KCOM internet drop in sessions
KCOM host a number of events designed to encourage people to make the most of the internet.
The fightback against online fraudsters has begun with the first in a new series of internet advice sessions in Hull
Nationwide Building Society joined forces with Hull broadband provider KCOM to host the session which offered help and information for people who want to do more online but are worried about falling victim to online scams.
The event was held at KCOM’s Carr Lane Learning Zone where experts from Nationwide offered advice about how to spot scammers and avoid fraud.
Samantha Watson, assistant manager of the Hull branch of Nationwide Building Society, said: “It’s important we hold these events because fraud and scams are rising to an all-time high.
“By joining forces and working together we can make sure our customers have as much information as possible so they can identify these scams and avoid falling victim to them.”
The next drop-in session will take place at the Learning Zone on Tuesday, 5 November, between 9.30am to 11.30am, where advisers will provide more information about tough new “strong customer authentication” security measures that are now being introduced.
Customers who use online banking will need to register and understand how the new measures work to both shop and bank online.
The new measures are being introduced to combat online financial fraud which is on the rise across the UK. Losses across payment cards, remote banking and cheques totalling £844.8 million in 2018, an increase of 16 per cent compared to 2017.
However, according to UK Finance, the representative body for the banking and finance industry, the financial authorities are fighting back. Banks and card companies prevented £1.66 billion in unauthorised fraud last year. This is equivalent to £2 in every £3 of attempted fraud being stopped.
Samantha added that “romance” and “safe account” scams are now among the most prevalent in the UK and urged people to be cautious when approached by anyone online.
A “romance scam” is where victims are convinced they are in an online relationship with someone who then convinces them to hand over their financial details or send money.
A “safe account” scam is where a fraudster, perhaps impersonating a bank or even the police, will contact a victim and try to convince them their money is at risk and that they need to move it to another “safe account”. Their money is then stolen.
Brendon Smurthwaite, KCOM community coordinator, said: “We’re delighted to have launched our new initiative with Nationwide helping customers avoid online pitfalls. Working together we can help ensure that the people of Hull and East Yorkshire can feel safe and confident online.”
For more details about online scams and how to spot them visit these following websites:
www.nationwide.co.uk/support/security-centre/fraud-awareness/online-fraud
www.nationwide.co.uk/support/security-centre/internet-banking-security/how-to-protect-yourself