E-Victims publishes list of top 10 scams for 2009

Rising unemployment and the global recession will fuel a huge increase in online crime this year, E-Victims has warned.

The not-for-profit community interest company (CIC), set up to benefit internet users and help victims of cyber-crimes and other online incidents, said it is receiving reports of new scams almost daily.

Jennifer Perry, E-Victims managing director, said: “We’ve seen honest traders go rogue due to financial pressures and we’ve seen desperate consumers taking more risks.

"Rising unemployment and a global recession mean we expect to see a huge increase in e-victims this year.”

Mrs Perry said typical scams seen last year included loan and debt consolidation fraud, and she warned these would continue to be a serious threat throughout 2009.

“But there will also be new ones to look out for, including repossession assistance and unemployment insurance,” she warned.

The organisation has detailed its top 10 internet scams to watch out for this year.

Identity theft and phishing attacks will remain a serious threat as cyber-criminals employ increasingly sophisticated ways of tricking consumers, including using social networking sites.

Mrs Perry said she also expected to see an increase in fake job adverts. The serious danger with these is that criminals use unsuspecting consumers to act as money mules as well as hijacking people’s personal details.

She said consumers should be aware that the increase in too-good-to-be-true bargains, including holiday and ticket scams, will continue unchecked.

“We saw large-scale ticket fraud with the Beijing Olympics. Criminals are producing counterfeit tickets for concerts, festivals, football games and other events.

"They sell them online via auction sites, classified ads or by setting up their own website."

Auction fraud is also likely to rise as people look to save money.

The organisation’s website has more information on scams as well as information, advice and support for victims of online crime.