CV: graphics and footage:
If you're one of the 37 million Americans with access to the Internet ... Beware!
In recent weeks, America Online users were targeted in a scheme to lift credit card numbers ... and the FTC cracked down on a web scam involving bogus coupons.
CV: a person logging onto the Internet:
Growing concern about fraud on the internet is why the National Consumers League created IFW
-- Internet Fraud Watch.
CV: Linda Golodner soundbite:
Internet Fraud Watch provides the latest information on internet scams, and gives tips on how to
tell a legitimate deal from a fraudulent one.
If you're a victim of internet fraud, you can file a complaint on the IFW web site at www.fraud.org.
CV: Computer user logging on IFW/Scrolling/complaint form:
More than 1,000 consumers have filed fraud reports against bogus business deals on the
Internet.
CV: victim William Porter:
I've purchased over the Internet before without a problem. But this time I sent over $600 to a
man in California for computer equipment I never received. It really pays to check out people
you're going to deal with on the Internet.
CV: IFW pie chart:
According to IFW, here are the most common scams on the world-wide web.
Internet-related services such as designing or managing a web site;
Sales of products and services that you may never receive; and
Investment schemes promising high profits that don't pay-off ,
CV: Susan Grant:
IFW is finding that over 60 percent of the victims of Internet fraud are paying in cash, check and
money orders. Without the built-in protections of credit cards, consumers stand even less of a
chance to get back their money.
CV: More IFW web site footage:
NCL depends on support from the business community to fund IFW's operations.
CV: Ken Lewis:
Supporting IFW was an easy decision for NationsBank. We believe it's important for legitimate
businesses to do their part to keep the internet a viable source of commerce and information.
So before you do business with an unknown person or company over the Internet, take the advice of the IFW web site at www.fraud.org/ifw.htm
CV: Back to IFW web site; freeze over tips
You won't be sorry you did.
In Washington, this is Lee Shephard reporting.