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Computer Scams Remain Prevalent this Holiday Season

FBI New York November 30, 2009

Cyber Crime with Santa Hat

This holiday season the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) New York Office is warning holiday shoppers to be aware of cyber criminals and others looking to commit fraudulent crimes. Fraudulent classified ads and auction sales, gift card scams, and phishing and smishing scams continue to victimize shoppers. Joseph Demarest, Assistant Director-in-Charge (ADIC) of the New York Division said: “We must remain vigilant as a community to protect our personal information from getting into the hands of predators who wish to cause financial harm this holiday season.”

Scammers use many techniques to deceive potential victims for their own personal gain. Internet criminals are no exception. Many criminals post classified ads or auctions for products they do not have. Protect yourself by checking each seller’s ratings and feedback and be wary of anyone with 100 percent positive feedback if they have a low number of postings. Shoppers should be cautious and not provide financial information directly to the seller. It is advisable to use a legitimate payment service to protect your purchases and your financial data.

Gift card scams are also a concern this holiday season. When purchasing gift cards, it is safest to purchase them directly from the merchant or an authorized retail store. This will give the merchant a chance to deactivate the gift card number if fraudulent and thereby protect your purchase.

Perhaps the most deceiving schemes to obtain financial information come in the form of e-mails and text messages. Take caution when receiving any such communication soliciting financial information such as account numbers, PINs, or any personal information that could be used to access your financial information. If you are provided with a link to update your account or correct a potential problem, the link may direct you to a fraudulent website where individuals are waiting to exploit your personal information for their profit or gain. Always remember to keep your personal information secure. If you are advised to update your information or contact a financial institution with which you do business, log on to the official website identified in the e-mail instead of clicking on the link provided, or contact the institution directly.

Special Agent Richard Kolko, a spokesman for the FBI in New York, is concerned for shoppers this holiday season. Special Agent Kolko said, “Many will be targeted this year by individuals looking to exploit personal and financial information for their own personal agenda. Be smart—protect yourself and your families from the crooks who look to manipulate this information and use it to their own advantage. If it doesn’t seem right, it probably isn’t.”