment until the merchandise is received and approved; then, they forward the payment to the seller.

But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is advising online buyers - and sellers - to be alert to phony online payment and escrow services. The consumer protection agency says that occasionally operators of these sites pose as sellers and buyers to improperly obtain money or goods.

How can you determine whether an online payment or escrow service is legitimate? The FTC offers these tips:

• Read the service's terms of agreement. If it's an online payment service, find out whether it offers buyers any recourse if sellers don't keep their end of the bargain, whether it prevents sellers from accessing their funds if buyers are not satisfied with the product, and who pays for credit card charge backs or transaction reversal requests.
• Examine the service's privacy policy and security measures. Never disclose financial or personal information unless you know why it's being collected, how it will be used, and how it will be safeguarded.
• Check out the online payment or escrow service's Web site. Sites that are of poor quality, say, with misspelled words, or that claim to be affiliated with the government are suspect.
• Call the customer service line. If there isn't one - or if you call and can't reach someone - don't use the service.
• Be suspicious of online escrow services that can't process their own transactions, but rather require users to set up accounts with online payment services.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau, state attorney general or consumer protection agency where you live and where the online payment or escrow service is based to see whether there are unresolved complaints against the service. Be aware that a lack of complaints doesn't necessarily mean that a service has no problems.
• Read Internet Auctions: A Guide for Buyers and Sellers.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit http://www.ftc.gov/ or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters Internet, telemarketing, identity theft, and other fraud-related complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

Emergency Information: What to do if you think you have been scammed!

Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated every day, so don't blame yourself. It is more important to act quickly to protect your information and identity. If you believe you have been tricked this way, assume that you will become a victim of credit card fraud, bank fraud, or identity theft. Below is some advice on what to do if you are in this situation in the United States:
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What to do, if...

If you have given out your credit or debit or ATM card information
Report the theft of this information to the card issuer as quickly as possibleMany companies have toll-free numbers and 24-hour service to deal with such emergencies.Cancel your account and open a new oneReview your billing statements carefully after the lossIf they show any unauthorized charges, it's best to send a letter to the card issuer describing each questionable charge.Credit Card Loss or Fraudulent Charges (FCBA).Your maximum liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your credit card is $50.If the loss involves your credit card number, but not the card itself, you have no liability for unauthorized useATM or Debit Card Loss or Fraudulent Transfers (EFTA).Your liability under federal law for unauthorized use of your ATM or debit card depends on how quickly you report the loss.You risk unlimited loss if you fail to report an unauthorized transfer within 60 days after your bank statement containing unauthorized use is mailed to you
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If you have given out your bank account information
Report the theft of this information to the bank as quickly as possibleCancel your account and open a new on
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If you have downloaded a virus or Trojan
Some phishing attacks use viruses and/or Trojans to install programs called "key loggers" on your computer. These programs capture and send out any information that you type to the phisher, including credit card numbers, usernames and passwords, Social Security Numbers, etc. In this case, you should:
Install and/or update anti-virus and personal firewall softwareUpdate all virus definitions and run a full scanConfirm every connection your firewall allowsIf your system appears to have been compromised, fix it and then change your password again, since you may well have transmitted the new one to the hackerCheck your other accounts! The hackers may have helped themselves to many different accounts:Check your eBay account, PayPal, your email ISP, online bank accounts, online trading accounts, Amazon.com and other e-commerce accounts, and everything else for which you use online password
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If you have given out your personal identification information
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. If you have given out this kind of information to a phisher, you should do the following:

Report the theft to the three major credit reporting agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion Corporation, and do the following:Request that they place a fraud alert and a victim’s statement in your file.Request a FREE copy of your credit report to check whether any accounts were opened without your consent.Request that the agencies remove inquiries and/or fraudulent accounts stemming from the theft.

Major Credit Bureaus

Equifax
To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 or write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285 and write: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241Hearing impaired call 1-800-255-0056 and ask the operator to call the Auto Disclosure Line at 1-800-685-1111 to request a copy of your report.
Experian
To order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) or write: P.O. Box 2002, Allen TX 75013To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) and write: P.O. Box 9530, Allen TX 75013 TDD: 1-800-972-0322

Trans Union To order your report, call: 800-888-4213 or write: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289 and write: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634 TDD: 1-877-553-7803
Notify your bank(s) and ask them to flag your account and contact you regarding any unusual activity:
If bank accounts were set up without your consent, close them.
If your ATM card was stolen, get a new card, account number and PIN.
Contact your local police department to file a criminal report.
Contact the Social Security Administration’s Fraud Hotline to report the unauthorized use of your personal identification information.
Notify the Department of Motor Vehicles of your identity theft.
Check to see whether an unauthorized license number has been issued in your name.
Notify the passport office to be watch out for anyone ordering a passport in your name.
File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Ask for a free copy of "ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen in Your Good Name", a guide that will help you guard against and recover from your theft.
File a complaint with the Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) The Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), with a mission to address fraud committed over the Internet.For victims of Internet fraud, IFCC provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism that alerts authorities of a suspected criminal or civil violation.
Document the names and phone numbers of everyone you speak to regarding the incident. Follow-up your phone calls with letters.
Keep copies of all correspondence.

Tips on How to Identify a Scam or Fraud

If the email, phone call, prize or lottery notification has any of the following elements, we strongly suggest it is probably a fraud and you do not respond to it. Below are some general tips to recognize scams. Detailed information can be found from the the website:

The name of the company is listed on this website somewhere.

The email matches one of the definitions or formats on this website.

The organization has no website and can not be located in Google.

The email or requestor asks for bank account information, credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, passport numbers, your mother's maiden name or other personal information.

The email or caller advises that you have won a prize - but you did not enter any competition run by the prize promoters.

The mail may be personally addressed to you but it has been posted using bulk mail - thousands of others around the world may have received the exact same notification. Especially true if you find an exact or similar email posted on this website.

The return address is a yahoo, hotmail, excite.com or other free email accounts. Legitimate companies can afford the roughly $100 per year that it costs to acquire and maintain a domain and related company email account.

The literature contains a lot of hype and exaggerations, but few specific details about costs, your obligations, how it works, etc.

The prize promoters ask for a fee (for administration, "processing", taxes, etc.) to be paid in advance. A legitimate lottery simply deducts that from the winnings!

The scheme offers bait prizes that, if they are real, are often substandard, over-priced, or falsely represented. Or, as part of the prize you can purchase "exclusive items" which may also be over-priced or substandard.

To get your prize might require travel overseas at your own cost (and personal risk) to receive it.

New Tips for Shopping Online

Here are some new tips for buying online.

1. Credit Cards the best way to go.

The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card. In the event something goes wrong, you are protected under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation.

When it has been determined that your credit was used without authorization, you are only responsible for the first $50 in charges. You are rarely asked to pay this charge. We recommend that you obtain one credit card that you use only for online payments to make it easier to detect wrongful credit charges.

Paying with a check leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud and sending a cashier's check or money order doesn't give you any protection if you have problems with the purchase.

Make sure your credit card is a true credit card and not a debit card, a check card, or an ATM card. As with checks, a debit card exposes your bank account to thieves. Your checking account could be wiped out in minutes. Further, debit and ATM cards are not protected by federal law to the extent that credit cards are.

2. Never Give Out Your Social Security Number

Providing your Social Security number is not a requirement for placing an order at an e-commerce web site. There is no need for the merchant to ask for it. Giving out your Social Security number could lead to having your identity stolen.

