Distributor partners with ex-scammers to tackle online fraud

Ex-fraudsters team up with cloud distie to provide top tips on avoiding online scams

Cloud distributor intY has partnered with a group of former scammers to create a guide aimed at tackling fraud.

The report highlights 10 ways that buyers can help protect themselves from cybercriminals, including ways to spot fake e-tailers and companies.

IntY CEO Craig Joseph said the idea for the report was conceived after figures revealed that online shoppers were conned out of more than £11m over the Christmas period in 2017.

"We partner with vendors that supply security services so people can shop safely online, and these sales have increased recently due to an increasing awareness of online scams," he said.

"Since seeing this increase, we decided to team up with ex-scammers to ensure people are staying safe online this year. It will hopefully make people more aware of the type of scams there are, and how to avoid falling victim to them.

"The January sales mean that there are loads of bargains out there, especially online. However, it also means that at this time of year people will take advantage of this mentality of cheap deals in January."

Advice published by Action Fraud last year said that more and more shoppers are being defrauded on social media and websites like Gumtree - typically places where they wouldn't expect to be targeted.

It also claimed that deals involving iPhones are particularly prominent, with Apple's smartphone the bait used in 74 per cent of all mobile phone purchases that turn out to be fraudulent.