NET SCAM BILL £35M
CYBER crime has cost victims £34.6million in just six months, a 24 per cent rise, new figures reveal.
Much involves foreign-based criminals tricking Brits into giving bank details then emptying their accounts.
The national Action Fraud centre received 13,357 cyber crime reports between last April and September.
City of London Police, which runs the service, said hacking of social media and emails accounts for a growing proportion of the offences. It dealt with 5,225 such cases – in which victims’ losses totalled £14.8million.
Fraudsters in a recent scam sent fake TV licence emails to steal personal information.
Victims who click on a link in the phishing messages risk having money stolen.
Last month 200 reports about such emails were made to Action Fraud by victims left £233,455 out of pocket.
City of London Police Commander Karen Baxter said: “Cyber crime is a rising trend. Criminals target social media users and online account holders to steal cash and personal details. This leaves victims out of pocket and at risk of identity theft.
“It’s important that people keep a strong, separate password for their email accounts. They should also use the latest software and app updates.
“Be suspicious of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information. Never call numbers or follow links given in unsolicited texts or emails. Contact a firm directly using a verified email or phone number.”