Online businesses are quickly becoming easy targets for cybercriminals as fraud in e-commerce continues to rise. The era of digitalisation has presented fraudsters with a massive opportunity, especially with millions of personal credentials easily available on the dark web. It’s now far easier for fraudsters to hide behind false details and cover up their tracks.
And e-commerce fraud shows no signs of slowing down. According to a recent Experian report, in 2017, there was a 30% increase in e-commerce fraud attacks compared to 2016.
Additionally, “there were 16.7 million reported victims of identity fraud the same year, proving to be another record year for the number of fraud victims,” according to the report.

So what types of fraud do e-commerce retailers face?

Although stealing bank cards and account details to make payments are the most common types of e-commerce fraud, cybercriminals are notoriously creative. They also target phones, tablets, computers, and even gift cards. Here are some methods of fraud that are used to target e-commerce businesses.

1. <

   Payment fraud: also known as Identity Theft

   This is the most common form of e-commerce fraud, comprising a tremendous 71% of all attacks. Identity fraud is part of the majority of the methods used by cybercriminals, either as the end goal or the precursor to another attack.
   This type of fraud doesn’t always involve stolen card details however. Fraudsters will also use email accounts, user accounts, names, addresses, IP addresses and personal devices to make them seem like a real customer. This can lead to fraudulent purchases, the creation of fake accounts and the manipulation of traffic.

2. Friendly fraud

   Friendly fraud can occur by design or by mistake. The basic premise is that a customer (legitimate or otherwise) will pay for a service or product which they claim is never delivered or was damaged on delivery. The merchant then has to issue a refund, re-deliver the item, or face a chargeback. Chargebacks involve the retrieval of funds from the merchant by the issuing bank, which are then given back to the customer. Chargebacks are a common point of contention for e-commerce retailers.

3. Clean fraud

   Clean fraud refers to fraudulent transactions that appear to be legitimate. This type of fraud is increasingly problem for retailers as the usually the transaction doesn’t get flagged up or blocked by blacklisted fraud accounts. This involves using stolen credit card information to impersonate the card holder.
   Fraudsters can get hold of these details through convincing account holders to make a purchase on a fake website, intercepting messages between transaction parties and even by buying them on the dark web, which can only be accessed by using certain browsers.
   According to Chargebacks911, clean fraud is one of the fastest-growing and most dangerous challenges faced by retailers.

4. Affiliate fraud

   Through affiliate fraud, malicious actors can manipulate traffic and sign ups to make a merchant think they are receiving consumer attention that doesn’t actually exist. Many companies are part of, or run, an affiliate marketing programme that generates commission through sharing links and content. Unfortunately, affiliate fraud can be as simple as refreshing a webpage multiple times, or sending spam emails and popups to create a false sense of high traffic.

5. Triangulation fraud

   This type of fraud is when online criminals set up a fake or replica website and entice buyers with cheap goods. Sometimes these fake websites may appear in ads, or be sent to a user’s email directing to the website through a phishing attempt.
   The catch is that these goods don’t actually exist, or of course are never shipped. If the website is an impersonation, the existing legitimate business also suffers damage to their image.
   And when the customer pays for something they don’t receive, they can also suffer the loss of their bank details. Getting hold of credit card credentials in this way and using them to make fraudulent purchases is called triangulation fraud. The name comes from the threefold process of enticing buyers, stealing their details, and using them as part of a wider scheme.

The post Types of fraud that is used to target e-commerce retailers first appeared on Bridge Pioneers.

If you think you’ve been scammed or there’s been an attempt to scam you, there are ways you can fight back.

1. Keep a paper trail

   Nitzsche recommends keeping records of all communication with the collectors. Takes notes on the date and time of every phone call, save emails and texts and gather letters and any other correspondence you receive from the company. If it is legal in your state, record any phone calls. The more information at your disposal, the stronger your complaint will be if you file a report.

2. Reach out to your state’s attorney general or Bridge Pioneers

   Your attorney general’s office is on the alert for scammers and aims to put a halt to fraud such as debt collector scams. Bridge Pioneers also aims to stop fraud and help victims of fraud.

3. Submit a complaint

   You can report a fake debt collection agency to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
   With major debt collection rule changes slated for November 30, 2021, one of the biggest changes is that debt collectors will be allowed to contact you through email, text message and social media direct messages, Nitzsche said.
   “There’s a really good chance that scams will increase with all of these new methods of communication, so be vigilant and remember your rights.”

