Coalition to Crack Down on online fraud

Leading online companies including Microsoft, eBay and Amazon have joined forces to create a Coalition to fight online identity theft.

The Coalition on Online Identity Theft will launch an educational campaign against fraud online, will promote technology to prevent online identity theft and will work with the government to create a safe online environment.

ITAA president Harris N. Miller said: "Recent email frauds have involved notifying a consumer about a fictitious account problem and asking the individual to supply a user ID and password, social security number, credit card information or other sensitive data. Scam artists then use the information to operate phony auctions, purchase merchandise under an assumed name, apply for loans, or conduct other illegal activity."

"The solution is a shared responsibility among industry, government and consumers to advance education and awareness," he added.