In the past month I have had several people tell me about phone calls they have received from people claiming to be from BT Trust, and other IT Service companies.  The caller informs the individual that they are looking at their computer screen and can see several areas which they are prepared to help them to fix.  One of the callers stated that there was a specific virus in the local area which they could help to deal with for a fee.  Callers have then told these people to put their computer on and talks them through a number of steps in order to allow them remote access.  The caller then proceeds to gain remote access to the computer and downloads free basic scanning applications, which of course happens after all the relevant credit/debit card information has been taken.  Sometimes a helpline number is left which is bogus.  I tracked one of them down to West Bengal where the scammer had used Skype to set up a UK phone number.

Worse than that the scammer not only has credit/debit card info but also remote access to the user’s computer which they can take over and extract passwords and sensitive information from.

Kindly reported by Irene MacBain Web and Media Ministry Calvary Christian Fellowship on 19 April 2011

Identity Theft with Email Phishing

We’ve all received those emails asking for fees in advance for funds that need to be moved out of Nigeria and if you supply your bank details you will receive a 20% commission!  Those who respond are leaving themselves open to being a victim of identity theft.   Section 419 of the Nigerian Criminal Code was specifically enacted to help prevent this type of fraud, but the scam remains rife.

Advice

• Never respond to suspicious emails – just delete them.  Any email seeking your assistance to move cash is likely to be a scam
• Never give your personal financial details to anyone by email.  Email is not a secure method of communication and reputable companies would never ask you to do this
• Never disclose your bank account details
• Never disclose your date and place of birth – a birth certificate can be obtained with this information
• Assume that all emails asking for personal information are frauds
• Don’t click on links in emails if you are not sure who they are from – type the url yourself
• Never allow the kids to use the same computer as the one you do your accounts or online banking on

Identity Theft - Bank Phishing Emails

If you use online banking be wary of emails that appear to come from your bank.  These emails usually contain a link that goes to a convincing copy of your bank’s website using real logos and images stolen from the real bank site.  The purpose of these fake sites is to collect your online banking login and password details.  This is called “phishing” – criminals are trawling the net trying to find people who will fall for their scams.

Advice

• Never click on the link in an email purporting to come from your bank.  Treat all emails from your bank as highly suspicious as in general banks do not email you.  If you need to go to your bank’s website type the url into the address bar of your browser – do not click on links in emails
• Keep control of your email addresses.  Consider using different email addresses for different purposes – one for family and friends – one for general use and one you only use for trusted sites and important tasks

Identity Theft from WiFi Hotspots

Many hotels, airports and motorway service stations offer WiFi hotspots so that we can pick up our emails or access the internet whilst we’re travelling.  Should you take advantage of them or not?

Security experts warn that hackers may be masquerading as free public WiFi providers to gain access to the laptops of unsuspecting travellers.  It’s difficult to tell if the WiFi hotspot is legitimate or not.

Make sure you use your inbuilt security measures – install and use a firewall, anti-virus, anti-malware etc.  The most up to date wireless security system is WPA2 – this provides greater protection than its predecessors WPA and WEP.

The general advice is to connect only to networks that you trust, disconnect the wireless when you stop using it, do not use unknown networks to make online purchases or to do any online banking.