Last year, there were 420,000 scam-related emails sent every hour in the UK, according to the figures from CPP in a recent report. In the last twelve months alone, there were 3.7 billion Phishing attacks aimed at Brits, costing each victim an average of £285 GPB.
Every 7 seconds someone is victimized online in the UK. (IMG:SXC)
Of the UK-based adults surveyed, 2,007 in all, 55-percent of them said that they were targeted by seemingly legitimate emails from high street banks. In addition, when asked about other frauds, more than half reported seeing false lotto prize claims, as well as 419 scams.
Scammers are also exploiting the explosion of social networking sites and current defaults in privacy settings to target victims, CPP said. The report states that almost one fifth of Brits surveyed have received phony Facebook messages claiming to be from friends or family. A third said they are concerned their social networking account could be compromised.
“It seems that not a day goes by without a new case of online fraud hitting the headlines. But what’s concerning is that consumers are still falling victim,” said CPP’s fraud expert Nicole Sanders.
“Fraudsters are becoming ever more skilled in their techniques and tactics. It can be extremely difficult to spot a legitimate email from a scam, so we advise caution at all times when online. And as social networking sites become increasingly popular, people need to continue to be mindful of what they post. Their identity is as valuable to a thief as a credit card, so protecting personal details is key.”
CPP advised Brits to use some basic protections, such as ensuring that the HTTPS: is present when shopping online and entering credit card details. In addition, they add the sound advice of using layered protections, including anti-Malware and email protections that include anti-Spam and anti-Phishing.
“Remember the golden rule: identity thieves are experts at spotting an opportunity to steal your identity and all they need are a few personal details… If someone asks for your personal details online ask yourself why they would need them,” CPP said in a statement.
More online: http://www.cpp.co.uk/
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