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UK fraud prevention service warns of increase in online fraud

A 207 per cent increase in facility take over fraud has highlighted the online security dangers posed by internet scams such as phishing, the Credit Industry Fraud Avoidance System (CIFAS) has stated.

The UK fraud prevention service states that its members have recorded this marked increase in the cyber crime, which is committed when crooks compromise the online security of innocent consumers.

According to CIFAS communications manager Richard Hurley, the internet may have revolutionised our lives but cyber crooks are also making the best of it and know which buttons to press.

"If an offer of vast winnings seems too good to be true, it's probably because it is! You can only win a competition or lottery if you have entered it," he said.

"So whenever you receive an email seeking personal details, or offering unexpected financial rewards, be particularly on your guard."

Recent figures from Get Safe Online show a 23 per cent increase in phishing scams in the past 12 months compared to eight per cent the year before.

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