Crime

#UrbanFraudMyths

Myth:

If I have anti-virus software installed on my device I am fully protected.

Reality

It is true that anti-virus provides a very strong layer of protection to your device, however it can still be bypassed by sophisticated viruses, or malware.

You need to ensure you keep anti-virus, operating systems and other security measures up to date.

Avoid unknown and copycat websites and those giving scam offers.

www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-your-computer/searching-the-internet/

www.getsafeonline.org/protecting-yourself/copycat-websites/

#UrbanFraudMyths

Myth:

If a company has a website it must be legitimate.

Reality:

It takes just minutes to set up a website in any name you want at minimal cost, which means fraudsters can set up a website as easily as anybody else.

www.scamwebsites.co.uk/how-to-detect-a-scam-website.html

#UrbanFraudMyths

Myth

It doesn’t really matter what information I put on social media sites as only my friends can see it.

Reality:

By getting your privacy settings wrong or accepting people ypu don’t know as friends, you may be giving fraudsters valuable information about you and your habits. Personal details can be used to guess passwords, habits and vulnerabilities so you need to check your social media settings regularly.

All personal information is valuable and fraudsters are good at filling in the missing information.

https://www.getsafeonline.org/social-networking/social-networking-sites/

#UrbanFraudMyths

Myth:

Reality:

#UrbanFraudMyths

Myth

Money Transfer systems are always a safe way of making payments.

Reality

This is only the case if you personally know and can verify the person you are sending money to.

You should take care when sending money using these services as, once cash is collected, the recipient is not traceable and money is not refundable.

ukfraud.com/money-transfer-scams.html

#‎UrbanFraudMyths‬

Myth

Downloading digital content illegally is harmless

Reality

This type of crime is far from victimless and has serious repercussions.
Doing so can result in money being used to fund the activities of serious organised crime groups and also has an impact on creative industries and the UK economy.

Legitimate and high quality downloads are easy to find. Use Content Map to access legal content online

Myth:

Public wi-fi is secure and provides a safe forum in which I can do my banking, shopping etc.

Myth:

Bank staff might ask for your PIN or on-line banking password to check who you are when they call you.

Reality

Bank staff will never ask you for your 4 digit card PIN number or on-line banking password when speaking with you over the phone.

They would never ask you to tap them into the telephone key pad either.

Related links

www.financialfraudaction.org.uk/joint-declaration-phone-scams.asp

www.financialfraudaction.org.uk/Consumer-Card-Fraud-Telephone-Scam.asp

Myth:

When someone calls me the number displayed must be genuine

Reality:

Numbers can be ‘spoofed’ to mislead the person answering the call.

Never trust the number you see on the display!