3. Don't give to much information

When placing an order, certain information must be provided to the seller such as your name and address. Sometimes, a seller will try to obtain more information about you. This information could be used to target you for "spam", direct mail or telephone soliciting.

Don't answer any question you feel is not required to process your order. Most web sites will mark which questions need to be answered with an asterisk (*). If a company require information you are don't want to give, leave the site and find a different company to do business with.

4. Keep Your Password Private

Most reputable web sites require the shopper to log-in before placing or viewing an order. The shopper is usually required to provide a username and a password. Never reveal your password to anyone. The best password has at least eight characters and includes numbers and letters.

5. Check the Web Site Address

Don’t click on any link embedded within an email. Instead, open a new page then type in the link’s URL into the address bar and press “Enter”.

Identity thieves send large amounts of emails to Internet users that ask them to update the account information for their banks, credit cards, online payment service, or popular shopping sites. The email may state that your account information has expired, been compromised or lost and that you need to immediately update your information for the site.

Some emails sent as part of “phishing” attacks often contain links to official-looking web pages. Up to five percent of recipients respond to them and becoming victims of identity theft and other crimes.

Remember, legitimate businesses don’t ask for sensitive information via email. Don’t respond to any request for your personal information that comes to you in an email. And never click on any link embedded within an email.

6. Print Copies of Your Orders

After placing an order online, you should receive an invoice that reviews your entire order. It should include the costs of the order, your information, product information, and the confirmation number.

Print out at least one copy of the page(s) showing the company name, address, phone number. Keep it for your records for at least the period covered by the return/warranty policy.

7. Shop in the Unites States

When you buy from a company in the U.S., you are protected by state and federal consumer laws.

8. Know the Shipping Policy

Under the law, a company must ship your order within the time stated in its ad. If no time frame is stated, the merchant must ship the product in 30 days.

Here are key shipping questions to ask:

Are there choices for shipping?

Who pays the shipping cost?

What does the site say about shipping insurance?

What are the shipping and handling fees, and are they reasonable?

Know the site's Cancellation, Return and Complaint Policies

Even under the best of circumstances, shoppers sometimes need to return merchandise. Make sure site has a reasonable cancellation and return policies.

Who pays for shipping?

Is there a restocking charge if you need to cancel or return the order?

Do you get a store credit, or will the company fully refund your credit card? If the site only offers store credits, find out the time restriction for using this credit.

Don't expect less customer service just because a company operates over the Internet.
Does the site list a phone number and/or e-mail address for complaints?

How long has the company been in business?

Will they still be around when you need them?

Is there a warranty on the product, and who honors that guarantee?

Use Shopper's IntuitionLook at the site with a critical eye. And heed the old adage, "If it looks too good to be true, it probably is."

Are there extraordinary claims that you question?

Do the company's prices seem unusually low?

Does it look like the merchant is an amateur?

Are there a lot of spelling or grammar errors?

Does the company's phone go unanswered?

The use of a post office box should send up a red flag, no physical address is cause for concern.

If any of these questions trigger a warning bell in your head, you will be wise to find another online merchant.

9. Be Wary of Identity Theft

As e-commerce becomes more common so will identity theft committed over the Internet. Scammers can obtain their victims information using low-tech means like dumpster diving, mail theft, or workplace access to SSNs. But they are increasingly using the web to apply for new credit cards and to purchase goods and services in their victims' names.

Check your credit card bills carefully for several months after purchasing on the Internet. Look for purchases you did not make. If you find some, immediately contact the credit card company and file a dispute claim.

Order your credit reports at least once a year and check for accounts that have been opened without your permission.

10. Consider Using Single-use Card Numbers

Consumers using some brands of credit cards can get “virtual credit cards,” or single-use card numbers, that can be used at an online store. The randomly generated substitute 16-digit number can also be used to buy goods and services over the phone and through the mail but can’t be used for in-store purchases that require a traditional plastic card.

With this free service, you never need to give out your real credit card number online. Among the card companies offering it are Citibank and the Discover card.

Additional Resources

Listed below are web sites that provide additional information about shopping online.

www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline Created by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide shopping tips for buying online prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs on the
web.

www.fraud.org The National Fraud Information Center, a program of the National Consumers League, m maintains information about online scams and lets you file complaints online.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/glblalrt.htm The Federal Trade Commission's online shopping advice.

www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/online/auctions.htm The Federal Trade Commission's tips on Internet auctions.

http://www.ic3.gov/ The FBI's Internet Fraud Complaint Center allows you to report suspected cases of Internet and e-commerce fraud.

http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com/ Federal law enforcement and industry task force helps prevent consumers from becoming victims of an Internet fraud schemes.

www.onguardonline.gov FTC, other federal agencies, and the technology industry offer advice on identity theft, phishing, spyware, spam, online shopping and more.

http://www.safeshopping.org/ Online shopping tips provided by the American Bar Association.

www.wiredsafety.org Provides assistance, information and education to Internet users including identity and credential theft, online fraud and hacking.

Internet Auction Fraud

Internet auction fraud

SCD6 Economic and Specialist Crime OCU is issuing warnings, as part of
a crime prevention initiative against on Internet auction fraud and
money transfer fraud. Often people, who become the victims of fraud
through on line auction sites, are often persuaded to send the money
fraudulently obtained from them through money transfer service
providers. This section of the fraud alert website aims to provide
advice that hopefully will prevent you from becoming a victim of such
frauds.

Internet auction - basics

Get to know the parameters set by the site - they are in place to
ensure user safety. Read the safety advice provided by the on line
auction site before trading. Never step outside of these or outside of
the site no matter how enticing the deal. Fraudsters will try to trick
you into doing this. Like any popular activity you must ensure you know
‘the rules of the game’ because ‘A little
knowledge is a dangerous thing’.

When looking at an advertised item compare pricing. Beware of people
offering you a deal below the current bid or reserve price, especially
if they are contacting you direct. Remember ‘If an offer
sounds too good to be true it probably is’.

Get to know the seller by looking at their selling history and the
goods they sale. Be extremely careful around the payment method used
for persons selling with little or no selling history.

Don't get carried away in the excitement of winning an auction.
Fraudsters rely on you being over keen and off your guard. It is never
too late to ask questions of a seller to ensure that you are completely
happy with what you are about to pay for. Do not follow through if you
think it is a fraud, report the seller to the site.

Finally, if your site offers ‘second chance’
bidding on an auction verify that any notification of you qualifying
for this ‘opportunity’ actually comes from the site
and not from a fraudster impersonating them. You can do this by
carefully checking the address from which the e-mail is sent or by
contacting the site via its published website (Beware of using any
hyperlinks or numbers attached to such a
‘notification’ as these may also be false).

"Always ask yourself, have I won the item, or have they won their next
victim?"

Internet auction – payment

Buyer:

Never use money transfers as a payment method whenever someone suggests
this to you, even if it is by the seller after you have
‘won’ the auctioned item or when approached to step
outside the on line auction site. There is little security in this, no
matter what the seller says, and you are effectively sending your hard
earned cash to a stranger ‘on trust’ alone. See our
Money transfer pages for further information.

Being extremely careful around direct banking transactions to pay for
goods. There is still little security in this area also, which
increases if the seller has no or little trading history with the on
line auction site you are using. You are still effectively still
sending your hard earned cash to a stranger ‘on
trust’ alone. There have been instances where people have
sent money to bank accounts and not received the goods. This has been
more prevalent when dealing with people with no or little trading
history on the auction site as a seller.

