Urban Fraud Myths
Do you know your fraud fact from fraud fiction? Action Fraud and the City of London Police launched its Urban Fraud Myths campaign to let you know the truth about fraud and cyber crime
Urban fraud myths are everywhere, which if believed often leave people in danger of becoming a victim of fraud and cyber crime.
Action Fraud and the City of London Police identified common fraud myths and let people know the reality of these myths and possible ways to avoid falling into the fraudsters trap.
The campaign's aim is to bring people’s attention to these kinds of myths and provide them with the alternate reality. People should feel empowered to protect themselves from becoming a victim of fraud and cyber crime and this campaign should help people to feel confident to do this.
There are plenty of other myths out there and Action Fraud wants to help people to discover the reality about fraud and cyber crime before it is too late.
Police National Coordinator for Economic Crime, Commander Chris Greany said: “There are a number of misconceptions around fraud and cyber crime which often leave people vulnerable. This campaign will help to shatter these misconceptions and provide the public with a clearer picture, helping them to challenge possible urban myths and stop fraudsters in their tracks. The more information people have about the reality of fraud and cyber crime the easier it will be to stop it from taking place”.
For more information about the Urban Fraud Myths campaign please visit: www.actionfraud.police.uk/resources-and-campaigns/urban-myths
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
I can always trust the people I meet on online dating sites as they will have been vetted before being allowed to join
Reality
Most dating websites allow people to sign-up without vetting checks.
Always be cautious about the people you meet online, especially if they start asking for money to help a family member, to visit you or pay medical bills etc. Never send money or give credit card or online account details to anyone you don't know and trust.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
When someone phones me, the caller number displayed must be genuine
Reality
Numbers can be 'spoofed' to mislead the person answering the call, never trust the number you see on your telephone's display.
Like telephone numbers, text messages can also be spoofed to look like they are coming from elsewhere - even if the text appears in the same chain as previous messages.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
Bank staff might ask you for your PIN number or online banking password to check who you are when they call you.
Reality
Bank staff will never ask for your 4-digit card PIN number or online banking password when speaking with you over the phone.
They would never ask you to tap them into the telephone keypad either.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
It's ok to let people put money in my bank account even if I don't know them and don't really understand why they are transferring me the money.
Reality
Whether you do so in return for payment or out of a sense of duty this is not advisable.
In letting someone else use your account, you might be laundering the proceeds of crime or aiding crimes - thereby leaving yourself open to face prosecution.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
Public wi-fi is secure and provides a safe forum in which I can do my online banking, shopping etc.
Reality
Any data sent through public wi-fi can be intercepted unless you have taken steps to encrypt your data.
If you are using a mobile device over public wi-fi, you are risking the security of your personal information, digital identity, and your money.
Risks are even greater if your device or computer is not protected by an effective security system.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
Downloading digital content illegally is harmless.
Reality
This type of crime is far from victimless and has serious repercussions.
Doing so can result in money being used to fund the activities of serious organised crime groups and also has an adverse impact on creative industries and the UK economy.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
Changing details on my insurance policy or making an inflated insurance claim is not really fraud as everyone does it, I won't get caught and insurers can afford it anyway.
Reality
Insurance fraud is a crime that is taken seriously by both insurers and police.
The cost of fraud does not affect just insurers, but members of the public also. The chances of being caught are high and the impact on people's lives can be devastating.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
Money Transfer Systems are always safe ways of making payments.
Reality
This is only the case if you personally know and can verify the person that you are sending the money to.
You should take caution when sending money using these services as once the cash is collected, the recipient is untraceable and the money is not refundable.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
There's nothing in my personal emails that anyone would care about.
Reality
Hackers can use your email to gain access to all your personal accounts. Make your password stronger with three random words.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
It doesn't really matter what information I post on social media sites as only my friends can read it.
Reality
By getting your privacy settings wrong or accepting people you don't know as friends, you may be giving fraudsters valuable information about you and your habits. Personal details can be used to guess passwords, habits and vulnerabilities so you need to check your social media settings regularly.
All personal information is valuable and fraudsters are very good ad filling in the missing information.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
If a company has a registered website then it must be legitimate.
Reality
It takes just minutes to set up a website in any name you want and at minimal cost, which means fraudsters can set-up a website just as easily as anyone else.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
If I have anti-virus installed on my device (PC, mobile, tablet) I am fully protected from viruses.
Reality
It is true that anti-virus provides a very strong layer of protection to your device. However, it can still be bypassed by sophisticated viruses aka malware.
You need to ensure you keep your AV software, operating systems and other security measures up to date.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
Urban Myths
#UrbanFraudMyths
Myth
It is always safe to make charitable donations to street collectors or via charity mailing.
Reality
Most collections are genuine but check before giving to make sure your money goes to genuine registered charities.
Action Fraud - National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre - 0300 123 2040
