Identity Theft
Prof. Zaheed Shaikh
Today’s Agenda…
Knowledge Check
What is Cyber Crime?
Identity Theft
Phishing
Common Scams inc. online and mobile phone
scams
Prevention Methods
2
Knowledge Check
“I have internet access but I don’t shop online,
this means I won’t become a victim of Cyber
Crime.”
Is this statement True or False?
3
Knowledge Check
“Identity Theft is a type of crime in which
personal information is stolen to carry out
criminal activities.”
Is this statement True or False?
4
Knowledge Check
“Cyber Crime is a type of crime carried out by
criminals using computers, or similar devices,
with a connection to the internet.”
Is this statement True or False?
5
Knowledge Check
“The Internet is so big that things like fraud or
identity theft shouldn't really concern you;
the probability you will be targeted is very
small unless you use the Internet a lot.”
Is this statement True or False?
6
Identity Theft
Using another's personal details to
obtain credit, loans.
9.9 million people affected per year.
19 victims every minute.
If caught early it can be resolved.
8
How do they do it?
Phishing – Criminals pose as
‘legitimate companies’.
Email hundreds of people from the
Suckers List.
people reply criminals now have
everything they need to steal your
identity.
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Tips to Prevent ID Theft
1. Shred anything with your details on.
2. Check your statements and report
anything suspicious.
3. Ensure your home network is secure.
4. Ignore emails saying “You’ve Won…” or
from somebody you’re suspicious
about.
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Prevention Tips
Be cautious of emails that request your
details. Companies will not ask via email.
From someone you don’t know/contains an
attachment - delete it.
Call the sender to confirm that it was them
that sent it.
11
Mass Market Scam Mail (MMSM)
Receiving a letter or email saying someone
has won a lottery or a prize.
A person will input their details to claim the
“prize”.
Criminals then obtain personal details, inc.
bank details to steal money.
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Prevention Tips
You cannot win money/a prize if you
haven’t entered into any
competition.
You do not have to pay a fee to
claim a legitimate prize.
Do not give personal information
Delete the email straight away!
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Common Scams – Online Shopping
Deceitful shopping's scams reliant on
the secrecy of the internet.
Whilst majority of auction sellers are
genuine, there’re some who sell fake
goods.
Sellers use these sites to “sell” popular
items.
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Which one is fake?
Dashes not
used
1. http://signin-ebay.com/
2. https://signin.ebay.com/
"HTTPS" Periods
S = Secure are used
15
Romance Scams
Cost £24.5 million per year.
2,800 online dating crimes are reported.
55% of all reported crimes came from 40-59
year olds and 63% from females.
Victims are fooled by criminals using fake
personal profiles.
Gain the trust of their victims, then request
money.
16
Prevention Tips
Don’t put yourself and your identity in
jeopardy.
Do not reveal to much/protect your privacy.
Never send money to people you haven’t
met.
Keep all communication on the dating
website.
Be courteous when "keep this is a secret" is
motioned
17
Mobile Phone Scams
Receiving a text from an
unknown number saying you
have won and that you need to
claim money/prize.
Costs to text back are
an extortionate amount.
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Prevention Tips
Do NOT reply to text messages that
offer you money.
Do NOT reply to text messages
encouraging you to enter a
competition.
You may have to call a premium rate
number - Do NOT phone them back.
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Prevention Methods
Secure websites and an internet safety software.
Responding to unusual emails can put you on a
‘Suckers List’ – Do NOT reply.
Banks never ask for personal bank details via
email. Do NOT reply.
Be aware of your surroundings – never reuse a
passwords
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10 Golden Rules
1. There’s no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes - sound to good to be true?
2. Never send money or give out your details when you do not know/trust the
person or company you are giving them to.
3. Destroy personal information, shred documents, credit cards etc.
4. Log directly onto a website rather than clicking on the link provided.
5. Never reply to spam emails, even when you're trying to stop them.
6. Always remember: scammers are cunning and clever. They know how to
manipulate you to produce the response they want.
7. Legitimate banks and companies will not ask for your details via email or phone.
8. Just because a company has a well design website doesn't means it legitimate.
9. Be suspicious. If you are unsure about anything, seek advice from family or
Police.
10. Never get embarrassed by reporting a scam –
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