Hi folks
I'm sure similar stats in other countries - but reading the online versions of some UK financial papers I came across this which analyses typical fraud in the UK -- and things like software hacks are almost nowhere - compared with other things :
------begin paste of article--------
With this in mind, Moneyboat, have analysed ONS data1 from April 2012- March2022 to reveal the most common types of fraud on average over these years. It was found that online shopping subjects’ consumers to fraudulent activity the most, with over 50,500 cases recorded on average in a year.
Scams relating to plastic cards came second with an average of 20,459 reported a year, and computer software with 18,810.
Where in the UK is home to the most fraudulent activity?
Looking at the UK regions that are subject to fraud the most, ONS data found these cities to have the most recorded fraud cases in 2022:
Working with Laura Rettie, Finance Expert at finance.co.uk, Moneyboat can reveal tips on how to prevent these common cases of fraud:
1. Online shopping and auctions (50,529 cases on average each year)
When shopping online, try to stick to reputable brands and be cautious of unfamiliar websites. Check the website URL you’re using starts with ‘https’, which indicates you’re on a secure connection. Before making a purchase, always check the reviews of the website if you’re unfamiliar with the company.
Be sure to create strong passwords for your online shopping accounts, and avoid using the same one across multiple accounts, ensure your devices are kept up to date with the latest security updates, and be cautious of using public Wi-Fi when sharing your banking details.
Use secure payment methods such as PayPal or a credit card which will give you section 75 protection, which means your credit card provider is jointly responsible for the transaction if things go wrong.
Be vigilant about any emails, messages, or calls you receive after you’ve shopped online asking for personal information or payment details in the days, weeks and months after you’ve made a transaction.
When using auction sites, make sure you look at the seller’s previous feedback and proceed with caution if they have none. If you're purchasing a high-value item, request detailed photos, certificates of authenticity, or any other supporting documentation that can verify the item's legitimacy. It’s important to read the item description carefully, including its condition and any disclaimers from the seller. Pay attention to any red flags, such as vague descriptions or unusually low prices.
If you have concerns reach out to the sellers - legitimate ones will be happy to provide you with the information you need - someone that becomes short or frustrated with questions is a red flag. Familiarise yourself with the auction site's payment and refund policies and be cautious of sellers who request payment through unconventional methods.
2. Cheque, Plastic cards and online banking (20,459 cases on average each year)
Be sceptical of requests for payment with cheques, particularly from unknown individuals, and when writing cheques, use a pen with non-washable ink to make it harder for fraudsters to alter or modify the information.
Be cautious of card skimmers - check ATMs for signs of tampering, such as loose parts or unusual devices attached to them. Criminals may install skimmers to capture your card information - if something looks suspicious, use a different machine and report it.
Review your transactions frequently, either through your online banking or app, to quickly identify any unauthorised charges and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.
Only provide your card details on trusted and secure websites and be cautious when sharing your card information over the phone. Legitimate organisations will not ask for your details via unsolicited calls or emails.
Be wary of phishing emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from your bank. These scams often ask for your personal information or login credentials. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive information in response to unsolicited communications.
Many banks now offer account alert services via email or SMS. It’s a good idea to set up alerts to receive notifications for various activities, such as large transactions, account balance changes, or login attempts, helping you to identify and respond to any potential fraudulent activity quickly.
Make sure your devices have updated antivirus and anti-malware software installed and use strong passwords or biometric authentication to unlock your devices and enable screen locks or passcodes to prevent unauthorised access.
3. Computer software service fraud (18,810 cases on average each year)
Avoid downloading software from unknown sources because they may distribute pirated or fraudulent versions. Before purchasing software, research the product and the company behind it, by checking for reviews, ratings, and user feedback to ensure the software is legitimate.
Get your software updates directly from the official software provider's website. Avoid downloading them from unknown sources, as they may contain malicious code.
Watch out for software scams that lure you with promises of free software. Scammers may attempt to collect your personal information or payment details under the guise of offering software downloads.
