‘Beware online pickpockets’ as ID fraud rises

Last night experts warned people to be on their guard amid claims that fraud levels have historically increased at this time of year.

CIFAS, the UK’s fraud prevention service, says figures provided by its members show identity fraud – where a criminal uses a person’s details to obtain products and services in their victims’ name – has increased by 10.5 per cent in the past twelve months.

Its figures also reveal that 86 per cent of all identity frauds are attempted online.

Richard Hurley, CIFAS communications manager, said the figures demonstrate “how organisations and individuals alike must do everything to keep their details safe”.

“Otherwise, we will effectively be allowing our wallets to be stolen by online pickpockets,” he said.

The organisation says that as thebusiest shopping period of the year continues, consumers will be looking for bargains online but last night it warned shoppers to only shop on trusted sites and said fraudulent websites would frequently entice shoppers with offers that seemed too good to be true.

Such sites would either be offering fake goods, no goods at all, or simply be looking for an individual’s card and address details in order to try to hijack accounts or impersonate somebody.

Mr Hurley said there were simple steps that people can take to help protect themselves: “Always begin with a few common sense steps and questions: do you recognise the seller?

“Have they got a registered address and returns policy?

“Have you searched the full address online to see if others have had bad experiences with the seller?

“Also look out for https: at the start of any web address (this shows that the server is secure when making payments) and ensure you have full anti-virus software installed before using the internet.

“Above all else though, if you are in doubt, chuck that website out: don’t use it!”

The organisation says that while smartphones offer a new level of convenience, consumers must also be aware of the dangers.

Mr Hurley said: “Using public access wi-fi to conduct transactions or make purchases and not encrypting data or passwords on a handset are just two things 
that are easily forgotten by users that can leave people vulnerable to the interception or theft of details.”

He added: “The ease of carrying out transactions online – from a computer or smartphone – is not something that consumers would wish to lose.

“Being aware that there are dangers, however, and taking simple steps to counteract them are essential if we do not wish to become victims of fraud.

“As crooks and petty thieves are to be found where there are crowds, consumers must remember that the sheer popularity of the internet means that online thieves will be found there.

“By taking some simple precautions, consumers can go a long way to ensure that they will not be receiving unwanted attention.”