fraud alert

Posted by admin - December 26, 2013 11:17 am Being Fraud Aware

Fraudsters are getting more devious in their efforts to take your money

It seems that fraudsters are getting more and more devious in ways in which to con businesses and individuals out of there money.

In particular, there is much activity targeted at internet shopping with UK shoppers apparently more likely to go online to make their purchases than the rest of their European counterparts.

However, being vigil about your personal details and following some simple steps will help protect you and make the fraudsters’ job that much harder!

Our top tips to beat the fraudsters:

  • Never give away personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone details) without first verifying an organisation’s credentials.
  • Never trust phishing emails. Remember that banks and other financial institutions will never send you an email requesting you to click a link to confirm your bank details. Worryingly many of these emails do look genuine but aren’t so if in doubt do contact your bank.
  • Your bank will also never ask you to confirm your full pin and password online or over the telephone.
  • Destroy and preferably shred receipts or any other papers with your personal details on them to prevent identity theft.
  • Ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus computer software and a firewall installed on your computer and set your security levels to the highest level possible.
  • Sign up for Verified by Visa Card or MasterCard Secure Code whenever you are given the option.
  • If you receive bills or invoices or receipts for things you haven’t purchased then take action as soon as possible, as your identity may have been stolen.
  • If you are concerned that you have been a victim of fraud then obtain a copy of your credit file and check this for entries you don’t recognise.
  • Also be aware of the ‘fraud recovery fraudsters’ who contact victims of fraud pretending to be a lawyer and promise you they can reclaim any lost money.

If in any doubt, or to obtain further information on how you can protect yourself from fraud visit ActionFraud or call them for further advice on 0300 123 2040.

Always remember the old adage that if something is too good to be true it most probably is.