An interesting piece in the Evening Standard reports the Metropolitan Police as saying that there are more than 200 organised gangs in London conducting some kind of online or ‘cyber’ fraud.
Police warn that these sophisticated operators often use social engineering – a combination of manipulative tricks and psychological techniques – over lengthy periods to gain the trust of victims.
There are new centres being set up to combat such crimes but individual vigilance is also needed. If you meet someone online, especially if you are going to engage in any kind of transaction with them, please take the time and care to verify their identity independently.
Check out our Background Reports and our identity check service for more. And be careful…