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10/02/2009
Be Wary Of Increase In Internet Scams OFT Warns
The Office of Fair Trading and Get Safe Online have joined forces to urge internet users to be vigilant against online fraudsters as recent research shows that online scams are on the increase.
The warning comes as part of the OFT's Scams Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at providing consumers with information to spot and avoid scams. The second week of this year's campaign, beginning today, is focusing on internet scams and is being supported by Get Safe Online, the UK's national internet security awareness initiative.
Recent research carried out by GetSafeOnline.org highlights the increasing need for vigilance against online fraudsters with some 23% of UK internet users surveyed said that they, or their close friends and family, had been a victim of phishing scams in the past 12 month period, compared to just 8% the year before.
Similarly, over one in six (16%) had fallen prey to other scam emails or websites.
Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said: "Using the internet can be safe and easy but we are urging the public to be vigilant to the dangers of ever more sophisticated online scams. Never respond to offers promising vast lottery wins or 'get rich quick' opportunities and never disclose personal details to people you don't know."
Tony Neate, Managing Director of GetSafeOnline.org, adds: "At the moment, many of us will be particularly worried about our financial security and we shouldn't be surprised to see online scammers trying to turn this to their advantage. Don't let this deter you from using the internet, however - as long as you make sure you know the warning signs to look out for and how to protect your computer properly, and use your common sense, you can enjoy the web safely as millions of people do every day."
People who have fallen victim to internet frauds should contact their local police station. Phishing emails should be reported to the relevant bank using the contact details on their website or by sending an email to reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, as well as your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
(JM/BMcC)
The warning comes as part of the OFT's Scams Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at providing consumers with information to spot and avoid scams. The second week of this year's campaign, beginning today, is focusing on internet scams and is being supported by Get Safe Online, the UK's national internet security awareness initiative.
Recent research carried out by GetSafeOnline.org highlights the increasing need for vigilance against online fraudsters with some 23% of UK internet users surveyed said that they, or their close friends and family, had been a victim of phishing scams in the past 12 month period, compared to just 8% the year before.
Similarly, over one in six (16%) had fallen prey to other scam emails or websites.
Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said: "Using the internet can be safe and easy but we are urging the public to be vigilant to the dangers of ever more sophisticated online scams. Never respond to offers promising vast lottery wins or 'get rich quick' opportunities and never disclose personal details to people you don't know."
Tony Neate, Managing Director of GetSafeOnline.org, adds: "At the moment, many of us will be particularly worried about our financial security and we shouldn't be surprised to see online scammers trying to turn this to their advantage. Don't let this deter you from using the internet, however - as long as you make sure you know the warning signs to look out for and how to protect your computer properly, and use your common sense, you can enjoy the web safely as millions of people do every day."
People who have fallen victim to internet frauds should contact their local police station. Phishing emails should be reported to the relevant bank using the contact details on their website or by sending an email to reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, as well as your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
(JM/BMcC)
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A new level of co-operation to crack down on the menace of international scams has been announced by the Department of Trade and Industry. UK consumers have in the past fallen victim to bogus Canadian lottery scams, and dubious e-mail approaches urging people to part with their money often originate from overseas, the department said.
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