It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that Internet scams and their financial toll continued to grow in 2008 according to information released by Internet Crime Complaint Center. The organization collects and refers complaints about Internet fraud through its web site. The Internet Crime Complaint Center works in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.
The report states that last year more than $264 million was lost in 275,284 complaints. The average cost per compliant was $931. These figures represent a 33 percent increase in complaints and a $25 million increase in losses over 2007.
The biggest source of the complaints were from non-delivery of merchandise purchased on line – auction fraud.
The report takes a look at scams prompting the most complaints along with the average amount of money lost per complaint.
Internet fraud and cyber crime as a whole continue to grow. Cyber criminals are becoming more sophisticated in the way the attack and steal money from innocent victims.
You must be careful on the the computer and watchful for Internet fraud.
On Friday I will post several tips on protecting yourself against Internet fraud and cyber crime. Meanwhile, beware of anything on the Internet that looks suspicious. Make sure you are dealing with reputable people. Anytime your instincts tell you something might be wrong leave the website and don’t give out any personal information. It is far better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself against Internet fraud.
