Electronic Fraud - Online Scams - Be Careful About What Links That You Visit
Users are constantly showing an increased consciousness about online privacy. Specifically with online fraud, unlike in the past, they are now showing concern when they have previously remained passive. Along with this development is the need to set privacy limits each time they go surfing. They want to maintain better regulation of their personal information. Online retailers should now take the right steps to give users the protection that they require.
Users showed this emerging awareness in a recent survey about online fraud. Two entities, one a privacy research firm and the other a fraud prevention contributor, joined efforts in the endeavor. The survey reported that 85% of users today worry about becoming victims of online fraud. This is a significant increase, taking into consideration that a similar survey ran earlier by the same entities posted an 80% result. The survey focused on fraud areas like identity theft, credit card scams, spam, phishing, and others.
The respondents said that web retailers should increase their efforts to beat online fraud. They said further that retailers should do their best to impede online criminals from stealing customer information. They even expressed their readiness to be identified online if there are trusted sites. From the survey, a good number of respondents suggested the use of computer serial number, ISP, computer type and make for validation purposes. This is an option to the usual individually identifiable information like telephone number and date of birth.
It is only now that online businesses are paying attention to the prominence and seriousness of online fraud. Many of the incidents have not been properly reported, although these have been going on for a long time. There is a large increase in online transactions and activities using various devices. Along with this increase is the onslaught of fraudulent activities. With these occurrences, users might have realized the need for their safety, given that many have already been victims.
Out of the 607 respondents in the survey, 42% admitted that they have previously been victims of fraud. And, out of these victims, 81% just let the incident pass, not taking any action to report the crime at all. This indicates the need for more consumer education about how to elude online fraud and the best action to take just in case they do become victims.
Do not become a victim to online scams. Defend yourself with a strong anti-virus, a great anti-spyware and an anonymous proxy to protect yourself from criminals on the web.
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