One of the unfortunate side-effects of technological improvement in communication is that unscrupulous criminals can now victimize innocent people in both physical and electronic ways. You need to be alert for both kinds of harm in order to protect yourself from damages.
Physical Mail Fraud
Mail fraud involves the use of the federal postal or communication systems in order to carry out an attempt to defraud innocent persons. In mail order fraud the victim (as buyer) has provided money to an alleged seller, say, through themail or that the underlying order will be fulfilled for delivery via the US Postal Service. In the event that no delivery ensues, then a case for mail order fraud forms.
It's critical that the victim provides mail fraud reporting to local post office officials so that they can turn the matter over to their mail fraud investigative unit, which aggressively pursues convictions where evidence supports such an action. In a typical mail fraud report, the US Post Office investigative team catalogues the documents supporting the underlying fraud scheme. The documents will be used in order to prove the intent to defraud.
Suspicious Packages
If you receive a suspicious letter or package that you do not recognize or it doesn't have a return address, follow these safety precautions:
If you suspect a package or other container may be a bomb, evacuate the premises immediately. If you suspect radiological, biological or chemical exposure, do not handle the object. Shield yourself, other people and pets from further exposure by evacuating the area immediately. Do not try to resolve the problem yourself by disposing of, disarming or otherwise trying to reduce the threat of the unknown object. Special police and fire teams are highly trained for this kind of activity and should be called right away.
Electronic Mail Fraud
Email fraud reflects unauthorized entry into personal or corporate networks, taking over an email address and then sending out messages purporting to be from the true owner operator of that email account or address. Email fraud typically originates as a request for service or a query regarding outgoing email messages. In certain instances an email is associated with identity theft. The key to unraveling an email fraud is to establish a "back tracking" electronically, where the procedure includes either reading the hard drive of the corrupted PC or via internet "cookies" which record the steps taken and origins of the email fraud perpetrator.
To avoid becoming an email fraud victim and to ensure potential convictions to those persons who would defraud you, you need to install security system software or utilize encryption software to deflect email fraud attacks. The success of email fraud depends entirely on commandeering your passwords, logons, PIN numbers, or other access codes which you may have casually left open.
Other email frauds are direct and personal, more like physical mail fraud. In these cases someone claiming to be from an entity you usually trust (your bank, doctor, school, etc.) sends you a request or reminder that asks you for personal information. NEVER send your social security number, bank account information or any other private, personal information to anyone by email without making sure the request is legitimate and the line secure. Less insidious, but more seductive, are emails from someone promising you a prize, money, a free trip that "you may have already won"—if only you'll send back private information, money or other people's email addresses. DON'T BE FOOLED!
Children, teens and the elderly are favorite targets for this kind of fraud, so make sure that everyone in your household who uses email is aware of how to be careful and alert in any of their online activities.
Enjoy safe communication by staying alert and being cautious in both the physical and the electronic worlds.
Physical Mail Fraud
Mail fraud involves the use of the federal postal or communication systems in order to carry out an attempt to defraud innocent persons. In mail order fraud the victim (as buyer) has provided money to an alleged seller, say, through themail or that the underlying order will be fulfilled for delivery via the US Postal Service. In the event that no delivery ensues, then a case for mail order fraud forms.
It's critical that the victim provides mail fraud reporting to local post office officials so that they can turn the matter over to their mail fraud investigative unit, which aggressively pursues convictions where evidence supports such an action. In a typical mail fraud report, the US Post Office investigative team catalogues the documents supporting the underlying fraud scheme. The documents will be used in order to prove the intent to defraud.
Suspicious Packages
If you receive a suspicious letter or package that you do not recognize or it doesn't have a return address, follow these safety precautions:
- Handle the package or envelope with extreme care; don't shake or bump it.
- Isolate it immediately. Move it to a secure place, away from people and pets.
- Do not open, smell or touch it. If you notice a powder or residue, don't taste it; immediately wash your hands and other body parts that may have been exposed with soap and water.
- Contact your local sheriff or police department.
If you suspect a package or other container may be a bomb, evacuate the premises immediately. If you suspect radiological, biological or chemical exposure, do not handle the object. Shield yourself, other people and pets from further exposure by evacuating the area immediately. Do not try to resolve the problem yourself by disposing of, disarming or otherwise trying to reduce the threat of the unknown object. Special police and fire teams are highly trained for this kind of activity and should be called right away.
Electronic Mail Fraud
Email fraud reflects unauthorized entry into personal or corporate networks, taking over an email address and then sending out messages purporting to be from the true owner operator of that email account or address. Email fraud typically originates as a request for service or a query regarding outgoing email messages. In certain instances an email is associated with identity theft. The key to unraveling an email fraud is to establish a "back tracking" electronically, where the procedure includes either reading the hard drive of the corrupted PC or via internet "cookies" which record the steps taken and origins of the email fraud perpetrator.
To avoid becoming an email fraud victim and to ensure potential convictions to those persons who would defraud you, you need to install security system software or utilize encryption software to deflect email fraud attacks. The success of email fraud depends entirely on commandeering your passwords, logons, PIN numbers, or other access codes which you may have casually left open.
Other email frauds are direct and personal, more like physical mail fraud. In these cases someone claiming to be from an entity you usually trust (your bank, doctor, school, etc.) sends you a request or reminder that asks you for personal information. NEVER send your social security number, bank account information or any other private, personal information to anyone by email without making sure the request is legitimate and the line secure. Less insidious, but more seductive, are emails from someone promising you a prize, money, a free trip that "you may have already won"—if only you'll send back private information, money or other people's email addresses. DON'T BE FOOLED!
Children, teens and the elderly are favorite targets for this kind of fraud, so make sure that everyone in your household who uses email is aware of how to be careful and alert in any of their online activities.
Enjoy safe communication by staying alert and being cautious in both the physical and the electronic worlds.
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