Use on the online payment options or a reputable ESCROW account to pay
for items. ESCROW is a payment system where both buyer and
seller’s financial details are held separately and in
isolation by a legitimate third party company acting as
‘middleman’. The buyer makes their payment into the
Escrow account. The payment is only made to the seller the goods have
arrived and been deemed satisfactory by the buyer. By doing so your
transactions will be better protected and often insured. Never enter an
Escrow account site through a link in an email sent to you by anyone,
as it has not been unknown for fraudsters to set up fake Escrow
websites. Use a search engine to locate the website or enter your
chosen Escrow site through it’s proper web address. Always
check the url shown in your web browser address bar.

Seller:

When a cheque is accepted for payment, please be aware that although
your bank or building society may after three days state that it has
'cleared', this only means that the money has passed between the banks.
You remain liable if the cheque that you have paid into your account is
forged or stolen, this may not come to light until the cheque is
received by the other bank or the bank account holder queries a
transaction on their account. This may take longer than you anticipate.
The money is then taken back from you account so you lose not only the
items that you have shipped to the 'Buyer' but also the money that the
buyer 'paid' for the goods.

A common trick that fraudsters use is known as 'Criminal Cash Back'
where a seller accepts a cheque for an amount higher than the value of
the transaction, often to pay a 'shipping charge' to the buyers
'shipping agent'. This is actually paid to another fraudster who
receives 'clean' money from you. You then find out at a later stage
that although the cheque paid to you has 'cleared', it is a stolen or
forged cheque, and you must pay the money back to your bank with no
hope of getting the money back from the bogus 'shipping agent'. See out
pages on Criminal Cashback pages for further information.

Internet auction – account security

Protect your on line auction account details as you would your own bank
account, whether it be your actual log in details and password to your
auction account or your payment account. Do not become a victim of
identity theft by revealing your name or account details. By aware of
phishing emails that purport to come from the on line auction or
payment site you are registered with, asking you to update your account
or re-enter your details because your account has be suspended. To see
two examples of a phishing emails purporting to be sent by on line
auction site Ebay, click on the link to example 1 and example 2.

There are a number of factors that will indicate this is a phishing
attack. In example 1 the following:

1. The email address, From: eBay Administration [admin@ebayz.com]
whilst looking like a genuine one from ebay is not correct as it reads
@ebayz.com instead of @ebay.com

2. Often these emails will contain links that sometimes take you to
pages on the genuine website to give it an appearance of being genuine.
But they also can take you to fake pages set up to represent the
genuine website.

3. The link to up date your records
http://cgi1.ebay.com/aw-cgi/ebayISAPI.dll?Update, whilst looking
genuine will take you a fake website, in this case
http://johtnanx.com.phtemp.com/eb/. Always check the url shown in your
web browser bar.


Always enter your on line auction or payment site through
it’s proper web address. Save this in your favourites. Never
be tempted to enter it through a link sent to you, especially in an
email, as it might lead you to a fake site and disclosure of your
personal information. If your on line auction or payment site provides
a toolbar down load that will advise you when you are on the genuine
site, consider using this.


Who to contact

If you believe you might be being set up as a target for fraud or have
been a victim of this type of fraud and need advice contact your local
police station. If you are a resident in Greater London area this link
will provide details of your local police station. If you are resident
outside the London area, the following link will provide you with
details of your local force website from which you can obtain details
of your local police station.

If you think you have information that might prevent or provide
intelligence on this type of crime, or you become the potential victim
of another type of fraud that we are not aware please advise the Fraud
Alert team by e-mail. Please note that we will not specifically respond
to emails, unless we have a need to clarify or seek further information
from the sender. This is due to the large number of emails we receive
daily and we hope that you appreciate the demands this places on the
team.

Hitman eMail Scam

Yet another email scam, but you could loose some sleep over this one.
From our friends at the FBI, I'm glad they keep us in the Loop.

Fire

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay the sender. It's a scam. FBI officials recommend you don't reply.

A new scam cropping up in e-mail boxes across the country is preying not on recipients’ greed or good intentions, but on their fears. The scam e-mail, which first appeared in December, threatens to kill recipients if they do not pay thousands of dollars to the sender, who purports to be a hired assassin.

About 115 complaints have been filed with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) since the scam emerged, according to special agent John Hambrick, who heads IC3. He said the extortion scam does not appear to target anyone specifically and that IC3 has not received any reports of money loss or threats carried out.

“This is a hoax, so do yourself a favor and don’t respond,” Hambrick said.

Replying to the e-mails just sends a signal to senders that they’ve reached a live account. It also escalates the intimidation, Hambrick said.

In one case, a recipient responded that he wanted to be left alone and threatened to call authorities. The scammer, who was demanding an advance payment of $20,000, e-mailed back and reiterated the threat, this time with some personal details about the recipient—his work address, marital status, and daughter’s full name. Then an ultimatum:

“TELL ME NOW ARE YOU READY TO DO WHAT I SAID OR DO YOU WANT ME TO PROCEED WITH MY JOB? ANSWER YES/NO AND DON’T ASK ANY QUESTIONS!!!”

Bill Shore, a special agent who supervises the computer crime squad in the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office, said recipients should not be overly spooked when scammers incorporate their intended victims’ personal details in their schemes.

“Personal information is widely available,” he said. “Even if a person does not use the Internet or own a computer, they could still be the victim of a computer crime such as identity theft.”

The extortion scam is a less subtle variation of some other e-mail scams designed to trick recipients into turning over money or personal information. Nigerian Letter schemes, in which recipients are offered the "opportunity" to share in a percentage of millions of dollars if they would first front some of their own money, are among the most prolific, along with phishing scams where recipients are asked in unsolicited e-mails to “update” their personal information.

The new extortion e-mails vary in style and content and generally contain misspellings and some broken English. But the underlying message appears to be the same: pay the sender or risk the alternative. A scam e-mail in December said as much:

“I have followed you closely for one week and three days now … Do not contact the police or F.B.I. or try to send a copy of this to them, because if you do I will know, and might be pushed to do what I have being (sic) paid to do.”

IC3 recently noted a new twist in the scam. Now e-mails are surfacing that claim to be from the FBI in London and inform recipients that an arrest was made in the case. The e-mail says the recipient’s information was found on the suspect and that they should reply to help further the investigation. This, too, is a scam.

The scams, agent Shore said, “are an opportunity to raise awareness about Internet fraud.” The best defense is to protect your personal information as best you can and to delete—unopened—unsolicited SPAM e-mail.

For more information on scams, visit our Common Fraud Schemes page. IC3 also has information on Internet crime schemes and prevention tips.

To report Internet crime, contact IC3 or your local FBI field office.

