Your high street online - a scammers paradise?

Once upon a time one of the more common risks of losing money might have been a pick pocket in a crowded street. With our attention diverted, maybe in a rush and tired after a long day, the thief would bump innocently against you, ask the time or pretend they are lost. 

Nowadays we are at risk of an online variation of the pick pocket. We know them as scammers. Some use 'email only' techniques as a hook, whilst others use phishing websites to win our confidence and divert our attention whilst they sneak into our online wallets or handbags and help themselves.

The ease by which websites can be created and put online in as little as five minutes offers the crook a perfect opportunity to set up shop, take some money and disappear - without trace. The scammer will more likely use a free website service to avoid the need for contact with any other person in the pursuit of their goal.

Being aware of the potential dangers is one thing, but exercising some basic checks before parting with any money, before inviting anyone to your home is sensible protocol. Of course this is not to brand every business online as a virtual crook. When we walk down any high street just about everybody will be good citizens going about their daily business. The same is the case online. But in both cases we should exercise care.

Here are a few suggestions on checking out a website's validity;

• Type the company name into a search engine and see what comes up in the results
• Is the company listed in online directories, such as Yell, Google, Touch Local
• If it is a local business, can it be found on local directories?
• Do they appear in any previous scams?
• Has the company been rated for the service or the product they provide?

There are a number of government links which offer broad advise on cross checking potential scammers;

DirectGov 
Broad information with links to other government information
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingMoney/KeepingYourMoneySecure/DG_10035798


HM Revenues and Customs
The Inland revenue offer examples of some phishing scams which might be offering you a timely tax rebate.
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/security/examples.htm

The virtual high street is here to stay. Shop safely!