Consumers 'should be educated' about online fraud
Consumers 'should be educated' about online fraud
- Tuesday, 13 July 2010 Victims of online fraud could lose between six and one million pounds, which may lead them into
debt problems if they then cannot afford to pay their bills.
Action Fraud revealed on July 12th that at least £3.5 billion is lost to online crime each year although the figures may be higher as many victims do not report it.
The most common frauds in the last month were caused by online shopping and auctions, advance loan fee fraud and dating scams – all of which could lead to
debt problems.
However, Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, believes online fraud can be avoided if consumers are taught how to protect themselves.
He said: "It has got to be a joint responsibility to educate consumers for people to take their own necessary safeguards to make sure that we have safe, easy software to comply with, the hardware is right and that law and government enforcements are doing the right thing."
Mr Neate advised computer users to protect their PCs by installing anti-virus software and not to reveal too much personal or financial information on social networking sites.

Recent Debt Management Plan News
56% of Brits have no life insurance which could leave family with debt problems
Wed, 04 May 2011More than half of UK adults currently have no life insurance cover, which could mean their loved ones are left with
debt problems when they die...
Brits thinking about retirement advised to seek debt advice
Tue, 03 May 2011Consumers considering their retirement options have been advised to seek professional advice, as they may end up with
debt problems in the future...
Brits planning to attend a wedding should start saving to avoid debt problems
Thu, 28 Apr 2011Consumers concerned about getting into
credit card debt to pay to attend a wedding may want to use their savings instead...
Couples planning their big day can avoid debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding
Wed, 27 Apr 2011Couples-to-be worried about needing
debt advice in the future after paying for a wedding can ensure they avoid accruing
debt problems by negotiating a cheap wedding...