Online Auction Safety Tips - Buying Jewelry from Online Auctions - Auction Jewelry

Jewelry Auctions - Safe Buying Habits for Online Jewelry Auctions

From Carly Wickell, FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
Tips to Help You Choose Reputable Jewelry Merchants
You might have heard that Tiffany filed a lawsuit against eBay a few years ago, accusing the online auction company of profiting from the sale of counterfeit jewelry and other items that had been advertised by eBay sellers as genuine Tiffany merchandise. eBay has successfully fended off similar lawsuits in the past, so Tiffany might have a hard time collecting, but their accusation has helped publicize the problems that buyers face when they purchase products from an unknown seller.
It's true--buying jewelry and other items sight unseen from a total stranger can be risky, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from unscrupulous and uneducated sellers.
Study Seller Feedback ReportsOnline auction companies have buyer and seller feedback systems, where each party involved in a sales transaction can rate the other. On eBay, each item for sale includes a section that tells you the seller's total number of feedbacks and what percentage of them are positive. It also discloses how long they've been a member. That's a good start, but dig deeper:
Click on the number next to the seller's user ID to go to the feedback summary page.
Read the comments and view the timeline to find out if the member has been a regular participant.
Were most of the feedbacks the result of sales transactions--with comments from buyers? It's more difficult to get a feel for the person's performance as a seller if the majority of feedback is for buying transactions.
Are the feedback comments from numerous buyers and sellers? The more the better, since you want to make sure you are not reading the opinions of a small group of people (who could be friends).
Tip: The layout differs, but all popular online auctions have feedback systems.
Paying for Your Purchase
PayPal is a popular service that transfers funds to sellers without revealing your credit card or bank account numbers to them. PayPal offers fraud protection--read the details on the Web site.
Yahoo! offers a service called PayDirect. Read the details to determine if your transaction is eligible for fraud protection.
Most credit cards offer fraud protection by allowing you to dispute a transaction when goods are not received or are not as advertised.
Do not send personal checks to unknown sellers--you don't want your checking account numbers in the hands of someone you don't know. A money order is a better payment method for sellers who do not accept electronic funding (but payments made by check or money order are difficult to recover if you encounter fraud).
Escrow services are sometimes used for high-ticket items. You pay the service company a fee and they hold your funds until the item is received. The service then releases funds to the seller. There are fraudulent escrow services out there, so use one that's endorsed by your auction company.
Most auction companies recommend you never send cash or instant wire transfers to a seller. Neither of those methods offers enough tracking information to locate a dishonest seller.
More Auction Safety Tips
Check the shipping charges before you bid, because some sellers inflate shipping fees to increase profits.
Contact the seller to ask questions. Did the response come quickly? Did the seller answer your questions completely?
Read the seller's return policy.
Check the seller's physical location and remember -- international transactions are most difficult to police.
Buyer BewareSight unseen purchases from individuals are risky, no matter what steps you take -- always keep that in mind when you are bidding in an auction. Use common sense and try to verify what the seller is promising by doing some research using the details provided.
Compare photos of the item with other similar items for sale.
Did the seller provide photos of signatures or other markings to help verify authenticity?
Are there similar items for sale by other sellers? If so, how do prices compare? Are bidders shying away from certain sellers?
Does the seller seem to be knowledgeable about the item? Some people resell items they've bought without ever verifying that they are as advertised.
For more tips, read each auction company's advice for buyers.
If you don't feel comfortable about an item, don't bid. You can probably find the same thing locally or through a reputable, online merchant. Have fun, but don't take chances unless you're prepared to deal with the frustrations of a poor transaction.

Tips for Sellers from The Federal Trade Commission

Internet auction sites give buyers a “virtual” flea market with new and used merchandise from around the world; they give sellers a global storefront from which to market their goods. But the online auction business can be risky business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants to help buyers and sellers stay safe on Internet auction websites. Among the thousands of consumer fraud complaints the FTC receives every year, those dealing with online auction fraud consistently rank near the top of the list. The complaints generally deal with late shipments, no shipments, or shipments of products that aren’t the same quality as advertised; bogus online payment or escrow services; and fraudulent dealers who lure bidders from legitimate auction sites with seemingly better deals. Most complaints involve sellers, but in some cases, the buyers are the subject.Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, understanding how Internet auctions work can help you avoid most problems.

How Internet Auctions Work —
Rules of the Marketplace

Role of the Auction Site. Most Internet auction sites specialize in person-to-person activity where individual sellers or small businesses sell their items directly to consumers. In these auctions, the seller — not the site — has the merchandise, and often, the site will not take responsibility for any problems that may arise between buyers and sellers. Before using an Internet auction site for the first time, buyers and sellers should read the Terms of Use, and review any information the site offers.

Registration. Most Internet auction sites require buyers and sellers to register and obtain a “user account name” (or “screen name”) and password before they can make bids or place items for bid. Keep your password to yourself. If you share it, another person could access your account and buy or sell items without your knowledge. That could damage your online reputation — and eventually, your bank account.

Fees. Some sites require sellers to agree to pay a fee every time they conduct an auction, whether the item is sold or not. Other sites charge a fee only when an item is sold.

The Auction. Many sellers set a time limit on bidding and, in some cases, a “reserve price” — the lowest price they will accept for an item. When the bidding closes at the scheduled time, the item is sold to the highest bidder. If no one bids at or above the reserve price, the auction closes without the item being sold.

Some auction sites allow sellers to set a price at which a buyer can purchase the item without competing with other bidders. A buyer can choose to purchase the item for the price the seller has set, without bidding.

After the Auction: Arranging to Pay and Deliver Merchandise. At the end of a successful auction, the buyer and seller communicate — usually by email — to arrange for payment and delivery.

Phishing
Be aware of “phishing:” emails sent to you asking for your password or other personal information that look like they’ve been sent by an auction website or payment service. Usually, these emails are fishing for your information and are coming from someone who wants to hack into your account.If you get an email or pop-up message that asks for personal or financial information, do not reply. And don’t click on the link in the message, either. Legitimate companies don’t ask for this information via email. If you are concerned about your account, contact the organization mentioned in the email using a telephone number you know to be genuine, or open a new Internet browser session and type in the company’s correct Web address yourself. In any case, don’t cut and paste the link from the message into your Internet browser; phishers often make links look like they go to one site, but actually send you somewhere else.

Payment Options
Successful bidders can choose among many options to pay for an item they have bought on an Internet auction — credit card, online payment service (which often accepts credit card payments), debit card, personal check, cashier’s check, money order, or escrow service. Sometimes, the seller limits the types of payment accepted and posts that information in the auction listing. Many sellers require receipt of a cashier’s check or money order before they send an item. Higher volume sellers often accept credit cards directly. To protect both buyers and sellers, some auction sites now prohibit the use of wire transfers as a method of payment.

Credit Cards. Credit cards are a safe option for consumers to use when paying for items bought on an Internet auction: They allow buyers to seek a credit from the credit card issuer (also known as a “charge back”) if the product isn’t delivered or isn’t what they ordered.

Online Payment Services. Online payment services are popular with both buyers and sellers. They allow buyers to use a credit card or electronic bank transfer to pay sellers. They also may protect buyers from unlawful use of their credit cards or bank accounts because the online payment service holds the account information, not the seller. Many sellers prefer online payment services because the services tend to provide more security than, say, personal checks.To use an online payment service, the buyer and seller generally set up accounts that allow them to make or accept payments. Buyers provide payment information, like bank account or credit card numbers, and sellers give information about where payments should be deposited. In some cases, sellers do not have to create an account with the online payment service to receive funds. To complete a transaction, the buyer tells the online payment service to direct appropriate funds to the seller. The seller then gets immediate access to the funds. Most online payment services charge the seller to receive the funds, but some payment services charge the buyer.Some online payment services offer protections to buyers if the seller fails to ship the goods or ships goods that are not as described in the auction. Buyers should read the terms under which the protections apply. Usually, if a buyer uses a credit card to pay for goods or services through an online payment service, charge back rights are available to the buyer who uses the credit card. However, if the service considers the transfer of funds to be a method of sending cash rather than paying for goods, then charge back rights may not apply. If you cannot find out what will happen if you need a refund, or if you don’t understand how the payment service works from reading the website, find a different service or use another method of payment.Debit Card, Personal Check, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order. Many smaller sellers accept forms of payment that are cash equivalents. These sellers often wait to receive the payment (and may wait for a personal check to clear) before shipping the item. Buyers should use this type of payment only when they trust the seller. At the same time, sellers should ensure that checks and money orders they receive from buyers are legitimate before shipping the goods; they should be suspicious of checks or money orders for amounts that exceed the price of the merchandise. Unlike credit cards or some online payment services, cash equivalents (and wire transfers) cannot be reversed if something goes wrong.Wire Transfers. The FTC recommends that buyers not wire money (via a money transmitter or directly to a seller’s bank account) unless they know the seller personally or can verify the seller’s identity. Buyers should be suspicious of sellers who insist on wire transfers as the only form of payment they will accept. If something goes wrong with the transaction, you most likely will lose your payment and not have any recourse. In fact, to protect both buyers and sellers, some auction sites now prohibit the use of wire transfers as a method of payment.

