Cybercrime, Fraud and Scams

Cybercrime is any criminal act dealing with computers and networks.

The Internet is an exciting and interesting tool, but the increase in on-line banking and shopping is being met by a rise in its use for criminal purposes. Criminals carry out cybercrime from the comfort of their own home, office or Internet café. They can work alone and commit crimes anywhere in the world.

Be Cyber Aware is the local Community Safety Partnership’s localised version of the government’s campaign on how to stay secure online. This has been developed with the support of Staffordshire Police’s Cyber Crime Unit and the National Cyber Security Centre.

Explore the six actions that need to be taken to keep you and your family safe whilst online. These include:

1. Using a strong and separate password for your email
2. Creating strong passwords using 3 random words
3. Saving your passwords in your browser
4. Turning on two-factor authentication (2FA)
5. Updating your devices
6. Backing up your data

View our virtual guide with further information about each of the six actions.  

A growing problem where offenders try to steal identity (usually bank details). First you receive an unsolicited e-mail, apparently from your bank.

• A genuine looking e-mail apparently from your bank, or more recently from PayPal or Apple, says they are reviewing accounts or have some problem that requires you to confirm your account details.
• The e-mail contains a link to an on-screen form for you to complete which will be bogus and gives crooks your account details.

Remember: Banks, building societies or other finance bodies won't ever contact you for these details and e-mails like this should be treated with great suspicion. Do not reply and delete the email.

Safe Surfing Tips Keep virus/firewall software up to date

• Install anti-spyware
• Keep your operating system up to date
• Think before replying to unsolicited e-mail
• Never send your account details to anyone
• Never pay for goods using Western Union

Fraud is when trickery is used to gain a dishonest advantage, which is often financial, over another person

See the Fraud Booklet for information on how to protect yourself from fraud and scams.

Scammers use email, online ads, pop ups, and search results to trick you into sending them money and personal information. One way to outsmart them? Use your email's spam filter to screen the email you get. Then forward any email that seems suspicious to spam@uce.gov

A scam is a scheme to con someone out of their cash. Many scams take the form of bogus and fraudulent offers sent by post, telephone or e-mail.

Top10 Scams

• Identity fraud and identity theft | Action Fraud
• CEOP Safety Centre (Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre)
• Eliminating Child Sexual Abuse Online – Internet Watch Foundation