# What is Internet Fraud?

> Internet fraud is intentional deception conducted primarily or exclusively through online services to obtain money, property, credentials, personal information, or another benefit, or to cause a victim to act against their interests.

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## Content

It is a broad channel-based label, not one attack technique: schemes may use websites, marketplaces, social networks, email, messaging, advertising, payment systems, or compromised accounts.

A scheme can combine impersonation, social engineering, phishing, account takeover, false listings, manipulated media, or malware, and its payment or money movement may occur offline. People and organizations can both be targets. Useful prevention therefore combines technical safeguards with independent verification, transaction controls, accessible reporting, and rapid coordination with affected providers.

### Key points

- **Common patterns:** Warning signs include unexpected urgency, secrecy, impersonation, changed payment details, implausible returns, advance fees, pressure to move channels, or resistance to independent verification.
- **Process controls:** Verify sensitive requests using known contact details, separate initiation from approval for high-risk transactions, protect account recovery, and make reporting safe and easy.
- **Response:** Contact relevant financial or service providers promptly, secure affected accounts, preserve original communications and transaction records, and report through the appropriate official channels.
- **Important limitation:** A loss, dispute, suspicious message, or inaccurate claim is not automatically legally established fraud. Intent, deception, jurisdiction, reporting duties, and available remedies depend on the facts and applicable law.

### Related terms

[Phishing](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/phishing/>) · [Business email compromise (BEC)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/business-email-compromise/>) · [Identity theft](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/identity-theft/>) · [Account takeover (ATO)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/account-takeover/>) · [Deepfake](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/deepfake/>) · [Cybersquatting](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/cybersquatting/>)

### Sources

[Europol: Online Fraud Schemes](https://www.europol.europa.eu/crime-areas/online-fraud-schemes) · [FBI: Common Frauds and Scams](https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-frauds-and-scams)

## Attribution and scope

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