Adult IQ — Consumer Protection: Online Fraud

Shop Smarter • Recognize Scams • Protect Your Money

The internet has made it easier than ever to shop, bank, communicate, work and manage your everyday life. But it has also created new opportunities for people to try to steal money or personal information.

Online scams are becoming more convincing. A fake website can look real. A fraudulent email can look like it came from a company you know. A text message can create a sense of urgency that makes you react before you stop and think.

The Adult IQ Consumer Protection: Online Fraud Handbook was created to help you recognize those warning signs and make more informed decisions when you're dealing with people, businesses and websites online.

This handbook takes a practical look at phishing, fake websites, online shopping scams, payment fraud, impersonation scams, fraudulent advertisements, investment and employment scams, account takeovers and other common forms of online deception.

What You'll Learn

Inside, you'll learn how to:

• Understand How Online Fraud Works — Learn about common ways scammers try to obtain money, personal information or access to online accounts.

• Recognize Warning Signs — Learn what to look for in websites, emails, text messages, advertisements and online offers that may not be what they appear to be.

• Spot Phishing Attempts — Understand how phishing messages work and the common signs that can help you recognize them.

• Identify Impersonation Scams — Learn how scammers may pretend to be banks, businesses, government agencies, family members or other trusted organizations.

• Shop More Safely Online — Develop better habits for checking unfamiliar websites, sellers and online offers before making a purchase.

• Protect Your Payment Information — Understand ways to be more careful with credit card, banking and other financial information.

• Protect Your Personal Information — Learn why information such as passwords, account details and personal identification should be handled carefully.

• Understand Pressure Tactics — Recognize how scammers may use urgency, fear, excitement or pressure to encourage you to act before thinking.

• Recognize Fake Businesses and Offers — Learn to look more carefully at unfamiliar companies, advertisements, reviews, discounts and customer-service contacts.

• Know What to Do When Something Seems Wrong — Understand some of the practical steps you can take when you suspect a transaction, website or communication may be fraudulent.

• Keep Useful Records — Learn why saving messages, receipts, screenshots and other information can be important when dealing with suspected fraud.

• Protect Your Accounts and Devices — Develop better everyday habits for keeping your online accounts and devices more secure.

• Evaluate Unfamiliar Websites and Offers — Learn how to slow down and ask the right questions before giving away information or money.

• Know When to Get Additional Help — Understand when contacting a financial institution, government agency, service provider or qualified professional may be appropriate.

What This Book Is Really About

Online fraud isn't a reason to stop using the internet.

It's a reason to become a smarter internet user.

A lot of scams rely on getting people to act quickly without taking the time to check what's actually happening. A message says your account is about to be closed. A deal looks too good to be true. Someone claims to be from your bank. A website looks completely legitimate.

The best response isn't always to panic.

Slow down. Look closer. Ask questions. Verify before you act.

The Adult IQ Consumer Protection: Online Fraud Handbook gives you practical information to help you recognize common warning signs and make more informed decisions before giving someone your money, information or access to your accounts.

You'll learn how to spot suspicious activity, protect your information, think more carefully about online offers and know what steps to consider when something doesn't look right.

You don't need to be afraid of the internet. You just need to know what to look for.

Build Your Adult IQ

Online fraud is just one of the many things people have to navigate in everyday life.

We're constantly making decisions about money, purchases, banking, credit, insurance, technology, contracts and personal information. The more you understand, the better prepared you can be to recognize risks and make informed decisions.

That's what Adult IQ is about — bringing practical knowledge together in one growing library built around the things people actually deal with in real life.

Don't wait until you've lost money to learn how online scams work. Build your knowledge before you need it.

Part of the Adult IQ Consumer Protection & Legal Library — practical information designed to help you become a more informed and prepared consumer.

Disclaimer

This handbook provides general educational information about online fraud and consumer protection. It does not guarantee protection from scams, fraud or financial loss. If you believe you have been defrauded or your information has been compromised, contact the relevant financial institution, service provider, government agency or qualified professional for specific guidance.