Online Escrow Services and Bonding Services. For big-ticket items like computers, cars, or jewelry, buyers should consider using an escrow service or purchasing from a bonded or insured seller to protect their funds. The primary purpose of online escrow services is to protect buyers and sellers from fraud. Escrow services accept and hold payment from a buyer — often a wire transfer, check, money order, or credit card — until he receives and approves the merchandise. Then, the escrow service forwards the payment to the seller. The buyer pays the fee for an online escrow service — generally a percentage of the cost of the item.Before using an escrow service, both the buyer and the seller should verify that it is a legitimate, reputable company.Some sellers may state that they are bonded or otherwise insured against fraud. If a buyer intends to rely on a seller’s bonded status or the seller’s insurance to protect against fraud, he should investigate the legitimacy of the bonding or insurance company and then make sure that the seller really is a member of — or certified by — that company. If a problem arises with a bonded seller, the buyer usually has to engage in a dispute resolution process with the seller before being able to submit a claim to the bonding or insurance company.

Types of Fraud
Most people who complain to the FTC about Internet auction fraud report problems with sellers who:
fail to send the merchandise.
send something of lesser value than advertised.
fail to deliver in a timely manner.
fail to disclose all relevant information about a product or terms of the sale. Some buyers experience other problems, including:
“bid siphoning,” when con artists lure bidders off legitimate auction sites by offering to sell the “same” item at a lower price. They intend to trick consumers into sending money without delivering the item. By going off-site, buyers lose any protections the original site may provide, such as insurance, feedback forms, or guarantees.
“second chance offers,” when con artists offer losing bidders of a closed auction a second chance to purchase the item that they lost in the auction. Second-chance buyers lose any protections the original site may provide once they go off-site.
“shill bidding,” when fraudulent sellers or their partners, known as “shills,” bid on sellers’ items to drive up the price.
“bid shielding,” when fraudulent buyers submit very high bids to discourage other bidders from competing for the same item, then retract their bids so that people they know can get the item at a lower price. Escrow Service Complaints. Another type of fraud occurs when sellers or buyers pose as escrow services to improperly obtain money or goods. The so-called seller puts goods up for sale on an Internet auction and insists that prospective buyers use a particular escrow service. Once buyers provide the escrow service with their payment information, the escrow service doesn’t hold the payment: It is sent directly to the so-called seller. The buyer never receives the promised goods, can’t locate the seller, and, because the escrow service was part of the scheme, can’t get any money back.In some cases, a fraudster poses as a buyer and, after placing the highest bid on an item, insists that the seller use a particular escrow service. The escrow service tricks the seller into sending the merchandise and doesn’t send the payment or return the goods to the seller.

Fake Check Scams Target Sellers
Sellers can be victims of fraud when buyers send fake checks or money orders that are detected by the bank only after the seller has shipped the goods. A buyer might offer to use a cashier’s check, personal check, or corporate check to pay for the item you’re selling. Sometimes, the buyer sends a fake check or money order that exceeds the cost of the item that has been purchased. The so-called buyer (or the buyer’s “agent”) states that he made a mistake, or comes up with another reason for writing the check for more than the purchase price. In either case, the buyer asks you to wire back the difference after you deposit the check. You deposit the check, learn that it has cleared, and wire the funds back to the “buyers.” Later, the bank determines that the check is fraudulent, leaving you liable for the entire amount. The checks were counterfeit, but good enough to fool unsuspecting bank tellers.

Tips for Buyers...
Despite complaints of fraud, online auctions remain a fun, efficient, and relatively safe way to shop — if you act prudently. Here’s how:

Before Bidding
Become familiar with the auction site. Never assume that the rules of one auction
site apply to another. If the site offers a step-by-step tutorial on the bidding process, take it. It may save you frustration and disappointment later.Find out what protections the auction site offers buyers. Some sites provide free insurance or guarantees for items that are not delivered, not authentic, or not what the seller claims. Know exactly what you’re bidding on. Read the seller’s description of the item or service, and if a photograph is posted, look at it. Read the fine print. Look for words like “refurbished,” “close out,” “discontinued,” or “off-brand” — especially when shopping for computer or electronic equipment — to get a better idea of the condition of the item. Sometimes this information and other important terms are in a contract that may be found by following a hyperlink in the listing to the seller’s online store.Try to determine the relative value of an item before you bid. Be skeptical if the price sounds too low to be realistic. “Brick-and-mortar” stores and price comparison sites may be good for reality checks. Find out all you can about the seller. Avoid doing business with sellers you can’t identify, especially those who try to lure you off the auction site with promises of a better deal. Don’t trust emails alone. Some fraudulent sellers have used forged email headers that make follow-up difficult, if not impossible. Get the seller’s telephone number as another way to get in touch. Dial the number to confirm that it is correct.Some auction sites post feedback ratings of sellers based on comments by other buyers. Check them out. Although these comments and ratings may give you some idea of how you’ll be treated, comments sometimes are submitted by the seller or “shills” paid by the seller. In other cases, a seller may build up his reputation by selling many low cost items before making fraudulent sales of higher cost items.Consider whether the item comes with a warranty, and whether follow-up service is available if you need it. Many sellers don’t have the expertise or facilities to provide services for the goods they sell. If this is the case with your seller, be sure you’re willing to forfeit that protection before placing a bid.Find out who pays for shipping and delivery. Generally, sellers specify the cost of shipping and give buyers the option for express delivery at an additional cost. If you’re uncertain about shipping costs, check with the seller before you bid.Check on the seller’s return policy. Can you return the item for a full refund if you’re not satisfied with it? If you return it, are you required to pay shipping costs or a restocking fee? Sometimes the return policy is found in the listing, but other times you may have to access it by following a hyperlink in the listing to the seller’s online store.Email or call the seller if you have any questions. Don’t place any bids until you get straight — and satisfactory — answers.

When Bidding
Establish a top price and stick to it. This can help ensure that you get a fair price
and protect you from “shill bidding.” Don’t bid on an item you don’t intend to buy. If you’re the highest bidder, you’re obligated to follow through with the transaction. Some auction sites bar “non-paying” bidders, also known as “deadbeats,” from future bidding.Save all transaction information. Print the seller’s identification, the item description, and the time, date, and price of your bid. Print and save every email you send and receive from the auction company or the seller.