Bottom line

If a debt collection agency contacts you, do your research before agreeing to repay what you allegedly owe. Start by confirming you owe the debt, as you could be dealing with a scammer looking to prey on innocent consumers. Also, familiarize yourself with common tactics used by scammers, and if you find that you’re dealing with a fraudster, file a report with your state attorney general’s office, the FTC and the CFPB.
But if you determine that the debt does belong to you, know your rights when dealing with debt collectors and file a complaint promptly if they’re violated.

The post How to report fake debt collectors first appeared on Bridge Pioneers.

Have you lost money to bitcoin scams and need crypto recovery? If so, it’s essential to act fast and yet to proceed with caution. Cybercriminals who run crypto scams can hide behind anonymous bitcoin wallets and launder money rapidly on the blockchain. 
Although it’s important to move quickly, it’s equally crucial to make the right choice with bitcoin recovery services. There are many services out there that claim to get your money back fast without any hassle. Meanwhile they do not know the right steps to take.
So what should you do? Contact Bridge Pioneers immediately. We have the skills, tools, and expertise to help you get started with crypto recovery and will empower you to track down the cybercriminals holding your funds. We create thorough crypto investigation reports that will give your claim an advantage and will help authorities find your funds.

What Steps Do You Need to Take for Crypto Scam Recovery?

Before beginning the process of crypto scam recovery, it’s important to become familiar with the process and to know what to expect along the way.

Information Gathering

Successful crypto recovery begins with you. This means collecting all of the data you need to create a full picture of the incident and how it happened. The data collection may involve emails and Whatsapp communications with the people running the bitcoin scam, screenshots of transaction confirmations, and misleading statements on websites. 
 
The more information you have going into the crypto recovery process, the smoother it is likely to go. You may be asked to go back and look for other types of information during the investigation process. Think about what might anyone doing a crypto investigation may need to know to track down the bitcoin scam that took your funds.

Crypto Investigation

Our proprietary crypto investigation method is the secret to our success. We combine crypto forensic methods and advanced technology to get a vivid picture of the cyber criminals who stole your money and where they send the funds. 
We combine two approaches that integrate technology and human ingenuity.  We use blockchain software that will show the path of transactions from the time your cryptocurrency left your bitcoin wallet to the multiple transactions performed by the suspected bitcoin scam. 
After we have tracked down the path of crypto transactions, Bridge Pioneers professionals carefully analyze results using crypto forensics techniques to figure out who may have your money and where it is. 
After we have fully analyzed the crypto transactions involved in your case and have launched a full investigation, we create a crypto investigation report. These are essential tools for approaching authorities with a crypto claim and they can improve the chances of a successful crypto recovery. 
Unfortunately, many crypto scams go unreported. If people do approach authorities, they give up too quickly. The reason is they simply make a claim with a few data points but nothing substantial that will give law enforcement any leads to tracking down the cybercriminals. 
Instead, Bridge Pioneers provides every client with a comprehensive crypto investigation report that will give the authorities detailed information about the case and even names and other identifying information about persons of interest involved in the bitcoin scam. 
These crypto investigation reports will put your claim miles ahead of other claims and complaints that only have a few dates and documents. Law enforcement acts upon solid, credible information that is presented in a form that is easy to understand and act upon. 

Approaching Authorities with a Crypto Investigation Report

Once we have created your investigation report, that is the real beginning of the fund recovery process. We will then guide you on the steps needed to get maximum assistance from the authorities for your claim. We include forms that will expedite the process of filing a claim with law enforcement. The easier you make it for authorities to help you, the more likely they are to act on your claim efficiently. Start your recovery process today!!!

The post How We Assist You with Crypto Recovery first appeared on Bridge Pioneers.

 Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and hundreds more are hot commodities in online trading, and it’s possible for an investor to make a profit. But many people have experienced dramatic losses, some through bogus investment platforms touted by scammers as sure moneymakers.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns consumers that “crypto investing comes with lots of risks, including scams.”


This virtual money isn’t backed by any government or central bank. Even so, you can use crypto to buy goods and services, exchange it for U.S. dollars and other conventional currencies on digital markets, and even obtain it at specialized ATMs.

But unlike the value of government-backed money, that of virtual currencies is driven entirely by supply and demand. This can create wild swings that produce big gains for investors — or big losses. And crypto investments are subject to far less regulatory protection than traditional financial products like stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Meanwhile, those crypto ATMs are favored by criminals for their anonymity and general lack of oversight.

Cryptocurrency fraud has taken a quantum leap in recent years. The FTC says that in 2022, more than 53,000 people reported losing a total of more than $1.4 billion in crypto to scams.

