Tulsa World

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Crime preys on e-shoppers

by: NICOLE MARSHALL World Staff Writer
Monday, December 01, 2008
12/1/2008 2:36:23 AM

More and more people are doing their holiday shopping online, citing the ease of comparison shopping as a way to save time and money.

As "Cyber Monday" approaches, police and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson are warning e-shoppers to be careful not to fall prey to scams.

Cyber Monday refers to the Monday after Thanksgiving and unofficially marks the beginning of the Christmas online-shopping season.

"Internet fraud is consistently the number one consumer complaint in Oklahoma," Edmondson said in a written statement. "It seems everyone is online, and that includes con artists."

Tulsa police Cyber Crimes Unit Sgt. Tim Stadler said it is important to ensure that a site is secure and reputable before providing a credit card number. Avoid using debit cards.

Try to use the sites of major retailers, if possible. But even major companies can fall victim to hackers, he said.

Promptly check credit card statements to look for any unauthorized charges, Stadler said.

If you have a concern, check your statement online rather than wait for the paper statement in the mail.

Stadler said shoppers also should beware of providing information when requested through unsolicited e-mails.

The Tulsa Police Department's Cyber Crimes Unit investigates hundreds of eBay fraud cases every year, Stadler said. In many of those cases, the seller requests that funds be wired directly to him or her by Western Union, MoneyGram, or bank-to-bank wire transfer.

If the seller intends to commit fraud, the money is virtually unrecoverable with no recourse for the victim when those services are used.

Stadler said it is important to review the seller's feedback from other buyers and ensure that you understand refund, return and warranty policies.

Before you bid in an auction, contact the seller with any questions you have and consider insuring your purchase, he said.

Fraud remedies

If you think you have been scammed in an online purchase: Immediately put a stop payment on your credit card.

File an online fraud report with the Internet Crime Complaint Center, tulsaworld.com/internetccc.

File a report at tulsaworld.com/tulsapolice if you live in Tulsa. Otherwise, contact your local police department.

To research scams associated with certain companies or sites, use other online resources such as tulsaworld.com/snopes or tulsaworld.com/bbb.

Nicole Marshall 581-8459
nicole.marshall@tulsaworld.com

Associate Images:

Shoppers crowd Woodland Hills Mall last year. As more people turn to online shopping, authorities are warning e-shoppers to be avoid being a victim of scams. Cory Young/ Tulsa World file

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