Update your online security: The top 10 most common internet scams that we fall for

National Fraud Intelligence Bureau data reveals that £670million was lost last year due to online scams.

15:59 23 October 2014

Following revelations by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau that £670million was lost last year due to different online scams, Get Safe Online Week has been launched.

A study found that half of those who were victimised by online fraud said that they felt either “very” or “extremely” violated.

The survey also revealed that more than half of the respondents believe that online crimes are as serious as “physical world” crimes.

Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office, said: “The UK cyber market is worth over £80billion a year and rising.

“The internet is undoubtedly a force for good but we cannot stand still in the face of these threats, which already cost our economy billions every year.

“As part of this Government's long-term economic plan, we want to make the UK one of the most secure places to do business in cyberspace.”

The top 10 most common internet scams that we fall for:

1.    Credit card details being used for gambling and shopping online as well as credit/debit cards being cloned.
2.    Advance fee frauds including PPI claims, motor scams, and involving compensation for bank charges.
3.    Purchase of items that either do not exist or inferior to those originally stated.
4.    Online shopping and auctions fraud.
5.    Dating scam where scammers befriend the victim and later on persuade them to send money.
6.    Computer virus, malware, spyware being sent to harm the computers of those people who receive them.
7.    Hacking of email and social media accounts
8.    Rental fraud where victims were asked for advanced payment for a property that does not exist or are not for rent.
9.    Ticket fraud where the victims purchase tickets for fake concerts or holidays.
10.    Unclassified fraud including false representation or obtaining services dishonestly.