Recognizing Internet scams: Most scams involve one or more of the following:
- An inquiry from someone far away, often in another country, or "too busy" at work
- Paypal, Western Union, Money Gram, cashier's check, money order, shipping, escrow service, or a "guarantee"
- Pick-up "Agent" or Inability or refusal to meet face-to-face before consumating transaction
- Failure, refusal, or inability to answer questions about their product
Craigslist - The best tip here is just to follow the Craislist Mantra: AVOID SCAMS BY DEALING LOCALLY - **Avoid: Wiring money, cross-border deals, work-at-home **Beware: cashier checks, money orders, escrow, shipping**
- Check out Craigslist Scams - ** More Info: http://www.craigslist.org/
about/scams.html
PayPal Scams - Yes Paypal, the trusted anonymous electronic payment site is the source of many scams!
Avoid Paypal Scams on Youtube! - Good
REMEMBER - Theft is often an issue of Convenience - Thieves want to get in and get out quickly
Biking in a Big City - Safety for your Cycle "Bike theft is a business is New York City" - NYPD Officer Early on in my City biking career I had my bike locked to a designated bike post in a busy area with an "unbreakable" cable lock for one hour. Needless to say when i got back it was no longer there. I was quite depressed. I learned from my mistakes though and have been riding high ever since. TIPS: 1) If you have a nice bike, its going to be targeted. Think about wrapping the bike so that the decals are covered, both on the fork and the frame itself. I know it goes against your desire to show off your sweet ride, but you know what the Greeks say about Hubris! 2) Locks - U locks don't work, they can be picked with a bic pen (See my video on the home page). They can also be popped with ease with a 2x4. Cable locks are easily cut with bolt cutters. The best locks are either the Master Lock street cuff with a heavy cable to secure the wheels or the New York Fahgettaboudit Kryptonite Lock with a heavy duty chain (which is a heavy combo). 3) Accessories - The rims, tires, seat and fork are targets as well. Don't forget to secure those with a lock. If possible switch out quick release pins on wheels with Allen bolts. Many people secure their seat to the frame with an additional lock to deter the quick snatch and grab. | Travel Tips - Safeguarding your Property 1) Keep your belongings within your sight at all times! We cannot overemphasize this. 2) Men - Carry your wallet in your front rather than your rear pocket 3) Try not too open your wallet or purse on the street in a crowded area. This problem arises when giving money to street performers or the homeless. If you want to give money keep a small sum in a separate area. 4) Taxis Tips - Only use authorized cabs ("Yellow" cabs) - Gypsy cabs (Often black sedans) can rip you off and even be dangerous! |
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
- New! FTC Video: How to report scams to the FTC
- FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
- FTC online complaint form
- Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
- Competition Bureau Canada: 800-348-5358
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center
- Software Piracy ( http://www.siia.net/piracy/report/)
- Non-emergency number for your local police department.