02 Jun 2010

Scams 'should be talked about in the open'

Anyone who has fallen victim to online fraud should not be afraid to talk about their experience, as this could help others avoid this issue, it has been stated.

Tony Neate, managing director of Get Safe Online, said millions of people every year fall victim to online fraud and, as such, it is better for people to come forward in order to educate others and to help put an end to the problem once and for all.

He commented: "Criminals see opportunities using the communication methods of the internet to scam users. I think that is what we have always got to be aware of."

Mr Neate added that cases are often very similar and if more people were to come forward, then this could have a very positive impact on the number of cases being seen in the future.

According to the Serious Organised Crime Agency, millions of Brits are targeted every year by fraudsters using mass marketing techniques to part them from their funds.

The agency revealed that £3.5 billion a year is lost in this way.