Social media is a hot spot for perpetrators of investment scams: Many people who reported losing money to a scam involving crypto said it started with an ad, post or message on a social media platform, according to the FTC. But, despite cryptocurrency’s high-tech gloss, many of the related scams are just newfangled versions of classic frauds. For example:

• “Celebrity” endorsements. Criminals posing online as billionaires or other big names promise to multiply your investment in crypto but instead pocket what you send.
• Pump-and-dumps. Using messaging apps or social media, crypto promoters plant rumors that a famous mogul is backing a certain currency. The aim is to convince investors to buy, driving up the price. The promoters then sell their stake, causing the currency’s value to plummet.
• Ponzi schemes. Some crooks peddling crypto create the illusion of big returns by paying off old investors with new investors’ money. Four founders of a supposed cryptocurrency investment platform called Forsage were recently indicted in Portland, Oregon, and accused of running it as a pyramid scheme. They took in $340 million from people around the world while promoting Forsage on social media as a legitimate, low-risk investment opportunity.
• Romance scams. Crooks persuade people they meet on dating apps or social media to invest or trade in virtual currencies. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) fielded more than 19,000 reports of crypto-focused romance scams in 2022, with losses of nearly $740 million.

Another scam involves fraudulent sales pitches for “IRS approved” individual retirement accounts in cryptocurrencies. There are also straight-up hackers who break into the “digital wallets” where people store their virtual currency.

Crypto has also crept into everyday impostor scams, with criminals posing as government or lottery officials demanding payment in virtual currency for supposed debts, bills or prize fees, directing their targets to crypto ATMs and walking them through the transaction.

Warning signs

• Someone you don’t know sends you a message out of the blue about a virtual currency investment opportunity. 
• The pitch claims that the investment involves no risk and surefire profits.
• A call, text, email or social media message claiming to be from a government agency, utility or other official body seeks a crypto payment to cover a bill, debt or fee.



How to protect yourself from this scam

• Understand the risk. The virtual currency trade is speculative and volatile. As the FTC notes, “An investment that may be worth thousands of dollars on Tuesday could only be worth hundreds on Wednesday.” 
• Resist pressure to buy right now. Criminals often try to create a false sense of urgency around a supposedly red-hot cryptocurrency.
• Check out any dealer in virtual currency options or futures contracts before you buy. The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has a tool for running an online background check. 
• Thoroughly research any virtual currency platform or digital wallet provider before providing any credit card information, wiring money or disclosing sensitive personal data.
• Carefully read any agreement with a digital wallet provider. Unlike banks and credit card companies, they might not accept responsibility for replacing your money if it is stolen, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau warns. 
• Don’t invest in or trade virtual currencies on the advice of someone you’ve only dealt with online, whether it’s an anonymous tipster on social media or a supposed romantic partner. And certainly don’t make cryptocurrency payments in response to threats over bills or promises of a prize.
• Don’t put money into an individual retirement account advertised as “IRS approved” or “IRA approved.” Some self-directed IRAs do allow investment in virtual currencies, but the Internal Revenue Service does not approve or review IRA investments. 
• Never share your “private keys” — the long letter-and-number codes that enable you to access your virtual currency — with anyone. Keep them in a secure place.

More Resources

• If money was stolen from you through a virtual currency scam, report it to your local police. If they resist taking your report, persist so that you have a record of the loss.

 

The post Cryptocurrency Fraud first appeared on Bridge Pioneers.

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money using cryptocurrency. To steer clear of a crypto con, here are some things to know.

• Only scammers demand payment in cryptocurrency. No legitimate business is going to demand you send cryptocurrency in advance – not to buy something, and not to protect your money. That’s always a scam.
• Only scammers will guarantee profits or big returns. Don’t trust people who promise you can quickly and easily make money in the crypto markets.
• Never mix online dating and investment advice. If you meet someone on a dating site or app, and they want to show you how to invest in crypto, or asks you to send them crypto, that’s a scam.

Spot crypto-related scams

Scammers are using some tried and true scam tactics — only now they’re demanding payment in cryptocurrency. Investment scams are one of the top ways scammers trick you into buying cryptocurrency and sending it on to scammers. But scammers are also impersonating businesses, government agencies, and a love interest, among other tactics.

Investment scams

Investment scams often promise you can “make lots of money” with “zero risk,” and often start on social media or online dating apps or sites. These scams can, of course, start with an unexpected text, email, or call, too. And, with investment scams, crypto is central in two ways: it can be both the investment and the payment.
Here are some common investment scams, and how to spot them.