4. Hacking – Social media and email (8,091 cases on average each year)
It’s important to limit the amount of personal information you share on your social media platforms. Be cautious about revealing sensitive details like your full name, address, phone number, or financial information publicly. Make sure you adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information - set your accounts so that only your friends can see your information.
Be cautious of fake or impersonated accounts, especially if it’s a duplicated account of someone you’re already connected with and exercise caution for offers, giveaways, or competitions on social media. Fraudsters may use these tactics to collect personal information.
Avoid granting excessive permissions to third-party apps or websites that request access to your social media accounts. Be cautious of clicking on links that appear suspicious or unfamiliar, because they may lead to malicious websites or phishing attempts.
Be cautious of emails from unknown senders, especially if they contain urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or requests for personal or financial information. Pay attention to the email sender's address. Be wary of emails that claim to be from a legitimate organisation but use a suspicious or slightly altered email address.
Before clicking on any links in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see the actual web address it leads to. Verify that the URL matches the official website of the organisation it claims to be from. Be very cautious of deceptive links that mimic legitimate websites.
Opening email attachments from an unknown source is risky - malicious attachments can contain viruses, ransomware, or other malware. Only open attachments from trusted sources.
Enable and regularly update your email’s spam filters on your account. Spam filters can help block or divert suspicious or unwanted emails, reducing the chances of falling victim to phishing attempts or fraudulent emails.
5. Retail Fraud (7,798 cases on average each year)
Purchase products from well-known and trusted retailers, either online or in physical stores.
By sticking to established retailers with positive customer reviews and a reliable reputation online, you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to retail fraud.
When shopping online, ensure that the retailer's website is secure. Look for "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. These indicate that the website has encryption measures in place to protect your payment and personal information. Avoid entering sensitive details on websites without secure connections.
If you believe you have encountered retail fraud, report it to the retailer, your bank, or the appropriate authorities. Provide all relevant details and documentation to aid in the investigation and prevent others from falling victim to the same fraud.
Finally, trust your instincts - if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be mindful of high-pressure sales tactics, unrealistic discounts, or sellers asking for unusual payment methods.
Dan Saunders of Moneyboat comments, “Fraud is a prevalent issue that subjects millions of Brits to financial losses every year, many of whom never have their losses reimbursed. Thankfully more of us are becoming more aware of financial fraud and where we can be targeted, and so are better informed to protect ourselves from this form of crime.
“It’s important we take precautions everyday to try and protect ourselves from fraud, from ensuring we take more care at ATMs to double checking the details on any emails.”
Further tips on preventing fraud can be found here: It’s time to get savvy about cybercrime and fraud | Moneyboat
ENDS
Moneyboat.co.uk is a UK short-term Direct Lender founded in 2014 with a vision to make a mark as a company that stands true to the values of transparency, affordability, and quality service. We know the value of flexibility, creativity, and innovation in today’s fintech space, and strive to provide our customers with a positive, uncomplicated, and fair experience.
We are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority, Register Number 674154.
Representative Example: Borrow £400 for 4 months, 4 monthly repayments of £149.37. Total repayment £597.48, interest rate p.a. (fixed) 255.5%. Representative APR 939.5%.
If you don't make your payments on time, it could lead to serious financial problems. If you need help, visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
------------End of paste article.
so around 8,000 hacks compared with many more for just "bog standard scams and frauds". So provided Windows defender is kept up to date the actual chances of a domestic computer getting hacked seems pretty negligible. Be wary of scams and frauds,
I'm sure similar stats are available in the US and elsewhere for those interested enough.
Cheers
jimbo
I'm sure similar stats in other countries - but reading the online versions of some UK financial papers I came across this which analyses typical fraud in the UK -- and things like software hacks are almost nowhere - compared with other things :
------begin paste of article--------
How to prevent the most common types of fraud
- New research from Moneyboat has looked at ONS figures from April 2012- March 2022 to reveal the most common types of fraud on average across these years
- Data also reveals the cities that are most subject to fraud
- Moneyboat have partnered with a finance expert to reveal tips to prevent the most common fraudulent activity types
With this in mind, Moneyboat, have analysed ONS data1 from April 2012- March2022 to reveal the most common types of fraud on average over these years. It was found that online shopping subjects’ consumers to fraudulent activity the most, with over 50,500 cases recorded on average in a year.
