New tablets just the trick for opportunistic scammers

With the buzz this week about the launch of new tablet computers to the market, one online security company is warning internet users to beware of increased online scam activity. Cybercriminals are looking to leverage and exploit the huge interest in the latest gadgets from consumers keen to get a sneak peek or their hands on the latest technology.

According to research by online security company PC Tools and privacy researchers The Ponemon Institute, nearly half (46%) of Brits think they would provide their personal details to claim an online prize. Recently, social networks have been flooded with fake offers to win a free tablet computer, as scammers try to hijack the news agenda. In addition, scammers are utilising SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) poisoning, to influence search results so their malicious scam sites are pushed closer to the top of results pages, increasing the likelihood of users clicking through.

Richard Clooke, Internet Security Expert at PC Tools said: “Increasingly, we’re witnessing cybercriminals leveraging the news agenda to increase the potential audience of their scams – it’s a numbers game for them. The findings from the research demonstrate that people are still susceptible to these tricks so we need to wise up and not let our curiosity or desire to win prizes get the better of us.”

Stay savvy to the threat of online scams with these easy to remember top tips from Richard Clooke:

1. Nothing is free. Offers of a free prize in return for email/bank account details for ‘verification’ can end badly. Never give personal details away.

2. Look closely at the email or web address. Online scams are usually given away by the email accounts used - even when the content might look legitimate. Misspelt and unusual domains are giveaways.

3. Know who you’re dealing with. If the seller or company is unfamiliar, do some research to check it’s genuine, looking for any customer endorsements. Check the contact addresses and phone numbers too.

4. Resist pressure. Legitimate companies will happily give you time to make a decision. It’s probably a scam if they demand that you act immediately or won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.