Police warning after spike in online crime
HALTON residents are being warned of the dangers posed by online crime amid a recent spike.
Cheshire police is bringing to the attention of Runcornians and Widnesians the risks associated with internet use after recent figures showed a rise in the number of online crimes across the county and the UK.
According to Get Safe Online the UK experienced a 22% increase in online crime in 2015.
Detective Sergeant Brian Faint said: “Online crime can have a devastating impact on those who fall victim to online fraudsters.
“People often take extra care when it comes to their belongings and valuables, but fail to think about their online security.
“Anyone can fall victim to online crime and we want to remind you to remain security conscious and do everything you can to reduce the risk of being targeted by those intent in causing misery in our communities.”
Experts at Get Safe Online are encouraging Halton residents to ● start making every day safer by following a few simple steps.
These include review passwords used on your online accounts and ensuring that the same ones are not used for more than one account.
Residents are also advised to check their social media privacy settings to ensure information and updates are seen only by those they trust, to update operating systems and software programs/ apps on computers, mobile phones and tablets if prompted to do so.
Other advice includes backing up information, ensuring internet security software and apps are up to date and switched on.
Residents with children are also advised to consider if they are doing enough to make sure their youngsters are safe online.
Those who have lost money are advised to report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre by calling 0300 123 20 40 or by visiting www. actionfraud.police.uk
For more information visit www. getsafeonline.org