Before Paying
Protect your identity. Never provide your Social Security number or driver’s license number to a seller. Don’t provide your credit card number or bank account information until you check out the seller and the online payment or escrow service, if you’re using one, and ensure their legitimacy. Examine the online payment and escrow service’s privacy policy and security measures. Never disclose financial or personal information unless you know why it’s being collected, how it will be used, and how it will be safeguarded.Protect your funds. Know what form of payment the seller accepts. If the seller accepts only cashier’s checks or money orders, decide whether you’re willing to risk sending your payment before you receive the product. Never wire money to a person you don’t know or whose identity you can’t verify.If the seller insists on using a particular escrow or online payment service you’ve never heard of, check it out. Visit its website. Be suspicious of any site that is generally of poor quality with misspelled words or claims that it is affiliated with the government. Call the customer service line. If there isn’t one — or if you call and can’t reach someone — don’t use the service.Before you agree to use any online payment or escrow service, read the service’s terms of agreement. If it’s an online payment service, find out whether it offers buyers any recourse if sellers don’t keep their end of the bargain, whether it prevents sellers from accessing their funds if buyers are not satisfied with the product, and who is responsible for paying for credit card charge backs or transaction reversal requests. If the online payment service cannot recover the loss from the seller, it might try to recover its loss from you, using the credit card or bank account information in its file. To limit your exposure, consider reserving a separate credit card, stored-value card, or bank account to use just for your online transactions.Be suspicious of an online escrow service that cannot process its own transactions and requires you to set up accounts with online payment services. Legitimate escrow services never do this. Check with the Better Business Bureau, state attorney general, or consumer protection agency — where you live and where the online payment or escrow service is based — to see whether there are any unresolved complaints against the service. A lack of complaints doesn’t mean that a service doesn’t have any problems. Many scammers change their company names often.

Safety Tips for Deer Hunters

Yes it is fast becoming the season and I would like you all to return after the hunting season with great stories and no injuries. I've searched the net for safety and hunting tips and would like to pass them on.

Stay safe
Fire

Perhaps the most important aspects of deer hunting are safety and ethics. If no one paid any attention to these, hunting of any kind would be too dangerous to continue. That’s why it’s so important to stress these factors about deer hunting.

Hunting Safety Tips

Safe hunting is the responsibility of all hunters. Follow the tips listed below, and you will help make the outdoors safer for all.n Don’t rely on your gun’s safety. Treat all weapons as if they’re loaded and ready to fire.Never cross a fence, climb a tree or stand or jump a ditch with a loaded gun.

Never hoist a loaded weapon into a stand.

Never load or carry a loaded weapon until you are ready to use it. Always unload weapons before riding in any vehicle, including ATVs.

Watch your muzzle so the other fellow doesn’t have to.

Wear hunter orange so you can be seen. A blaze orange hat and at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waistlineshould be worn during all gun deer seasons. It should be worn at all times, not taken off once in the stand.

Keep guns and ammunition separately and in locked storage.n Don’t shoot unless absolutely sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Know the range of your weapon. Remember, even a .22 rimfire can travel over 2-1/2 miles.

Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting firearms.

Always be sure your gun barrel and action are clear of obstructions, and only carry ammunition specifically intended for the weapon you’re using.

Always carry handguns with the hammer down on an empty chamber.

Avoid alcoholic beverages before and during shooting.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return. If you move from one area to another advise someone.

Dress for the weather, take a compass and maps to prevent getting lost, and be alert for other sources of danger such as poisonous snakes.

Carry a flashlight while walking through the hunting area before or after daylight.

Hunting EthicsAs the hunter learns the basics of hunting safety, he must also develop certain responsibilities to the sport. An understandingof game laws, sporting codes and wildlife management are as important as handling a weapon safely.

All hunters must develop a code that make them good hunters. This code is called “hunter ethics.” As responsible outdoorsmen, we should always remember that hunting on someone else’s land is a privilege and should be regarded assuch. It only takes a moment to ask permission to hunt and even less time to close gates behind you and to show thoughtfulness for the rights of the one on whose land you hunt. Problems between landowners and hunters affect all of us when prime hunting land is posted by an owner who’s had enough of picking up trash, chasing livestock that’s wandered through open gates and examining damage caused by a small minority. Help prevent the posting of private lands by doing your best not to harm the welcome you now have to hunt on someone else’s property.

Ask permission every time you hunt. Hunt only where the landowner wants you to; keep safely away from his house, barns and livestock; and respect his crops. Be careful to never stretch or break any fences you cross, and latch gates securely after you pass through them. The most difficult job of the law-abiding hunter who respects private property is to report those hunters who damage it to the landowner or local law enforcement official. No one enjoys this task, but a lot of thefuture of hunting depends on the sportsman who hunts by the rules, working to eliminate the poacher and the selfish individual who abuses his guest privileges.

Protect your hunting privileges by making sure the landowner knows you appreciate his letting you hunt. That means sharing your game with him, sending him a thank-you- note and nowand then taking time from your hunting to help him out with his chores. And never forget, no matter who the host is, the “welcome” aspect is important to all hunters because it helps determine how much land will remain open for hunting. Always let your good manners show. Of course, ethical hunting doesn’t end with landowner relations. Always follow these additional rules of ethics anytime you’re hunting.

Obey all the rules of safety and insist that those around you do the same.

Obey all game laws and insist that those hunting with you do likewise.

Do your best to acquire marksman-ship and hunting skills thatassure clean, sportsman like kills.

Support conservation efforts that assure good hunting for future generations

Don’t be a slob. Keep your campsite neat, and don’t offend others by openly displaying your kill in camp or on your vehicle.

Pass along to other hunters,especially youngsters, the attitudes and skills essential to being a true outdoor sportsman.

Common Internet Scams & Warning Signs

Common Internet Scams

Most internet transactions are perfectly legitimate yet there are occassional reports of fraud or scams. There isn't a single, surefire way to identify fraudulent sellers or buyers. However, we've listed some of the warning signs of fraud below. Please note that none of these signs is a definitive indicator of a fraudulent seller. They are factors to help you identify high-risk transactions. Likewise, there is no guarantee that if a seller does not meet any of these criteria, it's a legitimate seller. If you are suspicious, it's a good idea to do some research. It is very important to remember that if something doesn't seem right, it probably isn't.

Warning Signs

Buyers who claim to be traveling abroad and offer to have their "agent", "business associate", "friend", or "shipper" complete the transaction. They may offer to pay by Cashiers Check for over the amount. This 'buyer' will claim to be trusting you to return the overage of funds. Banks will often cash these checks then hold you accountable for the funds once the check fails to clear.
Sellers who insist that you use Western Union or other money transfer services.
Sellers who reside in distant countries. Sellers that request money to be wired to Romania, Ukraine, Macedonia, Belarus, Pakistan, Russia, Lithuania, Egypt, Lagos, Nigeria, Colombia, Malaysia, Indonesia or Cameroon. tend to have a very high incidence of fraud. Unless you have a lot experience with international orders, you may want to decline to send money to these countries.

Sellers offering a Dog significantly below market value. This is often a scam to engage many people to send money for this non-exsistent dog. You will never receive the dog.
Sellers who request that a "shipper" be paid directly or sellers that state the Dog will be delivered directly to your door or destination. All Dogs shipped via an airplane must be picked up at the airport.

Sellers who state that you must send additional funds to get the Dog through customs.
Seller insists that you use an online escrow service other than Escrow.com. Before using any escrow service verify the company with the Better Business Bureau to insure the business has a satisfactory record.

Who should I notify if I suspect fraud?
Contact NextDayPets.com and the FTC.
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ifccfbi.gov)
Internet Crime Complaint Center (http://www.ic3.gov/)

Charity Folks | Online Auction | Terms and Definitions

Safety Tips from Charity Folks

We want your online experience to be enjoyable and worry free. Bidding to Give, Shopping and Banking online can be convenient and secure -- if you take a few simple precautions. Many e-commerce websites utilize state-of-the-art encryption and other security procedures to safeguard you and your money.

Here are a few suggestions to help you have a secure online experience:

If you suspect a website is not what it purports to be, leave the site. Do not follow any of the instructions it may present you.

