Hi,
Action Fraud is the new national organisation to help tackle fraud in UK. It’s operated by the National Fraud Authority (NFA) and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB). They’ve kindly given us some useful advice on how to beat online fraud. I hope you find it helpful...
- Fraudsters are always looking for new ways to scam money from unsuspecting people. Whether its credit
card fraud, phishing (fake emails), holiday or ticket scams or counterfeit goods on auction sites, it pays to take precautions.
- Keep your PC protected by using up-to-date anti-virus software. Try to ensure you have the latest operating system and web browser.
- Only ever shop on secure sites. Before submitting card details ensure the locked or unbroken key symbol is showing in your browser and the address changes from ‘http’ to https’ to indicate you have a secure connection.
- Sign up to Verified by Visa or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option while shopping online. This involves you registering a password with your card company.
- Try not to let your card out of your sight when making a transaction at shops and restaurants
- When buying tickets online check with the venue to find out when they are being released and check the geographic address of the website company and that they have a working landline phone number. Make sure there is a refund policy in case something goes wrong.
If you are a victim of fraud – report it to Action Fraud, the
national fraud reporting centre. They can provide support
and advice.
Helpline 0300 123 2040. www.actionfraud.org.uk
Common Scams
Fraud costs the UK over £30 billion every year. Anyone can be taken in because
scams are customised to fit the profile of the people their targeting. Some simple
ground rules are to always consider your card details as cash. In the hands of
criminals it makes no difference. Be alert to common scams and if it sounds too
good to be true, it probably is:
Scam ticket websites
People purchase non-existent tickets from scam websites to events such as music
festivals and the theatre believing the sites are legitimate. However, after paying
for the tickets, they are not delivered and any calls and emails go unanswered.
Sometimes scammers will suggest a customer representative will meet the victim
at the venue on the day of the event, but nobody turns up. Victims are left both
out of pocket and unable to attend the event.
Phishing emails Phishing is usually done via instant message or email.
Fraudsters try to trick people into providing sensitive information such as
credit card details, passwords and usernames, by pretending to be a reputable
organisation such as a bank, social web or auction site. People are lured into
fake websites where they enter information which is then used by criminals for
fraudulent purposes.
Ponzi schemes are investment scams where investors are offered great returns
but subsequent investors are paid out of the funds rather than any profit.
Loan scams People responding to advertisements for quick loans, regardless
of credit history, have applications approved, but before they receive the loan they
are told they must pay an ‘insurance fee’ upfront. Once the advance fee is paid,
the victim never hears from the company again and the loan is never received.
Premium phone line scams Phone users inadvertently make calls or send
texts using premium services; to purchase phone-related products/ services that
turn out to be substandard or non-existent; or to unwittingly sign up to expensive
subscription services (e.g. mobile phone ring tones). Fraudsters can also ensnare
victims with the rouse of holding non-existent parcels for collection.
For more information about types of fraud or to report a fraud visit
www.actionfraud.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 123 2040, Textphone 0300 123 2050
