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POLICE: Don’t Let Internet Crooks Spoil Your Christmas

Posted Tue, Dec 8th 2009, 19:03
(Grand Cayman - CITN) -

If you're thinking about shopping online this holiday season, police say be careful you do not become a victim of fraud.

Detectives have had several reports of online scams in circulation and they are urging everyone to be vigilant. They say if an online deal appears too good to be true it probably is.

Detectives are holding a special information session on internet fraud tonight (8 December) at the John A Cumber Primary School starting at 6:30 p.m.

If you’re unable to attend, police have given some general tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of internet scams.

Credit Card Fraud

Make sure sites are secure and reputable before providing credit card details.
Do not provide credit card information when asked to do so through unsolicited e-mails.

Employment/ Business Opportunities

Be cautious of exaggerated claims of possible earnings or profits.
Be ware when money is required up front for instructions or products.

Lotteries

Be cautious if you receive a call saying you’ve won a lottery – particularly if you don’t remember entering one!

Be wary of demands to send additional money to be eligible for future winnings.
Remember that gambling is a crime in the Cayman Islands.

Nigerian Letter or “419” – an advance fee fraud. This is a confidence trick where the victim is persuaded to part with sums of cash in the hope of realizing a significant later gain.

Be wary of people representing themselves as foreign government officials.
Beware when asked to assist in placing large amounts of money in overseas bank accounts.

Phishing/spoofing

Be suspicious of any unsolicited e-mail requesting personal information.
Avoid filling out forms in e-mail messages that ask for personal information.

Police also remind people to report crime taking place in the Cayman Islands to their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS).

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