FRAUD ALERT!
Pets, Romance and Adoption
The FBI Internet Crime Report reveals the top internet scams of 2007:
- Pet Scams: You see an ad selling a pet and send in your money, plus a
little extra for delivery. You never get the pet; the scam artist simply takes your
money and runs. You’re selling a pet. You’re sent a check that’s actually more than
your asking price. When you ask about the overpayment, you’re told it’s meant for
someone else who will be caring for the pet temporarily. You’re asked to deposit the
check and wire the difference to this other person. The check bounces and you lose
the money you wired to what turns out to be a fraudster.
- Secret Shopper/Funds Transfer Scams: You’ve been hired via the web to rate your
shopping or dining experiences. You’re paid by check and asked to wire a percentage of
the money to a third party. Like the pet scam, the check is bad and you’re out the
money you sent. The fraudsters illegally use logos from legitimate companies.
- Adoption and Charity Scams: You get an e-mail asking for a donation to a charity
often using the subject header, “Urgent Assistance is Needed.” The name of a real charity is
generally used, but the money is really going to a con artist. In 2007, one scams used the
name of a legitimate British adoption agency to ask for money for orphaned or abandoned
children.
- Romance Scams: You strike up a romance with someone you meet in an online dating
or social networking site who lives in another country. Your new romance is anxious to meet
you but, needs money to cover travel expenses. This may be just the beginning – typically
the person ends up in the hospital with a bill or being mugged which leads to a plea for
more money.
HOW TO REPORT AN INTERNET SCAM:
Log on to www.ic3.gov click on
“File a Complaint,” type in the details, and hit “next.” Review your information and click on
“submit” when you’re ready to send. The good folks at IC3 will take it from there.
For assistance call the
DA's Elder Fraud Line:
(209) 468-2488
CASE is a Partnership of the District Attorney and the Community to Prevent Elder Financial Exploitation
San Joaquin County District Attorney • 222 E.
Weber Ave., Room 202, Stockton, CA 95202
• (209) 468-2400
