Also involving the Telecommunications UK Fraud Forum (TUFF) and Financial Fraud Action UK – the name under which the financial services industry co-ordinates its fraud prevention activity – The Devil’s in Your Details campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of protecting personal information and remind members of the public to check who they share their details with is genuine: whether this information sharing be on the phone, in person or online.
The campaign encourages consumers to suspect anyone or anything they are uncertain about, to keep asking questions and to challenge or end an engagement if it feels uncomfortable.
Although everyone needs to take care of their personal information, two groups in particular are being targeted within this campaign – 35-to-55 year old women and 18-to-25 year old men and women. Both groups use their personal information regularly to conduct their day-to-day lives whether it’s for online shopping or keeping up with friends on social networking sites.
The campaign is running numerous instructional videos (several of which can be viewed below) and a Facebook app designed to highlight what to look out for and where to seek salient advice.
What leading professionals have to say
“The increasing use of smart phones and other modern communications devices not only makes life easier for the consumer but also, if not correctly configured, can open them up to risks from hackers and fraudsters. This campaign, which crosses industry sectors as well as engaging with Government, highlights those risks associated and identifies the actions that are necessary to ensure that consumer harm is minimised and the communications experience remains both an enjoyable and secure one.” (Jack Wraith, CEO, Telecommunications United Kingdom Fraud Forum)
“As smart phone technology develops, more and more people are using their phones to surf the web and stay in touch with friends by way of their social media accounts. Alongside the huge benefits created by mobile phone technology are the risks of fraudulent use of personal information. We are pleased to support this educational campaign which builds on the work we already do with our industry partners to tackle all kinds of mobile phone crime.” (Adrian Gorham, head of fraud and security, O2)
“The growth in mobile communications and social networking has created a fantastic environment for us to share aspects of our lives, but it’s often too easy to forget just how much information we’re actually broadcasting, and often to more people than we realise. Campaigns such as this are a great way to educate and inform consumers about the risks of identity theft and fraud. Virgin Media is delighted to be working with industry on this initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to help protect customers from this type of crime.” (John White, head of group security, Virgin Media)
“This is an excellent opportunity for the telecommunications sector to come together and support a great campaign by Action Fraud. It’s really important to us that customers understand how they can protect themselves from fraudsters and that small things can make a big difference.” (Mark Hughes, head of corporate security, Vodafone)
“This is another example of the telecommunications sector coming together, this time to support the new campaign by Action Fraud. As a sector this clearly demonstrates how important we believe it is that the public understand that they can protect themselves from fraudsters and ensure they protect their identity.” (Philip Mead, head of security, Carphone Warehouse)
A key message of the campaign is to keep SAFE:
- Suspect anything or anyone you don’t know – no matter what or whom they claim to be
- Ask questions… whatever a fraudster tries, you have the power to stay in control
- Find out for certain who you’re dealing with… challenge anything that seems suspect
- End situations that make you uncomfortable… if you feel threatened then contact the police immediately
Majority of women feel falling victim to fraud is ‘inevitable’ according to new study
A new study1 has highlighted that the majority of women feel there’s nothing they can do to stop a determined fraudster. This is despite broad awareness of the risks of fraud and the measures that many are taking to limit the dangers they face.
The survey – which sees the Government, the banking sector and the telecoms industry join forces – forms the backbone of The Devil’s in Your Details csmpaign developed – at least in part – to help support women and reduce their chances of becoming fraud victims.
It’s estimated that over GB pound 4.2 billion is lost within the UK to scams involving online shopping, property investment and account takeover fraud – those types of fraud mostly targeted at women aged 35-55 years of age.
Peter Wilson, director of the National Fraud Authority, explained: “Our research shows that women are one of the most aware and proactive groups in society at protecting themselves from fraud but are not confident their efforts will have much effect. A key reason for this is uncertainty of the steps they can take to reduce their risk of becoming a victim.”
He continued: “We need to make sure that we provide the tools and information in order to assure them that if you follow some simple protection measures the risks of becoming a victim will be significantly reduced.”
Research findings suggest that, for women between the ages of 35 and 55:
- 84% had thought about fraud regularly or occasionally
- 52% were worried about becoming a victim of fraud
- 54% felt that, if someone wanted to commit fraud against them, there was little or nothing they could do to stop them
- 61% were prepared to go to great lengths to protect their identity and make life difficult for fraudsters
The ability to carry out transactions online is a big source of uncertainty as the Internet has developed so fast, leaving many with doubts that they are doing enough to protect themselves.
A total of 56% of respondents felt they were unsure whether they had the technological skills to help protect themselves from fraud in the online world.
“The message that it’s important to protect against fraud is getting through,” stressed Wilson, “but we need to provide clearer access to information on the steps that can be taken and improve people’s confidence that they are doing the right thing. When fraud happens to you it’s inconvenient at its best, or financially and emotionally crippling at its worst.”
It’s also important to bear in mind the knock-on effects of fraud – the proceeds can be put towards funding organised crime, human trafficking and even terrorism. “By protecting yourself,” said Wilson, “you’re helping to break the link fraud has to wider criminality.”
Reference
1A pre-campaign survey was conducted by IPSOS Mori to benchmark awareness and behaviour. The survey was completed by online panel interviews and involved 500 women aged between 35 and 55