The Biggest Internet Criminal Schemes This Year

Viruses and spyware

Probably the most widely known scam and the type that has been around the longest are viruses and spyware. We are certainly more cautious than we used to be however viruses still find themselves everywhere and as technology advances it is becoming more difficult to protect yourself from them. You may be visiting a website which has been infected with a virus only to go and download a file or watch a video and then be infected yourself.

The best advice is to have anti-virus software installed and to regularly back up your work to minimise the risk and impact should your system become infected.

Phishing and identity theft

There is a huge black market for financial data that is increasing lucrative for criminals. They look to steal your personal data using various techniques which include bogus websites where they attract people in via e-mail spamming. Often you can receive an e-mail claiming to be from your bank which is designed to get your attention and have you click and log your personal information into their website. This is known as Phishing; they will also use telesales, hack into popular websites and more recently have been creative with using social networks to gain information.

Your personal data is very valuable; think before you give it out, basic information such as date of birth should never be disclosed unless absolutely necessary. If websites insist, use a fake date of birth.

Economy related scams

Many of us have money worries due to the current economic climate and are therefore more vulnerable and looking for solutions. Fraudsters will use this situation to come up with new scams to look to rob us of our money and personal information. The newest scams include unemployment insurance, debt consolidation and assistance with repossessions.

It is easy to get drawn into a scam especially when it seems like the perfect solution to your problems however always think it through. If you have found what you think is a great offer then take the time to research the company and discuss it with others before going ahead. Use the internet, chat forums to see if anyone else has heard of the company in question or has had issues.

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Tom Swayer writes articles covering a broad range of subjects. His main area of expertise is fraud awareness and scam prevention. Tom has written articles on these subjects including an article covering the Marcus Evans scam conferences.