ONLINE safety has been highlighted as cyber financial fraud cost thousands of pounds to victims in Cumbria last year.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall is urging people to stay safe online, in the light of data released by Action Fraud about ‘cyber-enabled’ financial fraud.

Figures supplied by Action Fraud for the period April 2016 - September 2016 show that in Cumbria there were 44 ‘cyber-dependent’ crimes, amounting to a loss to victims of £13k. 

Of the 44, 13 were by hacking, which was the most common cyber crime.  In the same period, there were 66 ‘cyber-enabled’ crimes, 55 of which were classified as computer service fraud, ie. from someone purporting to be calling from a service centre or similar wanting to ‘fix’ your computer.

These amount to more than £400k lost by victims.

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Mr McCall said: “The figures we are seeing from Action Fraud demonstrate that people are still vulnerable to those who try to exploit us. As we do more and more online these days, it is really important that we take simple steps to protect ourselves from criminal activities such as scams and hacking.

“Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to exploit people online, and many of those who suffer losses are elderly or vulnerable people who fall victim to so-called phishing scams in which they are persuaded to hand over passwords and bank account details.

“Following simple advice can save you from falling victim to such criminals.  For instance, never give out any personal data or bank account information to cold callers over the telephone or via an email, and never give out passwords.”

Cumbria Police have plenty of advice in their online safety advice centre, at this link: https://www.cumbria.police.uk/Advice-Centre/Online-Safety/Online-Safety.aspx