Fraudsters have been conning people out of their money and possessions for centuries, but these days technological advances have given them even more ways to deceive and cheat you, and relieve you of your money. \u00a0By using the phone or Internet they can do so without your knowing anything about who they are, or their whereabouts \u2013 most likely they are not even in the UK.<\/p>\n
The \u201cbad guys\u201d have three ways they can exploit you:<\/p>\n
Do not give your bank account or credit card details to anybody who does not have the right to have them! You wouldn\u2019t give them to someone who came to your door, so why give them over the phone, or on the Internet?<\/p>\n
How do you recognise a scam? A scam is usually uninvited (unsolicited) from a company or person you\u2019ve never heard of. Quite often they will start with the phase “Hello, we spoke a few months ago and discussed ………”. Done deliverately to put people on familiar terroritory and also distract you whilst you try and remember the conversation but are too unsure of yourself to question the “earlier conversation”.<\/p>\n
Phishing \u2013 pronounced ‘fishing’ – is the most widespread email scam. It uses an email that looks as if it comes from a bank or credit card company, asking you to submit details of your account. Do not click on the ‘download images’ in your email client because this tells the scammers that they have reached a live account. Do not click on the ‘Unsubscribe’ link because this also tells them that your account is live and the next email will be even more convincing.<\/p>\n
Do report the phishing attempt to your bank or credit card company.
\nIf possible call your bank on another phone and get them to confirm they are calling you. Do not hang up the phone and call back on the same phone; scammers have simple ways of keeping the line open so you think you are calling the bank when you are not.<\/p>\n
Hertfordshire Constabulary use Online Watch Link, OWL<\/a>, , the online Neighbourhood Watch, to keep communities safe, help reduce crime and keep people informed of what’s going on locally. OWL sends you the latest local crime reports, scam warnings and advice. \u00a0Sign up at www.owl.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get Safe Online, www.getsafeonline.org<\/a>, is the UK\u2019s leading source of unbiased, easy to understand information on online safety. \u00a0The website gives practical advice on protecting yourself, your computers and mobile devices, and your business, against fraud, identity theft, viruses and many other online problems.<\/p>\n Be Cyber Streetwise, www.cyberstreetwise.com<\/a>, is a cross-government campaign, funded by the National Cyber Security Programme, to help you protect your device, your data and your business.<\/p>\n Computer Friendly runs an Stay Safe Online<\/a> and we give security advice on our Starter courses<\/a>. Please read our Telephone and Internet Scams leaflet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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