Cross-Border Fraud
Cross-border fraud is a serious problem - and it appears to be growing. Today, the Internet and cell phones make it easy for victims to be targeted from anywhere in the world.
The most common cross-border frauds involve:
- Phony prize promotions
- Foreign lottery schemes
- Advance-fee loans
- Travel offer scams
- Unnecessary credit card loss "protection"
U.S.-Canadian cross-border fraud task forces are helping stop these crimes, making it tougher for scam artists to practice their deceit. The task forces share information, investigators and other resources. All partners gather consumer complaint information and contribute to the legwork involved in building a case. As a result, more and more con artists are being stopped and prosecuted.
We encourage consumers to recognize the following warning signs. They may keep you or a loved one from being victimized:
- Be wary of anything that promises large sums of money, such as sweepstakes or lottery winnings, in exchange for your advance payment, donation or investment.
- Don't be pressured into making a decision about an offer. Check it out first!
- Be cautious about businesses that try to conceal their mailing addresses and phone numbers and evade questions about their operations.
