Online fraud is a very real problem.
We’re here to help you develop your counterattack!
Firstly, you’ll need to understand the various types of fraud that can be a threat.
Your ABC of fraud terminology:
ATM fraud – fraud associated with an ATM cash machine
Bank scam – attempt to gain bank details or take money from your account
Counterfeit card – a fake bank or security card
Defraud – the act of committing a fraud
Email phishing scam – emails intended to take you to a malicious website, or to get details from you.
Fake financial services firm – try to trick a victim into giving away money or bank details
Government agency scam – fake communication pretending to come from a government department, such as HMRC or DVLA
Hijacking – network security attack where the attacker takes control of a communication, masquerading as one party.
Investment scam – a pretend investment opportunity takes your money
Jackpot – if you didn’t even play, you didn’t win the millions – it’s a fraud!
K
Lottery fraud – cheats a legitimate lottery, or creates a fake one to get money
Money Recovery Scam – after a scam has taken place, this charges you to “recover” your money
Nigerian Prince Scam – promises financial reward in exchange for you paying “to help with legal processes and paperwork” associated with accessing inheritance.
Online shopping fraud
Phishing – emails intended to take you to a malicious website, or to get details from you.
Q
Recovery Room Fraud (see money recovery scam above)
Scam – a dishonest scheme
Tax scams – see government agency scam above…
U
Virus – malicious software which can often self-replicate
West African (or 419) scam – a stranger offers your financial reward to help move lots of money from one country to another
X
Y
Z
Your ABC of counter attack:
The good news is that there is also an ABC to COUNTER fraud, and here it is:
Always confirm that an email is really from the place / person it professes to be from – check the domain spelling etc.
Be vigilant, and don’t be rushed by urgent-sounding wording in messages.
Check your incoming mail using a filter to flag any suspicious content.
For advice and help on anything you’re not sure about regarding internet security, give datamills a call on 0114 287 0510.