There has been a sharp increase in the incidence of emails threatening to expose the recipient to everybody in their contacts list, for viewing pornographic online content unless a fee is paid. The emails claim that the sender has populated the recipient’s computer with spyware which has detected the content being viewed and also – […]

There is an increasing number of services which enable you to transfer money to other people using your mobile phone number – without needing to exchange bank account details. 

A virus is a file written with the sole intention of doing harm, or for criminal activity. There are many types of virus. Viruses and spyware are also known as ‘malware’

Apps have become the almost universal way to communicate and access the internet through our phones, tablets and TVs. We use them to play games, send messages, check the news and weather and use maps and navigation services. Increasingly we are also using them to do our banking. While apps provide a simple and easy means […]

Whilst the internet enables us to communicate quickly, easily and with a wide group of people at the same time, it also makes it easier to spread hateful opinions and material, seemingly with relative anonymity and little control.

Property fraud occurs when fraudsters sell or mortgage your property without your consent. Property is usually the most valuable asset you own and can be sold and mortgaged to raise money. It is therefore an attractive target for fraudsters, who may steal your identity first and then pretend to be you to carry out the […]

Motor insurance fraud, also known as ‘ghost broking’, occurs when organised crime groups or individuals pose as genuine insurance brokers in order to commit fraud. They deceive you into buying cheap motor vehicle insurance and in many cases, actually buy the cover from legitimate insurance companies on your behalf. However, they are not authorised to conduct […]

Video gaming for your children can be enjoyable and safe, as long as games are age-appropriate, regulated and supervised by you, and playing times limited. However, there has been a massive surge in illegal websites enticing people – including children – to gamble on the outcome of video games.

It is well-known that email messages, texts and phone calls are methods commonly used by criminals to approach people with the aim of committing financial or identity fraud … or both. However, social media is also a favourite method used by criminals to deceive their victims, as it makes their work very simple. With over […]

Smishing – the commonly-used name for SMS phishing – is an activity which enables criminals to steal victims’ money or identity, or both as a result of a response to a text message. In common with both phishing, which uses email as an initial approach, and vishing, which uses phone calls, smishing uses your mobile […]