Carol M.: I applied for a job online to work out of my home processing payments, but it’s an international scam. They sent me a USPS money order made out to me, told me to cash it and then go to Wal-Mart and send a money gram for 90% (I can keep 10%, plus fee for money gram). The money orders are fake or stolen. After you send 1, dozens arrive over-nighted. Weeks go by and then you find out the money orders were fake–your bank or post office then comes after you for thousands. I found over 100 ads like this nationally.

JW: Carol, you’re absolutely right — this is a scam! The experts at the National Consumer League (NCL) report that this type of fraud is on the rise, and has become one of the most common kinds of rip-offs out there. Unsuspecting victims like you are losing thousands of dollars, and if you happen to get mixed up with these creeps, there isn’t much you can do to get your money back. Continue reading How Can I Tell If A Job Posting Is Really A Scam? »

Marlene B.: Who do you contact in order to report people that view child pornography?

JW: If you suspect someone is looking at child pornography, report it right away. When you report something to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cybertipline, the information you submit will be passed on to the proper authorities to make sure this lowlife is stopped. The Cybertipline is a collaboration between NCMEC, the Department of Justice, and US Postal Inspectors. Continue reading How Do I Report Someone Viewing Child Pornography? »

Betsy Ann M.: Is it possible that people could use your email if you open something, like an email or an online ad?

JW: You’ve probably seen some of these emails in your inbox, or seen a pop up window on the internet, informing you of some problem with your account that tells you to take action to fix it immediately. This is a very common scheme for cyber crooks, called “phishing.” They take advantage of your fears, and then get you to hand over personal information before you have time to think about it. Continue reading How Can I Avoid Falling Victim To Phishing? »

Rosey G: I would like more information on how I can be more involved in promoting or supporting “Code Adam” to businesses around my community.

JW: Since 1994, stores all over the country have been implementing Code ADAM, named for my son. This great idea started with Wal-Mart employees who were concerned with protecting their customers and their kids. If a child is reported missing in a store and Code ADAM is activated, the entire store goes on alert. Employees begin monitoring all exits and searching throughout the store for the missing child. With the guidance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Wal-Mart has been instrumental in spreading the word and gaining numerous partners. Today, with more than 70,000 sites signed up for Code ADAM, it’s a powerful tool in the fight to keep kids safe. Continue reading How Can I Get My Community to Support “Code Adam”? »