Scams relating to plastic cards came second with an average of 20,459 reported a year, and computer software with 18,810.
Where in the UK is home to the most fraudulent activity?
Looking at the UK regions that are subject to fraud the most, ONS data found these cities to have the most recorded fraud cases in 2022:
- City of London (20,591 reported cases)
- West Midlands (15,613 reported cases)
- Thames Valley (14,526 reported cases)
- Greater Manchester (14,335 reported cases)
- West Yorkshire (12,058 reported cases)
Working with Laura Rettie, Finance Expert at finance.co.uk, Moneyboat can reveal tips on how to prevent these common cases of fraud:
1. Online shopping and auctions (50,529 cases on average each year)
When shopping online, try to stick to reputable brands and be cautious of unfamiliar websites. Check the website URL you’re using starts with ‘https’, which indicates you’re on a secure connection. Before making a purchase, always check the reviews of the website if you’re unfamiliar with the company.
Be sure to create strong passwords for your online shopping accounts, and avoid using the same one across multiple accounts, ensure your devices are kept up to date with the latest security updates, and be cautious of using public Wi-Fi when sharing your banking details.
Use secure payment methods such as PayPal or a credit card which will give you section 75 protection, which means your credit card provider is jointly responsible for the transaction if things go wrong.
Be vigilant about any emails, messages, or calls you receive after you’ve shopped online asking for personal information or payment details in the days, weeks and months after you’ve made a transaction.
When using auction sites, make sure you look at the seller’s previous feedback and proceed with caution if they have none. If you're purchasing a high-value item, request detailed photos, certificates of authenticity, or any other supporting documentation that can verify the item's legitimacy. It’s important to read the item description carefully, including its condition and any disclaimers from the seller. Pay attention to any red flags, such as vague descriptions or unusually low prices.
If you have concerns reach out to the sellers - legitimate ones will be happy to provide you with the information you need - someone that becomes short or frustrated with questions is a red flag. Familiarise yourself with the auction site's payment and refund policies and be cautious of sellers who request payment through unconventional methods.
2. Cheque, Plastic cards and online banking (20,459 cases on average each year)
Be sceptical of requests for payment with cheques, particularly from unknown individuals, and when writing cheques, use a pen with non-washable ink to make it harder for fraudsters to alter or modify the information.
Be cautious of card skimmers - check ATMs for signs of tampering, such as loose parts or unusual devices attached to them. Criminals may install skimmers to capture your card information - if something looks suspicious, use a different machine and report it.
Review your transactions frequently, either through your online banking or app, to quickly identify any unauthorised charges and report any discrepancies to your bank immediately.
Only provide your card details on trusted and secure websites and be cautious when sharing your card information over the phone. Legitimate organisations will not ask for your details via unsolicited calls or emails.
Be wary of phishing emails, texts, or calls pretending to be from your bank. These scams often ask for your personal information or login credentials. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive information in response to unsolicited communications.
Many banks now offer account alert services via email or SMS. It’s a good idea to set up alerts to receive notifications for various activities, such as large transactions, account balance changes, or login attempts, helping you to identify and respond to any potential fraudulent activity quickly.
Make sure your devices have updated antivirus and anti-malware software installed and use strong passwords or biometric authentication to unlock your devices and enable screen locks or passcodes to prevent unauthorised access.
3. Computer software service fraud (18,810 cases on average each year)
Avoid downloading software from unknown sources because they may distribute pirated or fraudulent versions. Before purchasing software, research the product and the company behind it, by checking for reviews, ratings, and user feedback to ensure the software is legitimate.
Get your software updates directly from the official software provider's website. Avoid downloading them from unknown sources, as they may contain malicious code.
Watch out for software scams that lure you with promises of free software. Scammers may attempt to collect your personal information or payment details under the guise of offering software downloads.
