Young People facing online fraud risks

Online banking has brought more convenience for many people in modern times but like anything else that is intended to help you there will always be people out there wanting to use it to harm you as well.

Young people are most at risk from online fraud, according to two surveys.

One poll that was recently taken at the end of 2009 and the start of 2010 stated that those aged between 16 and 24 were the most likely to be defrauded in the UK with the typical theft amounting to £590.

A separate global survey by security group RSA found that 35% of those asked felt secure when banking online.

Both polls also found that many relied on their bank to inform them of thefts and highlighted fears about the security of social networking sites.

Something that should never be done is to divulge specific details relating to you on Social Networking sites such as Bebo and Facebook but this is more often than not the case as young people believe that the details they give out are not overly important.
Nothing could be further from the truth as simply by knowing a person Date of Birth, where they live (postcode for example) and a few other choice details; that may seem insignificant it is very easy for fraud to be committed against you.

Simply follow the golden rule..... THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE PUTTING ONTO THE INTERNET AND DO YOU REALLY NEED TO PUT IT ON ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thinking in this manner could save you from becoming the next unfortunate victim of fraud. 

Rules to follow to avoid online fraud 

* Never give someone you passwords to your email accounts, social networking sites and most definitely any online banking you have

* If you want to use your bank card to buy something online ensure that the site has the appropriate security stamps that show to purchase from this site is safe. (Usually found at the bottom of the website but can also sometimes be found down the side of the site too, see the image opposite for an example of these stamps)

* When purchasing items from the internet ensure that it is a legitimate company. Most bogus companies will already have been found out and by simply typing the companies name or their website into google you will see other people’s comments on the site/company which will let you know how other people have got on with them.

* Never ever give your details over to anyone who sends you an email saying you have won money for a lottery etc which you have not entered. Also do not give your details over to someone who sends you an email promising you a slice of a large cash payment if you let them pay into your bank account. In both these incidents it may seem like Christmas has come early but this is most definitely not the case and you could not only lose money but even face criminal charges as the people involved are usually criminals themselves.

* To avoid any problems with online fraud the main rule to follow is just use your common sense. If something seems too good to be true then it usually is and if you’re unsure of anything then you don't have to give any details over if you don't want to.