E-scams and phishing hit record levels

A record number of internet users have been targeted by online scammers in the last 12 months.

Over three quarters (77%) of Brits have been targeted by phishing emails, whilst seven in ten have received bogus pleas for money.

Two thirds (67%) have been told they’ve won a competition only to discover that it was a scam designed to steal personal details.

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly ingenious in their e-scams, with the most cunning posing as family or friends of the victim.

Nearly one in five (17%) internet users have received emails from con artists claiming to be a relative or acquaintance.

Spam is also a growing problem, with 60% of Brits receiving more unsolicited emails this year compared with last year.

Online fraud is becoming big business, with losses from banking fraud totalling £52.5 million in 2008, a 132% increase compared to 2007.

“Cyber criminals now operate in very sophisticated ways,” said Michael Lynch, identity fraud expert at CPP, who conducted the study.

“We are now seeing more ‘malware’ attacks such as key-logging, where fraudsters can read what you type on your computer to capture your passwords and other sensitive financial information without you even knowing.”

“People need to be vigilant and make sure that they have the proper security in place such as up-to-date anti-virus software,” Lynch advised.