Stop FraudWhen it comes to website security and preventing fraud you can never be too careful. As a consumer you have the concern of keeping your information as private as possible and as a business website operator you have the concern of business disruption, liability and of course reputation.

 

A report completed by the Australian Institute of Criminology found that in 2012 a total of 1.2 million Australians aged 15 years and over became a victim of at least one incident of fraud.  During this time period the ACCC received 83,803 scam related contacts with losses totalling over $93 million dollars. (Australian Competition & Consumer Commission report on scam activity, 2012)

 

We have put together 5 simple tips that you can apply to help protect yourself online.

 

  1. Use PayPal where possible, PayPal adds an additional layer of security between you and your bank account. PayPal accounts are free and extremely secure. PayPal also offers both buyer and seller protection which guarantees your financial interests.

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  2. Choose a password at least 8 characters in length that has a combination of letters and numbers. Adding a capital letter in your password also creates an additional layer of password security. Change your password at least every 60 days and most importantly do not save your passwords on your computer, password vaults or in digital wallets they are not 100% safe.

  3. Website Security LockWhen shopping online look for that security padlock in the menu bar when you’re in the payment section of the checkout process. The padlock should appear in the locked position. If a X (cross) appears, the padlock is red or in the unlocked position, STOP. A padlock that appears like this usually mean the security certificate has expired or no longer trusted. This means your details will not be secure.
     
  4. Never email your credit card details to someone or provide them over the phone. If a payment is required ask for a reference number and offer to call them back. Using a phone directory or Google to establish the company’s identity and phone number. Remember the following:  Emails are easily intercepted and for the majority of people it provides no security encryption. You never know who may get their hands on your details. When receiving a phone call relating to a service, the person on the other end may not be who they claim to be. 

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  5. Ensure you are using updated Internet Security Software. We recommend the use of Kaspersky Internet Security. It is fast, constantly updated and affordable. The software provides a virtual keyboard for inputting passwords meaning not even the common key logger will get your password

 

If you believe someone is trying to scam you it is important you report it to Scam Watch. Scam Watch is operated by the ACCC and investigates scams which include, phone scams, identitiy theft, health & medical scams, job & emploment scams, mobile scams, money transfer scams, pyramid and other online banking scams. Simply phone 1300 795 995

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