4. Hacking – Social media and email (8,091 cases on average each year)
It’s important to limit the amount of personal information you share on your social media platforms. Be cautious about revealing sensitive details like your full name, address, phone number, or financial information publicly. Make sure you adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts and personal information - set your accounts so that only your friends can see your information.
Be cautious of fake or impersonated accounts, especially if it’s a duplicated account of someone you’re already connected with and exercise caution for offers, giveaways, or competitions on social media. Fraudsters may use these tactics to collect personal information.
Avoid granting excessive permissions to third-party apps or websites that request access to your social media accounts. Be cautious of clicking on links that appear suspicious or unfamiliar, because they may lead to malicious websites or phishing attempts.
Be cautious of emails from unknown senders, especially if they contain urgent requests, offers that seem too good to be true, or requests for personal or financial information. Pay attention to the email sender's address. Be wary of emails that claim to be from a legitimate organisation but use a suspicious or slightly altered email address.
Before clicking on any links in an email, hover your mouse over the link to see the actual web address it leads to. Verify that the URL matches the official website of the organisation it claims to be from. Be very cautious of deceptive links that mimic legitimate websites.
Opening email attachments from an unknown source is risky - malicious attachments can contain viruses, ransomware, or other malware. Only open attachments from trusted sources.
Enable and regularly update your email’s spam filters on your account. Spam filters can help block or divert suspicious or unwanted emails, reducing the chances of falling victim to phishing attempts or fraudulent emails.
5. Retail Fraud (7,798 cases on average each year)
Purchase products from well-known and trusted retailers, either online or in physical stores.
By sticking to established retailers with positive customer reviews and a reliable reputation online, you’ll dramatically reduce your chances of falling victim to retail fraud.
When shopping online, ensure that the retailer's website is secure. Look for "https" in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. These indicate that the website has encryption measures in place to protect your payment and personal information. Avoid entering sensitive details on websites without secure connections.
If you believe you have encountered retail fraud, report it to the retailer, your bank, or the appropriate authorities. Provide all relevant details and documentation to aid in the investigation and prevent others from falling victim to the same fraud.
Finally, trust your instincts - if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Be mindful of high-pressure sales tactics, unrealistic discounts, or sellers asking for unusual payment methods.
Dan Saunders of Moneyboat comments, “Fraud is a prevalent issue that subjects millions of Brits to financial losses every year, many of whom never have their losses reimbursed. Thankfully more of us are becoming more aware of financial fraud and where we can be targeted, and so are better informed to protect ourselves from this form of crime.
“It’s important we take precautions everyday to try and protect ourselves from fraud, from ensuring we take more care at ATMs to double checking the details on any emails.”
Further tips on preventing fraud can be found here: It’s time to get savvy about cybercrime and fraud | Moneyboat
ENDS
- Data was taken from here on fraud cases from 2012-2022 Moneyboat then worked out the yearly average of cases to reveal the most popular Nature of crime: fraud and computer misuse - Office for National Statistics
Moneyboat.co.uk is a UK short-term Direct Lender founded in 2014 with a vision to make a mark as a company that stands true to the values of transparency, affordability, and quality service. We know the value of flexibility, creativity, and innovation in today’s fintech space, and strive to provide our customers with a positive, uncomplicated, and fair experience.
We are authorised and regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority, Register Number 674154.
Representative Example: Borrow £400 for 4 months, 4 monthly repayments of £149.37. Total repayment £597.48, interest rate p.a. (fixed) 255.5%. Representative APR 939.5%.
If you don't make your payments on time, it could lead to serious financial problems. If you need help, visit www.moneyhelper.org.uk/
------------End of paste article.
so around 8,000 hacks compared with many more for just "bog standard scams and frauds". So provided Windows defender is kept up to date the actual chances of a domestic computer getting hacked seems pretty negligible. Be wary of scams and frauds,
I'm sure similar stats are available in the US and elsewhere for those interested enough.
Cheers
jimbo
My Computer
System One
-
- OS
- Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
- Computer type
- PC/Desktop
- CPU
- 2 X Intel i7
