Online Purchases May Contain Deception: Internal Affairs Department Highlights 10 Indicators of Fraud
In the rapidly growing world of e-commerce, it's essential to stay vigilant against online payment scams. One common tactic used by scammers is impersonating legitimate entities such as Motor Vehicle Departments (MVDs) to extract personal and financial information.
One such scam technique, known as "smishing," involves receiving unsolicited texts claiming overdue traffic tickets. These texts often include links urging immediate payment and threats of severe penalties like license suspension or additional fees. Be wary of these messages, as they may use fake logos (e.g., ADOT Motor Vehicle Division) and contain clues such as grammatical errors, incorrect legal citations, or misuse of agency names (e.g., "DMV" instead of "MVD").
To protect yourself, follow these key steps:
- Ignore and do not click links in unexpected texts claiming fines or tickets.
- Verify any claims by contacting your official MVD directly through known channels.
- Look for telltale signs of scams, such as poor grammar, incorrect agency names, and strange legal references.
- Use your phone’s anti-spam features and report these messages to the FTC or your carrier.
- Remember that legitimate departments like ADOT do not send unexpected overdue payment demands via text with payment links, nor do they charge extra fees in this manner.
For additional guidance, trusted agencies like the FTC provide resources on spotting and responding to such scams.
In e-commerce transactions, beware of scammers disguising money extortion as mandatory payments. Legitimate stores typically operate through business accounts or individual entrepreneurs, not by asking for money from a physical person. Scammers may use the guarantee of immediate refund as a means to commit fraud, promising quick money return but citing "technical issues" and ignoring demands for a refund.
Scammers may also demand insurance as a mandatory advance, which is against the law as it should be paid upon receipt of the goods. They may suddenly change the minimum withdrawal amount, which is a fictitious limit used by them to extract funds. After transfer, subsequent payments may be blocked under false pretenses.
To identify and avoid these scams, watch for signs such as pressure for immediate payment, promises of quick money return, and guarantees of immediate refund. Scammers often prefer unofficial messengers for communication, avoiding platforms with message history and buyer protection. Changing payment details is another tactic used by scammers to operate around blocks.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself from online payment scams and enjoy the benefits of e-commerce safely. For more information, visit trusted resources such as the FTC's website on consumer protection.
- Even in the realm of e-commerce, it's crucial to be aware of scammers who disguise their actions as necessary insurance payments, a practice that is illegal and should be paid upon receipt of goods.
- When navigating general-news or crime-and-justice headlines, be cautious of phishing techniques used in e-commerce transactions, such as scammers promising quick money return through fake refund guarantees that often lead to fraud.