• A so-called “investment manager” contacts you out of the blue. They promise to grow your money — but only if you buy cryptocurrency and transfer it into their online account. The investment website they steer you to looks real, but it’s really fake, and so are their promises. If you log in to your “investment account,” you won’t be able to withdraw your money at all, or only if you pay high fees.
• A scammer pretends to be a celebrity who can multiply any cryptocurrency you send them. But celebrities aren’t contacting you through social media. It’s a scammer. And if you click on an unexpected link they send or send cryptocurrency to a so-called celebrity’s QR code, that money will go straight to a scammer and it’ll be gone.
• An online “love interest” wants you to send money or cryptocurrency to help you invest. That’s a scam. As soon as someone you meet on a dating site or app asks you for money, or offers you investment advice, know this: that’s a scammer. The advice and offers to help you invest in cryptocurrency are nothing but scams. If you send them crypto, or money of any kind, it’ll be gone, and you typically won’t get it back.
• Scammers guarantee that you’ll make money or promise big payouts with guaranteed returns. Nobody can make those guarantees. Much less in a short time. And there’s nothing “low risk” about cryptocurrency investments. So: if a company or person promises you’ll make a profit, that’s a scam. Even if there’s a celebrity endorsement or testimonials from happy investors. Those are easily faked.
• Scammers promise free money. They’ll promise free cash or cryptocurrency, but free money promises are always fake.
•  Scammers make big claims without details or explanations. No matter what the investment, find out how it works and ask questions about where your money is going. Honest investment managers or advisors want to share that information and will back it up with details.

Before you invest in crypto, search online for the name of the company or person and the cryptocurrency name, plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” See what others are saying. And read more about other common investment scams.

Business, government, and job impersonators

In a business, government, or job impersonator scam, the scammer pretends to be someone you trust to convince you to send them money by buying and sending cryptocurrency.

Scammers impersonate well-known companies. These come in waves, and scammers might say they’re from Amazon, Microsoft, FedEx, your bank, or many others. They’ll text, call, email, or send messages on social media — or maybe put a pop-up alert on your computer. They might say there’s fraud on your account, or your money is at risk — and to fix it, you need to buy crypto and send it to them. But that’s a scam. If you click the link in any message, answer the call, or call back the number on the pop-up, you’ll be connected to a scammer.

• Scammers impersonate new or established businesses offering fraudulent crypto coins or tokens. They’ll say the company is entering the crypto world by issuing their own coin or token. They might create social media ads, news articles or a slick website to back it all up and trick people into buying. But these crypto coins and tokens are a scam that ends up stealing money from the people who buy them. Research online to find out whether a company has issued a coin or token. It will be widely reported in established media if it is true. 
• Scammers impersonate government agencies, law enforcement, or utility companies. They might say there’s a legal problem, that you owe money, or your accounts or benefits are frozen as part of an investigation. They tell you to solve the problem or protect your money by buying cryptocurrency. They might say to send it to a wallet address they give you — for “safe keeping.” Some scammers even stay on the phone with you as they direct you to a cryptocurrency ATM and give step-by-step instruction on how to insert money and convert it to cryptocurrency. They’ll direct you to send the crypto by scanning a QR code they give you, which directs the payment right into their digital wallet — and then it’s gone.
• Scammers list fake jobs on job sites. They might even send unsolicited job offers related to crypto like jobs helping recruit investors, selling or mining cryptocurrency, or helping convert cash to crypto. But these so-called “jobs” only start if you pay a fee in cryptocurrency. Which is always a scam, every time. As your first task in your “job,” these scammers send you a check to deposit into your bank account. (That check will turn out to be fake.) They’ll tell you to withdraw some of that money, buy cryptocurrency for a made-up “client,” and send it to a crypto account they give you. But if you do, the money will be gone, and you’ll be on the hook to repay that money to your bank.

To avoid business, government, and job impersonators, know that

• No legitimate business or government will ever email, text, or message you on social media to ask for money. And they will never demand that you buy or pay with cryptocurrency.
• Never click on a link from an unexpected text, email, or social media message, even if it seems to come from a company you know.
• Don’t pay anyone who contacts you unexpectedly, demanding payment with cryptocurrency.
• Never pay a fee to get a job. If someone asks you to pay upfront for a job or says to buy cryptocurrency as part of your job, it’s a scam.

Blackmail scams

Scammers might send emails or U.S. mail to your home saying they have embarrassing or compromising photos, videos, or personal information about you. Then, they threaten to make it public unless you pay them in cryptocurrency. Don’t do it. This is blackmail and a criminal extortion attempt.

The post How To Avoid Cryptocurrency Scams first appeared on Bridge Pioneers.