Protect yourself from online fraud this festive season

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Protect yourself from online fraud this festive season

The Corliss Technology Review Group: A new report by the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) takes a look at the scams faced by consumers when shopping online.

The report focuses on fraud in cross-border e-commerce and what consumers can do to protect themselves from online fraud. It has been prepared based on the complaints reported by consumers to ECC-Net in 2012.

The EU Commissioner for Consumer Policy, Neven Mimica said: "On-line shopping is booming as consumers take advantage of the digital single market. But the risk of fraud is rising too. The ECC report is a timely reminder to consumers that they need to 'shop smart' and avoid the fraudsters' traps“.

It has been estimated that savings from online shopping amount to €11.7 billion equivalent to 0.12% of the EU’s GDP However many consumers are missing out. Studies show that 62% of consumers cite fear of fraud as the reason why they do not go online to shop.

According to the results of the Euro barometer on Cyber Security, the highest figures of internet users that say they have experienced online fraud are in Poland (18%), Hungary (17%), Malta (16%) and UK (16%), while respondents in Greece (3%), Slovenia (6%) and Spain (7%) are least likely to have experienced online fraud.

The report highlights a number of tips and tricks to avoid being scammed online. For example always use a secure payment method and never transfer cash. The tips also include advice on how to screen unfamiliar online traders and what to do if you happen to fall victim to a fraudulent site.

The most common kind of fraud highlighted by the participating ECCs (70%) were scams involving fraudulent sites which require a bank transfer purchase and never deliver the products offered. The second highest type of online fraud, mentioned by 45% of participating centres, involves second hand cars sold online, followed by sale of counterfeit goods and fraudulent ticket sales. The report also analyses emerging issues in online fraud with malicious software targeting mobile phones, and scams involving gaming and online dating sites.

 

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The 12 Online Frauds of Christmas - How you can protect yourself

11 December 2013

Essex County Council’s Trading Standards team is warning consumers to take extra care when shopping for Christmas gifts online.

The team is supporting the Not Everyone is as Nice as You campaign organised by Action Fraud, National Fraud Intelligence Bureau, Get Safe Online and the City of London Police. The campaign aims to ensure online shoppers stay safe this festive season by publishing information about typical scams and how to avoid them.

You can find information and advice about shopping online, using auction sites, e-Christmas card frauds, social network dangers, donating to charity, voucher and ticket frauds and the safe way to make mobile payments here .

Experts at Action Fraud say even the most confident online shoppers can be caught out by professional fraudsters. But fraudsters often target vulnerable shoppers who are unsure in using modern technology.

Cllr Roger Walters, cabinet member for Trading Standards, said: “With more and more people buying presents online and using technology over the festive season we want to ensure Essex residents take all possible preventative steps so they do not fall victim to online scams. If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of fraud please report it to Action Fraud so that the incident can be passed on to the police.”

As well as the 12 Online Frauds of Christmas document, here are some other simple tips:

1. Trust your instincts – if an offer looks too good to be true it usually is. Legitimate popular technology and designer items are rarely discounted.

2. Check the URL in the web browser. Don’t be fooled by spoof websites where the address is slightly changed.

3. Ensure the website address begins ‘https’ at the payment stage – this indicates a secure payment.

4. Don’t access links in unsolicited emails, always type in the website address or use a search engine to find a site.

5. Only deal with reputable sellers - only use sites you know or ones that have been recommended to you.

6. Avoid paying by money transfers - they aren’t secure. Use an online payment option such as PayPal, which helps to protect you.

7. Watch out for pop-ups appearing asking you to confirm your card details before you are on the payment stage. Never enter your PIN number online.

8. If your bid for an online auction item is unsuccessful, don’t be tempted to trade off-site if another seller approaches you with a similar item. This is likely to be a scam and you won’t be covered.

9. Keep security software and firewalls up-to-date. Regularly update your internet browser when a new patch-security update is released.

10. Keep receipts and check these against your statement – if you spot a transaction you did not authorise speak to your card company immediately. If you are the innocent victim of any type of card fraud you will not suffer any financial loss.