But crooks also recognize the potential of cyberspace. The same scams that have been conducted by mail or phone can now be found on the Internet, and new technologies are resulting in new ways to commit crimes against consumers. Consumers Pay Big for Dangerous Downloads - National Consumers League's Internet Fraud Watch warns consumers that downloading certain programs on their computers for entertainment may cost them hundreds of dollars in unexpected telephone charges. That's because some programs are designed to disconnect the computer from the consumer's regular Internet service and reconnect it directly to the entertainment provider by dialing a phone number in Africa or in another country. Each day there are more and more offers on the Internet for free PC's.
Scam artist can be just a click away.
You know, the ones you access by dialing 10-10 followed by another three digits, like 321 or 220, and the number you are calling. Before you show up at the airport with your boogie board, passport, or skis, review the tour package carefully and investigate the operator. If so, you may get a phone call, letter, unsolicited fax, email or postcard telling you that you've won a vacation. Whether you're planning to sun on the shores of St. Croix or ski the slopes of Zermatt, it's wise to be an informed travel shopper. To help you avoid unpleasant and costly surprises, the Federal Trade Commission offers these tips.