Cybercriminals target jobseekers
As unemployment hits a 17-year high, internet security firm PC Tools is warning jobseekers to be on their guard from cybercriminals taking advantage of tough times.
According to the latest ONS figures, 2.67 million Britons are out of work. Two thirds of those who lost their jobs last quarter were women, many of whom have taken part-time jobs to help make ends meet. With more job losses predicted and no reduction in the cost of living, it paints a bleak picture and highlights a perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to tempt those in need with get rich quick scams, the most common: earning money to work from home.
Recent research by PC Tools conducted by the Ponemon Institute shows that, disturbingly, almost half of Britons surveyed (44%) think they would click on a link and provide credit card details for more information about a part-time work from home offer.
Richard Clooke, Internet Security Expert from PC Tools comments, “What are scammers after? Ultimately it’s all about money. Cybercriminals can make a profit by selling on or using personal details such as email addresses, phone numbers and bank details. They use enticing adverts, emails and browser pop-ups on social networks and forums to offer thousands of pounds to work from home. Many of these offers seem genuine, so it’s important to think twice before clicking on links and sharing personal details when you see an offer like this. There’s no such thing as a quick fix and you could find yourself worse off.”
Here are Richard’s top tips in a simple acronym to help you outsmart the scammers. Just remember: Stop! T.H.I.E.F!
Too good to be true
Chances are, if it looks too good to be true it probably is. There are plenty of work at home offers which look like easy money, but these should set off alarm bells.
Hassle
Are you being hassled to sign up NOW for a one-time job before the offer “expires”? Will they not take ‘no’ for an answer? If this is the case, you should probably give it a miss as it’s a common scam tactic.
Information
Do you need to part with your personal information e.g. credit card details, email address or phone number before you can find out more? Personal information is precious, so think carefully before you give it away freely.
Emails and links
Cybercriminals create emails, links and sites which look just like the “real” thing. Misspellings and unusual domains, are a giveaway, for example those for Russia (.ru) are frequently used by cybercriminals who want to avoid prosecution in the USA and UK.
Fraud prevention
Fraudsters take on many guises and prevention is better than cure. Make sure you are using up-to-date internet security, such as PC Tools Internet Security with its unique scam alerts, to help protect you.