Ask yourself if the information you are asked to provide makes sense for the activity you are engaged in.

If a site or e-mail asks for information that does not feel right, do not respond.

If you believe that someone is trying to commit fraud by pretending to be Charity Folks, please contact us immediately.

Be alert for scam e-mails. These may appear to come from a trusted business or friend, but actually are designed to trick you into downloading a virus or jumping to a fraudulent website and disclosing sensitive information.

Open e-mails only when you know the sender. Be especially careful about opening an e-mail with an attachment. Even a friend may accidentally send an e-mail with a virus.

Be careful before you click on a link that is contained in an e-mail or other message. The link may not be trustworthy.

Do not send sensitive personal or financial information unless it is encrypted on a secure website. Regular e-mails are not encrypted.

Do business only with companies you know and trust.

Be aware! Phony "look alike" websites are designed to trick consumers and collect their personal information. Make sure that websites on which you transact business post privacy and security statements and review them carefully.

Verify the address of every website, known as the URL. Make sure that the URL you want appears in the "address" or "location" box on your browser window. Some websites may appear to be legitimate but actually are counterfeits. Take a few extra seconds and type the URL yourself.

Look for the padlock symbol at the bottom of the browser window to ensure the site is running in secure mode BEFORE you input sensitive information.

Use strong passwords for your accounts. Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess, and use a different password for each of your accounts. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of lower case and capital letters as your password is case sensitive.

Make sure your home computer has the most current anti-virus software. Anti-virus software needs frequent updates to guard against new viruses. Make sure you download the anti-virus updates as soon as you are notified that a download is available.

Install a personal firewall to help prevent unauthorized access to your home computer, especially if you connect through a cable or DSL modem.

Log off. Do not just close your browser.

Monitor your transactions. Review your order confirmations, credit card, and bank statements as soon as you receive them to make sure that you are being charged only for transactions you made.

Immediately report any irregularities.

For additional tips on online security see the following websites:

http://www.bbb.org/alerts/Computer.asp
http://iisw.cerias.purdue.edu/home_computing/

Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Tips to Protect Yourself While Shopping Online

Use Companies You Know
Anyone can open a store online in minutes and be gone tomorrow. Make sure you either know of the store or you should research it. Here are some things to research before doing business with an unknown company.
1. Make sure there is contact information for the company (business name, address, and telephone number).
2. Compare this with information from the domain register
3. Check to see if there has been complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Attorney Generals.
4. Compare Prices Before Buying If the price is too low there may be something wrong like it is used or it may be a bait and switch deal.
5. Check the Return Policy Before You Order When shopping we all hope that we get what we expect but sometimes there are problems that arise with what we ordered. Check the company's return policy before you order online so you will know what to expect before you order. Some companies offer no returns and you may not want to do business with them.
6. Use a Credit Card Don't use debit cards to shop online - they don't offer the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act which protects you. If you have problems with someone using the card, in most cases you will only be held liable for $50 of the charges and you can protest a charge if you don't get what you ordered.
7. Print and Keep Information About Your Order, Print out information on your order when you place it and keep the copies. Also print out other information you may need such as return policies, company information, specific product information and warranty information.
8. Use Secure Passwords- Learn how to create a secure password that isn't easily hacked.
9. Trust Your Instincts- If It Sounds Too True To Be Good... It probably is!

Following these tips will help you to not get ripped off while shopping online.

Tips for Buying Online

The New Yorker Attorney General recommends the following:

1. Always make sure that a Web site is secure before providing any financial information, such as credit card or a bank account number. Secured Web sites use encryption to scramble your information as it is transmitted over the Internet. How do you identify a secured Web site?
Look for Web site addresses preceded by "https". For example,

Look for a yellow or golden closed lock or an unbroken key at the bottom of your browser window.

2. If you are still uncomfortable with providing your billing information through the Internet, ask the company about alternate methods of ordering, such as the telephone.

3. Whenever possible, consider paying by credit card, which offers additional protection in case of a dispute.

4. If paying by credit card is not an option, request that the goods be sent C.O.D. and make payment by check or money order, which is easier to trace than cash.

5. Consider checking with the Better Business Bureau local to the business for a reliability report. Information in the report includes the length of time the company has been in business, the company's complaint history and whether the business participates in BBB programs, such as dispute mediation.

6. While there is no denying the increasing popularity of online auctions, New Yorkers must exercise the same caution they apply to physical world transactions. Here are some points you should watch for when participating in online auctions:

Some online auction houses only act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers during the bidding process and do not get involved in arranging for shipment and payment. Be sure to ask about such arrangements in advance.

Online auction houses often will not resolve disputes. Consider using an escrow service, which can minimize your risk.

Keep copies of advertisements, descriptions, or auction site printouts for any product you purchase.

Keep copies of any correspondence you have with a buyer or seller (including e-mail).

Do some homework. Check out the seller before you purchase a product:
If the seller is a business, check with the Better Business Bureau nearest the seller for any complaints.
If the product is being offered by an individual, obtain and verify real world information (such as name, address and telephone number) with the seller's local telephone company.
Establish verbal contact with a seller prior to agreeing to purchase.
Check the "feedback" areas of online auction sites; often they're a good source for learning about other buyers' past experiences with a seller.

10 Tips for buying a gift online

Thinking about shopping and buying gifts online this year?

When shopping for a gift we, all want to get a gift that someone will treasure. What motivates a lot of people is trying to buy something we think they will love. We yearn for when they open up the present and have a pleased look upon their face.

Buying on the internet can be very tempting and fun because we can do it in the convenience of our home, with no standing in line, fast and easily. Often times we can find a cheaper price because there is not as much overhead. However, unlike a store, we can not touch and feel the product or take it home with us immediately. With millions of websites, how can consumers tell which sites are legitimate ones, especially when it is very easy to set up a site that is very professional looking ?

Pat McNulty, a fine art photographer, has come up with the following suggestions. He has had an online store for over six years and gives the following tips for shopping online for a gift.

1. Think of what the person you are looking for likes. I personally like to find gifts that are practical , or unique. But make sure you are thinking of things he or she will like and not just what you like. Don’t be afraid to ask them what they like. If you have time you can ask them to come up with a list of 5 things they would really like to have. This will take the guess work out.

2. Set a budget and make a list. Figure out ahead of time how much you want to spend for that special someone. Make a list of everyone you want to buy for with ideas you have thought to their interest and likes. Check the person off once you have purchased the gift for them. Since it is so easy to overspend, you don’t want to have the holiday blues afterwards.

3. Search. Do a comprehensive product search using your favorite search engine. Do not immediately place an order on the first site you find. Take your time and look at several sites before buying. When you find a site you like add it to your favorites, make a note of what you were looking at, and compare it to a few more sites as well as physical stores as well. You never know where you will find the best deal.

4. Compare. Look at testimonials from previous customers. If looking at a site like Amazon, evaluate the testimonials to see if it looks like one person wrote them. Be wary of a testimonial that looks too much like an ad. Get recommendations from friends or other websites that offer feedback.

5. Do you trust the site. Do not order online that does not identify with whom you are dealing and does not provide a valid email address, location and phone number to contact if there's a problem or if you have a question. A physical address is usually better than a PO box.

6. Money Back Guarantee - Do they offer a money back guarantee? A store should show they believe in their product by offering a money back guarantee. The guarantee should be a complete and immediate refund of your full purchase price. Look for any catches on the guarantee.

