PPI Fraudsters Claim To Be From the FCA
Action Fraud warns of Fraudsters posing as Financial Conduct Authority officials in light of new campaign.
It has been revealed that 4 in 5 of identity frauds now take place online. Social media is seen as a major contributing factor to this figure. So what can you do to be more social media savvy against the fraudsters? Follow 5 of our top tips.
1) Don't Play Social Media Games
Ever been tempted to find out your Superhero name, or the name of the band you would be the lead singer in? Often all you need to do is find out using a date of birth, a pet's name, or corresponding letters to your mother's maiden name.
Whilst this may seem like fun, it also gives away the answers to some of the most common security questions your bank may ask when calling - and you are posting it for everyone to see online.
2) Avoid Social Media Quizzes
'Find Out Which Film Character You Are' - all you have to do is give the app permission to view your entire profile, posts, photos, friends list, contact information, or even more! Think - why does this app need all of these details to work out something as trivial as what film character you would be?
3) Be On The Watch Out For Strangers Asking To Follow You
Every time you accept someone new on social media, they can see ALL of the posts you have put up. If you do not know the person at all, then you are sharing potentially highly personal and sensitive information with complete strangers.
4) Delete Old Posts
You may have posted highly personal information on social media years ago, and completely forgotten about it. Fortunately, many sites now use 'flashbacks' such as 'TimeHop' or 'On This Day' which you can use as a daily prompt to check on posts from 5 years ago. If you see something sensitive on there, delete the post and stop anyone else from seeing these details.
5) Look Out For Social Media Scams
Always think twice before clicking on links advertising great offers on social media. Go directly to the company website the offer is claiming to be from.
Report & Support
If you do fall victim to any kind of Identity Fraud, make sure you report it to Action Fraud. You can receive support following any crime from Warwickshire Victim Support.
