Internet Fraud has become a serious concern for everyone that utilizes email, auctions and on-line shopping. Since it is often difficult to establish a jurisdiction for fraud complaints occurring on the internet, the Internet Fraud Complaint Center has been established. It is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center. This organization provides a resource for understanding Internet Fraud and a system for filing complaints of Internet Fraud.

Click here to visit the Internet Crime Center site.
Click here to file a complaint with the Internet Crime Center.


Tips About Internet Fraud

Internet Auction Fraud
Non-Delivery of Merchandise
Credit Card Fraud
Investment Fraud
Nigerian Letter Scam
Business Fraud
Internet Auction Fraud

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  • Understand as much as possible about how the auction works, what your obligations are as a buyer, and what the seller’s obligations are before you bid.
  • Find out what actions the web site/company takes if a problem occurs and consider insuring the transaction and shipment.
  • Learn as much as possible about the seller, especially if the only information you have is an e-mail address. If it is a business, check the Better Business Bureau where the seller/business is located.
  • Examine the feedback on the seller.
  • Determine what method of payment the seller is asking from the buyer and where he/she is asking to send payment.
  • If a problem occurs with the auction transaction, it could be much more difficult if the seller is located outside the US because of the difference in laws.
  • Ask the seller about when delivery can be expected and if there is a problem with the merchandise is it covered by a warranty or can you exchange it.
  • Find out if shipping and delivery are included in the auction price or are additional costs so there are no unexpected costs.
  • There should be no reason to give out your social security number or drivers license number to the seller.