Online banking and shopping - benefits, problems, complications and fraud
The emergence of the internet and online banking and shopping has helped many people to make their life easier. There is a great deal of convenience that comes from having access to your bank from your home, but like many things in life, where there are benefits, there are also problems and complications.
It is important to be aware of potential online fraud, and a great example of this can be seen in the case of an elderly man from Chesterfield who very nearly was the victim of an online bank fraud which could have seen him be left £25,000 out of pocket.
The 81 year old victim spoke to local media about his ordeal, saying; “They were able to create some sort of virus on my computer to find out my personal details, and then created three new bank accounts in my name via my online banking portal. The fraudsters started to move money from my account into the new ones they had created. I received a phone call supposedly from the bank and the caller asked me for further personal details. I accidently pushed nine instead of cutting the call off so I don't know what information they heard.”
A massive fraud nearly took place
The victim explained some of the actions that the fraudsters tried to undertake, including; “When I logged into it, the fraudsters had tried transferring £25,000 to another bank account that wasn't mine. Luckily enough, my bank was able to stop the money from being transferred before it was too late and deleted the three scam accounts."
It is understandable that the victim feels vulnerable after the attack and he has stated that he is cautious about going back online. This would be a great shame because of the range of benefits that are available from online banking and shopping, but if you have been compromised, it is easy to see why you would like to minimise this happening again. One of the most effective ways of minimising being caught out in such a manner again would be to stay clear of the internet. It is an extreme step but you can see why many people would decide that this is the action that is right for their needs.
There are steps that people can take to minimise their exposure to these frauds and ensuring that your computer is kept up to date with ant-virus software is a very sensible approach to take.
Advice is available for people who may feel at risk
Neal Fowler is the Vice-Chair of the Canterbury and District Neighbourhood Watch Association and he has chaired many meetings that emphasise the dangers of online fraud.
Many people are still greatly concerned about conventional theft and robberies but maybe don’t think about online fraud in the same manner. He said; “These crooks, many of which operate from outside of our country's borders, will use the internet, postal and telecommunication systems to ply their evil trade on the unsuspecting, vulnerable and unwary within our community.
The internet is a wonderful tool when used safely but it can also be a veritable minefield for those that do not respect the ever-present risk by adequately protecting themselves with up-to-date antivirus software and a robust firewall. The fraudsters are constantly evolving their tricks to keep ahead of the authorities, so it is vital that we all do what we can to protect ourselves by being aware.”
The notion that fraudsters are continually finding new ways to steal money from people is important to bear in mind. There is a need for people to be aware of the risks involved with being online, no matter how convenient online activities can be.
The ever increasing ways that people can commit fraud these days is scary, and there is a need for professionals to have an ever widening understanding of fraud and its potential for danger. Solicitors representing people who have been accused of carrying out online fraud need to stay in touch with the latest trends, and to understand the wide range of options that exist for undertaking fraud. As the popularity of the internet continues to grow, it is likely that more and more ways to commit fraud will surface, placing more people at risk.
Andrew Reilly is a freelance writer with a focus on news stories and consumer interest articles. He has been writing professionally for 9 years but has been writing for as long as he can care to remember. When Andrew isn't sat behind a laptop or researching a story, he will be found watching a gig or a game of football.
