Web Security Tips

In another nail to the heart of the internet security, the personal information along with Social Security details for over 100,000 doctors in Wausau Wisconsin were posted online for two months before anybody even noticed and took action. This seems to be the norm of today’s internet, where information is available to mostly everybody without knowing the impact and consequences of such errors. The error was blamed partly on human error and a software glitch which was to be corrected as soon as possible. The company, Health Net Federal Services(HNFS) who unwittingly posted the information online has accepted responsibility and has agreed to pay for a year’s credit monitoring for all 103,000 doctors who had private and confidential information posted publicly. This raises the concern up another notch for the way information is handled and treated which should be with utmost care and security. Such incidents, like the ones in the UK with the missing disks and UK driver’s data, they are all signs of the need for better information protection measures as the US has been trying to enforce.

The FBI released A Parent’s Guide to Internet Safety to guide and inform parents with young children about the dangers that their kids may be exposed to online. Malicious individuals may used the Internet to lure children into various situations either online or face-to-face without parents finding out until it is too late. These incidents can be avoided with vigilance and monitoring. Sex offenders are not always male or old as stereotypes portray them. Adolescents may be curious about sexuality and use the Internet to explore this. In the next post, we will find out the warning signs of online risk behavior.

The IC3 does not conduct investigations itself. As such, other agencies may open investigations when necessary. Remember to keep all the original documentary evidence with you. These can include checks, invoices and receipts, chat or email printouts, and webpage printouts or electronic copies. In case of urgent complaints or threats sent online, alert your local or state police, as it is not assured that time-sensitive information can be responded to immediately. Terrorist information should be sent to the FBI, which can be contacted online through its online tipping system. For spam emails, copy and paste the entire email, including the header to the IC3.

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Victims of Internet fraud should approach the authorities and file a complaint immediately. A third party may also file a complaint. In either case, it is important to give as much detail as possible and to give all the documentary evidence. Internet crime refers to any illegal activity on the Internet, including email and chat. For crimes in which at least one of the two parties (fraudster and defrauded) is in the United States, the complaint can be made with ic3.gov. After submitting the complaint online, you will receive an ID and password for your case so that you can add information. Once received by the IC3, complaints cannot be canceled.

If you find yourself victimized or targeted by Internet criminals, there are different ways to take action depending on the country and state laws. There are many avenues for airing complaints. One such organization is the Internet Crime Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. There are many forms of cyber crime including the violation of Intellectual Property Rights, Hacking, Espionage, Extortion, International Money Laundering, and Identity Theft. The IC3 provides the reporting mechanism and refers the complaints to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for investigation. It maintains ties with regulatory bodies to stay vigilant about new forms of cyber crime and keep a proactive stance in fighting it.

Online auctions offer just about every product imaginable. Although there are legitimate sellers, there is a danger that products may be misrepresented or not delivered. The Internet Crime Complaint Center shares the tell-tale signs of potential online auction fraud to Internet users.

Beware of a seller posing as a United States resident who then sends an email saying that he is overseas or asks for money under a different name. The fund requests are usually through Western Union, MoneyGram or wire transfers, and therefore cannot be recovered.

On the seller side, be wary of buyers who request for shipping to another country through ways that avoid customs or duties, and for credit card purchases where the cardholder’s address is not the shipping address. The authorization of the cardholder should always be obtained first.

The National Consumers League lists the different types of Internet scams. While there are legitimate operators in these sectors, there schemes have been reported as the modus operandi of Internet fraudsters.

• Advance fee loans
• Business opportunities and franchises
• Charity scams
• Credit card loss protection
• Fake check scams
• Information/Adult services
• Investment scams
• Magazine sales
• Nigerian money offers
• Prizes and sweepstakes
• Pyramids and Multilevel marketing
• Travel fraud
• Bogus credit card offers
• Buyers clubs
• Computer equipment and software
• Credit card repair
• General merchandise sales
• Internet access services
• Job scams
• Medicare Rx discount card scams
• Online auctions
• Phishing
• Scholarship scams
• Work-at-home scams

Report Internet fraud through the National Fraud Information Center’s toll-free number 1-800-876-7060.

Here are more tips from the Internet Fraud Watch specifically for identity theft, which is a real concern both online and offline.

• Give your credit card or bank account number only when your are paying a secure site. Do not email credit card numbers.
• Don’t provide your social security number unless it is clear why you need to give it. Ask if you can give an alternate number, whenever possible.
• Beware of impostors who can use fake websites and email addresses, pretending to be from legitimate companies.
• Do not keep sensitive information in your email, as you may not be the only person with access to your inbox.
• Avoid subscription to lists unless you trust the website.
• Ask for your free credit report. You are entitled to one copy every year.

Here are general tips on how to avoid Internet fraud from www.fraud.org. Online as in real life, it is better to be safe than sorry.

• Make sure the seller or charity you are dealing with is reputable and find out how they handle complaints.
• Do not believe promises of “easy money” because they are most likely scams.
• Make sure the details (total cost, refund policy, delivery time) are clear before proceeding to checkout.
• Do not give in to pressure if you feel that you are being forced to make a decision immediately.
• Think twice before giving out personal details, answering unsolicited emails and downloading from an unfamiliar website.
• Pay using safest way possible.
• Read user agreements.

The Fraud Center of the National Consumers League lists the top Internet scams of last year. Fake Check Scams make up 29% of all compaints, making it the most common scam. Second and third are General Merchandise and Auctions, or goods bought online that are misrepresented or not delivered. Although Nigerian Money Offers are only fourth, the average amount lost is the highest at $4,043.14. Other complaints are Lotteries/Lottery Clubs (mainly foreign), Advance Fee Loans, Prizes/Sweepstakes, Phishing (getting personal information), Friendship and Sweetheart Swindles, and Internet Access Services. It is interesting to note that while Friendship and Sweetheart Swindles are only 1% of total complaints, the average amount that is lost is a considerable $3,038.31.