Internet fraud refers to the criminal act of defrauding individuals, enterprises or organizations of their property, services or other valuable resources by using Internet technology for the purpose of illegal possession, by fabricating facts and concealing the truth.
Common types
Online shopping fraud:
Fake shopping websites: Fraudsters create fake websites that are very similar to well-known e-commerce platforms to induce consumers to place orders for shopping. These websites may be disguised in terms of page design, URL, etc., and consumers will not receive the goods after payment. For example, some fake brand discount websites claim to offer limited-time discounts, but disappear after consumers pay.
Product quality fraud: On regular e-commerce platforms, some unscrupulous merchants sell inferior goods as genuine products. For example, low-quality knockoff electronic products or clothing are sold at genuine prices, and consumers only find out that they have been deceived after receiving the goods.
Internet financial fraud:
Investment and financial management fraud: Fraudsters fabricate high-yield investment and financial management projects to attract investors to invest. They usually promise super high rates of return, such as an annualized rate of return of 30% - 50% or even higher, which is much higher than normal financial products. By making exquisite promotional web pages, false company qualification certificates and other means, people are induced to believe in the legitimacy and reliability of these projects. For example, some so-called "blockchain investment" projects are actually Ponzi schemes, using the funds of new investors to pay the returns of early investors.
Online loan fraud: On the one hand, fraudsters pretend to be staff of formal financial institutions, using "unsecured, low threshold, and fast loan" as bait to attract people who are in urgent need of funds to apply for loans. Then, they will charge fees such as handling fees and deposits for various reasons, and disappear after collecting the fees. On the other hand, some illegal online loan platforms will set traps in loan contracts, such as hiding high interest rates and unreasonable repayment terms, causing borrowers to fall into debt.
Social network fraud:
Emotional fraud: On social platforms, fraudsters pretend to be tall, rich and handsome or white, rich and beautiful, and establish romantic relationships with others. After gaining the trust of the other party, they borrow money from the other party for various reasons such as sudden family changes and business capital turnover. For example, by fabricating false identities and experiences on marriage and dating websites, communicating with victims for a long time, causing them to fall into an emotional whirlpool, and then defrauding money.
Impersonation of acquaintances: Fraudsters obtain the victim's social account information, and then pretend to be their friends, family or colleagues, and ask the victim to transfer money on the pretext of an emergency, such as being hospitalized for illness or encountering an accident. They will take advantage of people's panic in an emergency and make the victim transfer money hastily without careful verification.
Online lottery fraud: Fraudsters inform victims that they have won a huge prize, such as a car, real estate, or a large amount of cash, through emails, text messages or website pop-ups. However, the victim is required to pay a certain handling fee, income tax or deposit before receiving the prize. Once the victim transfers the money, the fraudsters will disappear. These winning information often looks very tempting, and will use the names of some well-known brands or large-scale events to increase credibility.
Data and information fraud:
Personal information theft: Through malware, phishing and other means, users' personal information, including name, ID number, bank card number, password, etc., is defrauded. For example, an email that appears to be from a bank or a formal institution is sent, asking users to update their account information and linking to a fake website. When the user enters the information, the information is stolen. This information may be used for further financial fraud, identity theft and other criminal activities.
Corporate data theft: Hackers may invade the company's network system and steal valuable information such as business secrets, customer lists, financial data, etc. This data may be sold to competitors or used to blackmail the company, requiring the company to pay a ransom to prevent data leakage.
Professional law protects your rights and interests; integrity-based helps you achieve victory.
