Never before has communication been so quick and simple. In todays high-speed internet age, users are now presented with an increasing number of ways to converse with family, friends, clients, and merchants. Unfortunately, as technology improves, so do the instances of internet frauds.
The criminal fraudsters are always looking to benefit from loopholes presented by technology, especially where commercial transactions are involved. With the emergence of online banking and the numerous benefits associated with it, many consumers are taking up this option and creating the necessary online accounts. The fraudster has very cleverly taken advantage of this ecommerce fraud through the use of email and something that has been termed 'Internet Phising'.
Phising involves the setting up of a website that will resemble that of an official commercial enterprise, such as your credit card company. The site is used specifically to capture an individual's confidential details such as 'username' and 'password'. Armed with the necessary details, the fraudster can get into the persons account and exploit it.
Avoid The Click-through Via Emails
In order to capture your details, you must first be directed to this 'scam' website. You will be asked to do this via an extremely professional and legitimate looking email. These scams email will often contain the relevant logo's and usual disclaimers so that they have the look and feel of an authentic message. The main body of the email will inform you that in order for 'an issue' to be resolved, they will need you to log in to your account, perhaps verify a few details and then your account will be updated. You will be presented with a hyperlink, for your convenience, so that you can log directly into your account through this email. This is exactly what you must never, ever do! On no occasion must you ever log in to a website via an email, where your confidentiality may be at risk. Always open up a new browser window and enter the specific website Homepage details. Once there, log in through the normal means. It may take you a few minutes longer to do it this way, but you will not be handing over your personal details to a thief!
If by mistake, you do happen to fall victim to this type of internet frauds, and you do realize that you have actually submitted your details to a copycat website, contact the company straight away and inform them of what has happened so that they can protect your account. Forward the email that you received to the real company so that they can investigate its origins. They can also alert their other customers to be aware of this email scam. Failure to report such an incident as early as possible, could cost you more than just a few phone calls to your credit card company. Depending on what information has been captured, some people may find that they have their entire personal identity taken over altogether!
The cost involved in restoring not only one's credit file, but also reputation. If criminal activity has taken place in your name, then all legal action will be taken against your name. This can take months to sort out. Very recently, a journalist from the UK, went to Europe on holiday. During his excursion, he was paid a visit by the local Police and found himself locked up behind bars for a couple of days. The Police arrested this individual as he was wanted in connection with fraudulent activities in their country. The journalist had actually had a break-in a few years back. One of the items stolen was his Passport. Although he followed all the correct guidelines such as reporting it lost, and having a new one issued, the old version was obviously, still in use and was now connected to some serious criminal activities.
After the intervention of the local British Authorities, he was eventually cleared of all wrong-doing and involvement in the case. This person is now quite (understandably) wary of returning to this place.
How To Protect Oneself From Internet Phising?
Basically, one needs to remain 'alert'. It is when you drop your guard that you may fall victim to this email fraud. Remember, it will be difficult to block these messages as there will not be any attachments, or viruses, that would normally trigger your internet security program. Now that you have been made aware of such internet frauds, be vigilant and encourage others to do the same.
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