< Back to previous page

Social networking sites pose identity takeover risk, expert warns

Published on 11 Mar 2010 under category: legal

Online criminals are taking advantage of the growing popularity of social networking sites to carry out 'total identity takeovers', it has been claimed.

According to the latest figures from the UK Cards Association, online banking fraud losses rose by 14 per cent over the past year, while cases of phishing were also seen to rise markedly over the past 12 months.

On the back of these figures, Get Safe Online, which represents both the government and the private sector, has warned that growing numbers of individuals may need to seek out the advice of identity fraud lawyers as criminals become increasingly sophisticated and make use of information posted on the internet.

Managing director Tony Neate explained that personal data can be "linked together" by organised criminals, with this then used to carry out fraud and identity theft.

"Maybe that little bit of information is enough for a serious organised criminal to put together someone's total identity takeover," he said.

This advice comes soon after a separate report from Deloitte revealed that existing security systems designed to guard against internet fraud are quickly becoming obsolete as criminals become more sophisticated.

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