Did you hear that every McDonald’s location is closing tomorrow? Or how about that your favorite celebrity unexpectedly died? What about sending money to a pen pal Saudi prince who swears you’ll get your money back and then some?
Fake news, misinformation, phishing, scam emails and account hacking are commonalities in the digital age. Here’s who to call when you or a loved one becomes the victim.
Who do I call when I see fake news on Facebook?
Following the influx of fake news surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a webpage dedicated to “stopping the spread” of mis- and disinformation.
The webpage, www.who.int, links users to pages on how to report information they believe to be false on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, WhatsApp and LinkedIn.
In addition, the webpage also had an interactive game called ‘Go Viral!’, a tool created to help protect users from misinformation.
Unlike scams, identity theft and fraud, there is little punishment for creating or inciting the spread of fake news. Defamation is the most common threat against companies publishing untrue information, but to sue, the information must be about you and must be damaging to your reputation.
According to the WHO, the best way to handle fake news on your timeline is to report it and never share it. By reposting, quote tweeting or commenting on fake news, the cycle is perpetuated, and the news continues to spread.
When I need to report an internet crime?
“Internet crime” is a vague term that can mean a lot of things. According to the FBI, who has their own comprehensive unit for them, internet crimes can be “advance-fee schemes, non-delivery of goods or services, computer hacking or employment/business opportunity schemes.”
If you need to report an internet crime for yourself or someone you know, visit www.ic3.gov/Home/FileComplaint. The following information will be required at the time of complaint:
- Victim’s name, address, telephone and email.
- This will be your information if you are the victim or another person’s if you file on behalf of a third party.
- Financial transaction information (e.g., account information, transaction date and amount, who received the money).
- Subject’s name, address, telephone, email, website and IP address.
- The subject is the person/entity allegedly committing the internet crime.
- Specific details on how you or a third party were victimized.
- Email header(s).
- Any other relevant information necessary to support your complaint.
The FBI also advises that any evidence relating to the crime, such as canceled checks, wire receipts or chat transcripts, be printed and stored.
When my account is hacked or someone is impersonating me online?
Identity theft, online or in-person, is a serious crime. The Indiana State Police advise citizens to follow these steps if they believe they are a victim:
- Call and place a fraud alert to the following credit bureaus:
- Equifax (800)-525-6285.
- Experian (888)-397-3742.
- Trans Union (800)-680-7289.
- Call and close accounts that have been tampered with or created without your permission.
- Visit www.identitytheft.gov and file an identity theft report. Following the submission, print a copy and file it with the police.
- File a police report. Be sure to attach the printed version of the form you filled out and get a copy of the final report for your records.
Additionally, consumers can report fraud through the FTC website at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Common problems to report include impersonation of a company, online shopping scams, lotteries and debt scams. Scams like banking, housing, and romance scams can be reported through usa.gov.
Who do I call?: Sneaky scammers edition – Indianapolis Recorder
Who do I call? Neighborhood nuisance edition – Indianapolis Recorder
Contact Health & Environmental reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
