Internet scams can ruin your otherwise happy holidays
Although it's the holiday season, a time for giving and good cheer, it's also an ideal time when people use the Internet to try to take advantage of others.
"If it's too good to be true, it probably is," says officer Larry Hadfield with the Metropolitan Police Department. "You won't get a $1,000 television for $100."
Hadfield says when it comes to Internet security, there are easy measures people can implement to make sure they aren't the victim of a crime.
"You just have to use common sense," he adds.
According to Metro, there are a variety of scams people might come across.
The greeting card scam is when people receive an e-card that they think is from a family member or friend. There are usually links people have to click on that direct them to a malicious web page.
There also are spoofing scams in which criminals create a false website or email that looks like the real thing in order to collect personal information from victims.
People can succumb to phishing or vishing attacks when they receive an email or text message that alerts them to a problem with an account. Victims are directed to a fraudulent website and unwittingly give personal information.
Hadfield says don't click on or open unsolicited emails or attachments.
If an email redirects people to a website that looks like Best Buy's, for instance, don't click on them.
"It's better to go to the website directly instead of being directed there," he says.
In addition, people need to be vigilant when it comes to shopping on Craigslist.
"You should seriously vet the people you're buying from," he says. "Don't do late-night meet-ups. Try to meet in a public place."
Other tips include don't invite strangers to your home and insist on taking payments in cash when selling to avoid fraudulent payments. People can use a counterfeit money detector pen to check the bills.
If people become a victim of these crimes, they should report it to the proper source, whether it's the credit card company or the authorities.
"Just be careful out there," Hadfield says.
Contact reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-5201. Follow him on Twitter: @mjlyle
