Six million American Internet users, or seven percent of those online, claim they have fallen
victim to credit-card-related fraud, including unauthorized use, according to results
of a national opinion survey.
"This survey shows that Web era consumers are every bit as vulnerable as
those who were around before the Internet changed the way that more and
more of us do things," said Linda Golodner, president of the NCL.
Although seven percent of online users reporting fraud is a relatively low
number, the translation to six million users may be seen as a wake-up call to
online merchants.
"The underlying number of six million Americans marks this as a major
consumer issue for the new century," said David Krane, executive vice
president, Lou Harris and Associates.
The National Consumer League (NCL) released
the study's finding yesterday in its report, "Consumers in the 21st
Century." Pollsters Lou Harris and Associates, Inc. surveyed over
a thousand adults during late April to early May, and said results have a
margin of error of plus or minus three points.
"While the Web can empower consumers with information, it also leaves the
unwary exposed to new variations on old fraud and abuse schemes. We now
have a much better sense of how consumer groups can use new technologies to
meet the evolving needs of Americans in the Information Age," Golodner said.
The National Fraud Information Center, a
group run by the NCL, is trying to combat cyberspace scams, arming
consumers with tips, articles, and bulletins to avoid fraud, protect
privacy, and navigate the Net safely.
According to the group's last published results, online auctions
represented the top complaint for 1998, which soared a whopping 600 percent
since 1997. Online auction complaints were also the number one complaint in
1997, but only equaled 26 percent of total frauds reported. In 1998 that
number jumped to 68 percent.
The rise in the number of Internet users correlates into the potential for cyber
rip-offs, according to industry experts.
"More people are online, and more people are getting scammed," said Susan
Grant, Director of the Internet Fraud Watch. "Consumers need to remember
that con artists are everywhere -- even in cyberspace."
"Requesting cash is a clear sign of fraud," said Grant. "Pay the safest
way. If possible, pay by credit card because you can dispute the charges if
there is a problem."
Interestingly enough, the best-known online auctioneer, eBay is a supporter of the watchdog group,
listed as a donor contributing under $25,000. While wildly popular, eBay
has been the target of numerous complaints involving scams. The group said
it has been working with eBay in resolving auction-related deceptions.
Other findings in the report paint a more optimistic picture of the
e-commerce landscape. Results show that three out of four Americans look
favorably to future technology developments, believing that emerging
technology will help make life more convenient. An optimistic 63 percent
even believe that by the year 2020 wires will no longer be needed to
operate PCs or phones.
Also on the horizon for the year 2020, 60 percent of Netizens feel that all
banking will be conducted online. Of those surveyed, 49 percent think it is
likely that consumers will be using cash or paper money, versus 47 percent
who feel it is not likely. In addition, 76 percent report feeling secure in
making bank transactions through ATMs or electronic fund transfers.
Shopping via the Web is also projected to grow, with three out of five or
57 percent of adults saying that by 2020 they will shop online more than
they currently do. Right now most poll respondents, 42 percent,
reported accessing the Internet to gain information about products and
services, with 24 percent saying they go online to actually purchase goods
and services.
Overwhelmingly Americans are not comfortable giving their credit card
information (73 percent), other financial information (73 percent) or
personal information (70 percent) to online businesses.
According to tips provided by the Internet Fraud Watch, Internet users are
advised not to give out credit card numbers unless the site has the latest
encryption protocols in place and the user know and trust the company. The
group also warns that fraudulent sites may tell users that encryption is
not necessary, but "don't believe it." If consumers are confused as to
whether a site is truly encrypted they should ask for alternate payment
methods.
Consumers can find further anti-fraud tips concerning e-commerce
transactions at several sites including The Federal Trade Commission's CyberSmarts
.
E-commerce businesses looking for more informaiton on anti-fraud methods
shoud check out the E-Commerce Guide's section on e-commerce security.
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