{"id":71,"date":"2022-12-19T15:59:46","date_gmt":"2022-12-19T20:59:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/?page_id=71"},"modified":"2023-02-05T14:23:01","modified_gmt":"2023-02-05T19:23:01","slug":"avoid-fraud","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/avoid-fraud\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid Fraud"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>AVOIDING FRAUD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-color wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"color:#01010c\">Consumers should take obvious measures to protect themselves in conventional stores, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Not leaving a purse in an unguarded shopping cart<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protecting their PIN (personal identification number) at checkout<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not carrying large amounts of cash in their wallets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Online shoppers should also consider sensible precautions, which is the focus of this tutorial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TIPS FOR AVOIDING ONLINE FRAUD<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some suggestions to help you avoid becoming a victim of online fraud:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Learn as much as possible about the product and seller<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use a secure checkout and payment process<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use credit vs. debit or check<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Understand the retailers\u2019 refund and return policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If an offer sounds highly suspicious or too good to be true, it probably is<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Learn as Much as Possible About the Product and Seller<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shoppers who are familiar with the merchants from whom they\u2019re buying feel the most secure if they have had a good shopping experience history with that seller. But what about retailers that you haven\u2019t used?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Internet is a great way to find detailed information about retailers prior to doing business with them. Researching reviews and comments left by other shoppers about retailers and their products empowers you to make informed decisions prior to making a purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;Use your favorite search engine to research merchants or products, rather than going directly to the retailer\u2019s site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Use a Secure Checkout and Payment Process<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to choosing which method to use for online payments, take precautions before entering credit card or checking account information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The likelihood of your sensitive information being compromised increases each time you provide it to a new vendor. A safe and easy-to-use online payment service such as&nbsp;PayPal allows you to enter account information only once at a highly secure and reputable site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The following items shown on your web browser will indicate a connection to a secure web site:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>https:\/\/<\/strong>&nbsp;The \u201cs\u201d that is displayed after \u201chttp\u201d indicates that web site is secure. Often, you do not see the \u201cs\u201d until you actually move to the order page on the web site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A closed padlock<\/strong>&nbsp;displayed at the bottom of your screen. If that lock is open, you should assume it is not a secure site.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Important:<\/strong>&nbsp;The lock icon is not just a picture! Click (or double-click) on the padlock to see details of the site\u2019s security. This is important to know because some fraudulent web sites are built with a bar at the bottom of the web page to imitate the lock icon of your browser!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Use a Credit Card<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">E-commerce shopping by check or money order leaves you vulnerable to bank fraud. The safest way to shop on the Internet is with a credit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure your credit card is a credit card only and not a debit card, or a check card. As with checks, a debit card exposes your bank account to thieves. Your checking account could be wiped out in minutes. Further, debit cards are not protected to the extent that credit cards are by federal law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;You have the right to dispute charges on your credit card, and you can withhold payments during a creditor investigation. Please contact your credit card provider for more details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Understand the Retailers\u2019 Refund and Return Policies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for and ask about the refund and return policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Questions to ask include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1- What is the required timeframe in which a buyer must contact the retailer and return the item?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">2- Whether a full refund or a merchandise credit will be offered?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3- Whether an item that has been opened can be returned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If no refund policy exists, look into buyer protection programs which might be offered by the retailer or your payment service provider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These protection programs ensure that if there is a problem with a transaction, your payment will be covered or refunded as a result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>If it\u2019s too Good to be True, it Probably is<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As with any purchase, be sure to read the fine print (or, in some instances, click the links describing the purchase agreement.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Internet retailers frequently offer lower prices than conventional stores, be wary of unreasonably low bargain prices or unusually attractive promises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The old adage is true: \u201cIf it\u2019s too good to be true, it probably is!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>REPORT IT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you suspect or know that you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, or if you&nbsp;<strong>unwittingly provided personal information or financial information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Step 1<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Contact your local police force and file a report.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 2<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Contact your bank\/financial institution and credit card company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 3<\/strong>\u2013 Contact the two national credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.equifax.com\/home\/en_ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Equifax Canada<\/a><br>Toll free: 1-800-465-7166<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.transunion.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TransUnion Canada<\/a><br>Toll free: 1-877-525-3823<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Step 4<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Always report identity theft and fraud.&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:info@antifraudcentre.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>STOP IT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevention is the best way to deal with this crime:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identity theft can occur over the Internet or telephone, or via fax or regular mail. Therefore, be particularly wary of unsolicited e-mails, telephone calls or mail attempting to extract personal or financial information from you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ask yourself if you really need all of the identity documents you carry in your wallet or purse. Remove any you don\u2019t need and keep them in a secure place instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Periodically check your credit reports, bank and credit card statements and report any irregularities promptly to the relevant financial institution and to the credit bureaus.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During transactions, it\u2019s safer to swipe your cards yourself than it is to allow a cashier to do it for you. If you must hand over your card, never lose sight of it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always shield your personal identification number when using an ATM or a PIN pad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Memorize all personal identification numbers for payment cards and telephone calling cards. Never write them on the cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Familiarize yourself with billing cycles for your credit and debit cards.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Trash bins are a goldmine for identity thieves. Make sure you shred personal and financial documents before putting them in the garbage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When you change your address, make sure you notify the post office and all relevant financial institutions (your bank and credit card companies).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>LINKS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/competitionbureau.gc.ca\/eic\/site\/cb-bc.nsf\/eng\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Competition Bureau<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cba.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canadian Bankers Association<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.publicsafety.gc.ca\/index-en.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Public Safety<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/bcp\/edu\/microsites\/idtheft\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Updated: 2022-12-19<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AVOIDING FRAUD Consumers should take obvious measures to protect themselves in conventional stores, for example: Online shoppers should also consider sensible precautions, which is the focus of this tutorial. TIPS FOR AVOIDING ONLINE FRAUD Here are some suggestions to help you avoid becoming a victim of online fraud: Learn as Much as Possible About the<\/p>\n<div class=\"clearfix\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"pull-left padding-top-25\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/avoid-fraud\/\" class=\"btn btn-theme\">Continue Reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Avoid Fraud&#8221;<\/span> <i class=\"fa fa-fw fa-long-arrow-right\"><\/i> <\/a>  <\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-71","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"wps_subtitle":"AVOIDING FRAUD","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/71\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mivado.com\/mgp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}