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Online fraud focusing on ID theft, survey shows

Published on 17 Mar 2010 under category: legal

Increasing numbers of internet users could be in need of fraud solicitors after it was revealed that online fraudsters are shifting their focus to identity theft.

According to VeriSign's Online Fraud Barometer report, 11 per cent of internet users in Britain have been hit by ID fraud at some point during the past 12 months.

In an interesting related statistic, a 12 per cent fall was discovered in the number of people suffering financial loss as a result of online ID fraud.

VeriSign director Phil D'Angio told ComputerWeekly.com that internet users need to be aware of the potential seriousness of ID theft.

"While online ID theft may not necessarily result in immediate financial loss, web users need to remember that fraudsters can farm email and social networking sites for information which enables them to impersonate people online or sell that information to other cybercriminals," he commented.

The poll also revealed that 82 per cent of online shoppers only use websites that have enhanced security procedures.

Last month, VeriSign revealed that 11 million domain name registrations were added during the final three months of last year.

If you require advice on Corporate Fraud please call us on +44 (0)20 7831 0101 and ask for Dan Hyde.