Q. I purchased an item from an online retailer or auction web site and never received the item or the item was not accurately represented. Should I file a complaint with the internet fraud complaint center ( www.ic3.gov ) ? (This is appropriate when the victim conducts the transaction(s))
A. Yes, this is the type of fraud that should be reported to the internet fraud complaint center and a local police report is not needed.
Q. Someone used my credit card without my knowledge or permission to make purchases online or transfer money, should I make a report to the local police or file a complaint with the internet fraud complaint center ? (This is appropriate when the victim did not conduct the transaction(s))
A. This is an identity theft and a local police report must be made. This is not an incident that should be reported to the internet fraud complaint center. If you are a resident of Baltimore County, Maryland the Baltimore County Police Department has jurisdiction to make a police report, regardless of where the crime was committed.
Note - Other internet fraud theft questions not mentioned above can be inquired upon by contacting the Baltimore County Police Department by online form.
Revised October 31, 2007
Courthouse 