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Be wary of increase in internet scams warn OFT and Get Safe Online

OFFICE OF FAIR TRADING News Release (11/09) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 9 February 2009

The Office of Fair Trading and Get Safe Online have today joined forces to urge internet users to be vigilant against online fraudsters as recent research shows that online scams are on the increase.

The warning comes as part of the OFT's Scams Awareness Month, an annual campaign aimed at providing consumers with information to spot and avoid scams. The second week of this year's campaign, beginning today, is focusing on internet scams and is being supported by Get Safe Online, the UK's national internet security awareness initiative.

The internet has revolutionised the way we live, work and shop but recent research carried out by GetSafeOnline.org highlights the increasing need for vigilance against online fraudsters. 23 per cent of UK internet users surveyed said that they, or their close friends and family, had been a victim of phishing scams in the past 12 month period, compared to just eight per cent the year before. Similarly, over 1 in 6 (16 per cent) had fallen prey to other scam emails or websites.

Three of the most common e-mail scams which consumers should look out for are:
* Phishing - the email appears to come from your bank, a company you regularly do business with, a Government Department or from your social networking site and directs you to a mocked up website that asks you to provide personal data such as account details, passwords and credit card numbers. The site is fake and your details can be used to commit identity fraud.
* Bogus foreign lotteries - you are told you have won a foreign lottery but to claim your winnings must send off money to cover administrative fees. Often your personal details will also be requested and used to commit identity fraud.
* Advance fee scams - someone asks you to help transfer a large sum of money out of a foreign country in return for a share of the spoils but they are just looking to empty your bank account. A recent variation involves being asked to part with money for "taxes" and "visas" in relation for a fake job offer.

Mike Haley, OFT Director of Consumer Protection, said: "Using the internet can be safe and easy but we are urging the public to be vigilant to the dangers of ever more sophisticated online scams. Never respond to offers promising vast lottery wins or 'get rich quick' opportunities and never disclose personal details to people you don't know."

Tony Neate, Managing Director of GetSafeOnline.org, adds:
"At the moment, many of us will be particularly worried about our financial security and we shouldn't be surprised to see online scammers trying to turn this to their advantage. Don't let this deter you from using the internet, however - as long as you make sure you know the warning signs to look out for and how to protect your computer properly, and use your common sense, you can enjoy the web safely as millions of people do every day."

People who have fallen victim to internet frauds should contact their local police station. Phishing emails should be reported to the relevant bank using the contact details on their website or by sending an email to reports@banksafeonline.org.uk, as well as your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

For free, independent, easy to follow advice about online safety, visit http://www.getsafeonline.org.
For more information on scams in general and what to watch out for visit http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/watch_out/scams/

ENDS
For interview bids and information about Get Safe Online, please contact the press office on 020 3047 2561 or email press@getsafeonline.org.

NOTES
1. The Get Safe Online initiative (http://www.getsafeonline.org), which is now in its fourth year, is the UK's national internet security awareness campaign. A joint partnership between the Government, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and private sector sponsors from the worlds of technology, retail and finance, the campaign continues to educate, inform and raise awareness of internet security issues to encourage confident, safe use of the internet.

2. The figures used in this release are taken from the 2008 Get Safe Online Report, based on an independent survey conducted by ICM Research during October 2008. The survey interviewed 1,400 adults aged 18 years and over in the UK with access to the internet.

3. Scams Awareness Month takes place throughout February 2009. It is delivered by the OFT in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services and other partner organisations.

4. The OFT estimates that every year three million UK consumers fall victim to scams sent by email, internet, post, text, and the phone, collectively losing £3.5billion.

5. The OFT is a founding member of the London Action Plan, which draws together government agencies and private sector organisations in 21 countries to encourage communication and coordination between members to achieve efficient and effective enforcement of anti-spam laws. See press release 168/04 of 12 October 2004.

6. Consumer Direct is the government funded telephone and online service offering information and advice on consumer issues. Consumer Direct is funded by the Office of Fair Trading and delivered in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Services. If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct for clear, practical consumer advice on 08454 04 05 06.