7. Shipping and returns: What is the shipping charge, and if you are not satisfied,what is the return policy? Do they give you a refund for the return postage, or does it come out of your pocket? Will they let you exchange your item? When returning items make sure you keep a receipt when you ship an item back. You can even get a signed confirmation that they received it.

8. Credit and Debit Cards. Pay using a credit card, since if you did not receive the item or if the item was not the quality you expected, the credit card can help you dispute the charge. Be careful with debit cards because not all debit cards offer the same protection as credit cards.

9. Secure online ordering. Make sure you are using a secure server. You can check this by looking for a padlock sign at the bottom bar on your screen, You will also notice that the site address will change from one starting with http to one starting with https. This indicates that your transaction is going over a secure server. A secure server is crucial because it ensures that nobody else can access your financial information.

10. Print out your order. Once your order is placed, print it out, and keep any terms and conditions in an easy to find location. Save the email confirming your order. Make sure you have the company’s contact information on your print out.

How to feel safe buying online

The Internet has become a very easy, convenient place to do your shopping. Buying online is the latest rave and is expected to only increase in popularity. It is still risky to buy online because of computer hackers trying to get on secured web pages, but with some of the tips below, you can protect yourself. Also, some hints on how to confirm that your items and quantities are correct.

The first step is to choose a company that you trust and respect. Purchasing from large companies that have been in business for a long time is a top priority. You want to make sure that they are reputable and stand behind their merchandise. If you buy from small companies that are new into the business, you may find they will not be as eager to please or willing to satisfy.

Next you want to check the companies return policy. Many companies’ return policies’ are different from in store to online buying. Confirm that they will accept your return or exchange if you are not satisfied with the product. See if the company allows products ordered online to be returned to your nearest store. This can be very helpful and save you shipping and handling fees. Larger companies will often offer this, where smaller companies will not even allow exchanges or returns. This is a very important fact because when you order online, products may be quite different than what you expect to receive.

Another thing to watch is if you are moved to a secured web site before the order is placed. You want to be absolutely comfortable with giving your credit card over the Internet. If you are transferred to a secured site, that confirms that you are safe to enter your credit card.
Larger companies will almost always take you to that site before you even enter your name where some smaller companies may not secure the site. This is something that you want to confirm over and over because if the web site is not secured anyone may have access to that personal information.

You want to make sure that the items that you have ordered are the correct size, shape, color, etc. Check through your items several times and yet again to confirm this. Check the billing and shipping address to be correct. Check the addition of the web page with shipping, handling, and tax. Make sure that you are aware of the delivery time and when the order will process and ship. Make sure to write down any phone numbers they offer and the order number that they offer you. This information is crucial to confirming an order.

After the order is placed, it is a good idea to re-enter the web site to check your order. Confirm everything that you already have to make sure the order was not edited. This will ease your mind and make Internet ordering a lot less stressful and make you feel more comfortable with the company. Go back and check on your order periodically to see the status and check the delivery. When it has shipped, look for tracking number information on your order. This is a good thing to have, in case you do not receive your package in time.

Overall, online ordering can be overwhelming and sometimes even scary, but it is the new trend and is expected to slow down actual shopping. Follow the few steps above and you can feel confident that your order will be delivered to the correct address, with the correct items, in a quick manner. Soon, you will be ordering your clothes, groceries, prescriptions, and toiletries online. Remember to stick with the large companies and watch for secured web pages.

Happy Shopping!!

Internet Fraud Prevention Tips

Internet Fraud Prevention Tips Buyer Safety, Seller Safety, Spoof Emails, Internet Scams, Report Suspicious ActivityQuick Tips:

#1Use extra caution if the price is unusually low. If an item is listed significantly below the manufacturer's suggested retail price, take extra steps to verify the seller's claims.

#2Be cautious with international Sellers. If a dispute arises in the transaction, United States laws may not apply to the international seller.

#3Traderonline and Trader Publishing Company suggests you use a reputable escrow service such as Escrow.com to provide a secure way to buy or sell your vehicle

#4Verify the Seller's Name, City, Email, and Phone. All should be easily supplied by seller.

#5Request Proof of ownership. Private parties selling a vehicle should be able to produce evidence of Title, Registration, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for cycles 1981 and newer.

#6Request Proof of Possession. Request information or photos only someone in possession of the items could supply. One example is a specific photo not common to web postings or auctions (such as the bottom of the engine, the actual VIN marked on the frame, or a close up of a specific part).

#7Be cautious when seller is offering Free Shipping. Shipping a motorcycle or other vehicle any distance can be costly and should be reflected in a higher then average price.

#8Educate yourself about online scams by viewing our information on Internet Scams.Buyer Safety:Email and Call the seller- If the phone number listed is not accurate, use added caution to verify the seller has possession of the item. Pay by credit card because you can often dispute the charges with your card provider if something goes wrong. Never send money orders, cashiers checks, or wire transfers unless the item is already in your possession and verified to be exactly what you agreed to buy.

Read all Quick Tips Seller Safety:

Do not agree to accept any overpayment requiring a refund. A known scam has the "buyer" sending you a counterfeit cashiers check or money orders for more than your asking price, then asking you to "refund" the overage (usually by Wire Transfer) before your bank discovers the forgery. Use only respected and reputable escrow and shipping companies.

Traderonline and Trader Publishing Company suggests you use a reputable escrow service such as Escrow.com to provide a secure way to buy or sell your vehicle. If the buyer suggests an escrow service, verify that it is a legitimate company. Be cautious with international sellers, if a dispute arises in the transaction, United States laws may not apply to the international seller.

Read all Quick Tips Spoof Emails:We advise you to be cautious of email messages that ask you to submit information such as your credit card number or passwords. Senders of spoof emails hope that unsuspecting recipients will reply to a request or click on a link contained in the email and provide sensitive personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or credit card numbers. We encourage you to:Use caution with responding to any email that asks for your personal information.Report suspected spoof emails quickly to take appropriate steps to maintain your account security if you think you've responded to a Spoof email with personal financial information. What if I've already provided information to the Spoof? Quickly complete these steps in the order listed.

1. Call your Credit Card company and tell them that your account may be compromised. Follow any instructions provided by your credit card company.

2. Call your bank and tell them that your account details may have been compromised and detail for them how this occurred.

3. Change your password on your email account.

4. Change passwords on the relevant sites. If you cannot log into your accounts, then the fraudsters may have already changed the passwords, go to the next step...

5. Contact the websites involved not only should you tell them that your account may have been compromised, but you should also include a copy of the email which led to the problem.

6. Make a report to the Police (yes, even though it is a time consuming process). We encourage you to review additional information about protecting your identity found on the Federal Trader Commission web site at:http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm

A known scam is sending counterfeit cashiers checks and money orders for above your asking price, with an agreement you will send (usually by Wire Transfer) your funds before the check clears your bank.

Spoof or "Phisher" emailsThese deceptive emails claim to be sent from respected or trusted web sites. The senders of these fraudulent emails hope that unsuspecting recipients will reply or click on a link contained in the email and then provide sensitive personal information such as passwords, social security numbers, or credit card numbers.

Identity Theft:Online and offline efforts to gain access to your private information such as credit card, bank account with the intent of stealing funds from as many locations as possible.
Other Resources:National Fraud Information Center (NFIC)A project of the U.S. National Consumers League, a private non-profit organization, which provides consumer information regarding telemarketing and Internet fraud and maintains a complaint database. http://www.fraud.org/Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC)

Internet Fraud Preventive Measures http://www1.ifccfbi.gov/strategy/fraudtips.aspFederal

Trade Commission (FTC)Information about "Spoof" or "Phishing" scams: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/phishingalrt.htm