How to lock out the online scammers

BEWARE OF WHAT YOU ACCIDENTALLY SHARE WITH FRAUDSTERS, WARNS TRICIA PHILLIPS

CRIMINALS continue to cash in on the cost-of-living crisis, online shopping and social media, using ever-changing ways to steal identities to carry out financial fraud.

Identity fraud rose by more than a fifth last year, according to data analytics firm Experian. That is when crooks steal your personal information so they can get their hands on your bank account and credit card details or take out credit and services in your name.

Shoppers were especially vulnerable during November and December, the festive shopping season, due to the spike in online transactions and reduction of business resources to investigate potential fraud.

Fraudsters typically use stolen information such as usernames, passwords and credit card numbers to commit fraud.

Victims have no idea this is taking place until it is too late and then must go through the hideous process of getting their finances back on track and trying to reclaim stolen funds.

Methods used to get their mitts on your personal details include   phishing attacks via bogus emails and texts, as well as fake goods for sale, to lure you in to click on dodgy links and disclose information.

They also trawl social media sites to gain vital bits of information from you and your contacts, so they can build up your identity.

A mention of a special birthday, links to family members and posts on parties and get-togethers all give away vital nibs that fraudsters can use to scam you