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Online & Phone Fraud

On the phone

You're at home and the telephone rings. The voice on the other end claims to be a fraud investigator from your credit card company and he tells you there has been suspicious activity on your credit card.
 
But first, he needs to confirm some details as a security check. You're worried about your account and you're keen to help so you give him you're card details and he promises to get back to you.
 
It sounds plausible, but you've just been had. And that fraudster is off spending on your credit card.

So how can you avoid being scammed over the phone?

Never reveal any details of accounts or personal information. Remember, if the caller is genuine then they will have access to all the relevant details. Let them give you the security details so that you can confirm them. Do not supply further security information unless you are satisfied as to whom you are in contact with.
 
If you are concerned about the source of the call then ask the caller for a main switchboard number through which you can be routed back to them. Alternatively, take their details and then make your own enquiries via a published card supplier contact e.g. on the reverse of your card.

Online

You have finally found a buyer for that item you advertised on an online auction.
 
The cheque arrives, but it's for a lot more than the agreed price. Your buyer gives you an explanation and asks you to return the balance as a cash transfer and deliver the item at the same time. You send off the goods and do the transfer without waiting for the cheque to clear and then you find out that the cheque was stolen or counterfeit. Now they've got your goods and your cash.

Our advice is:

• Be sure of whom you are dealing with.
    
• Don't release funds until cheques have cleared.
    
• Be very wary of cheques made out in excess of the asking price.
    
• If you're thinking of buying on an online auction, make sure that the address and postcode provided by the supplier is valid. If you've got doubts, don't send any money.
    
• If you do fall victim to fraud on an online auction, contact your nearest police station. 

See also:

• Quick Ways to Help Protect Yourself
    
• Phishing Fraud
    
• E-mail Scams
    
• Identity Theft
    
• Internet Auction Fraud 

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