FBI Denver Division reminds local shoppers to beware of scams and stay vigilant of thieves who steal money and personal information. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, Colorado victims lost over $34 million in internet scams in 2018. The most vulnerable population in the U.S. are those over age 60, although people of all ages fell victim to scams last year.
Consumers can do the following to reduce their chances of being victimized:
Check credit card statements routinely. Purchase from a reputable, secure source. Beware of purchases or services that require payment by gift card. Beware of providing credit card information when requested through unsolicited emails. Do not respond to, click on links, or fill out forms in unsolicited emails. Verify requests for personal information from any business or financial institution. Secure credit card and rewards accounts with strong passwords. Change passwords and check accounts routinely. Be cautious when dealing with individuals outside of the country.
Only donate to known and trusted charities. Make contributions directly. Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to reputable charities. Follow the Federal Trade Commission’s tips for online charity research available online at bit.ly/2M6wqHY.
Consumers who believe they are the victim of a scam should:
Contact their financial institution immediately. Ask their bank to reach out to the financial institution where the fraudulent transfer was sent. Contact law enforcement. File a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center www.ic3.gov.
