Latest news with #GlobalAnti-ScamAlliance
Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits 'forced to act as security guards' for elderly relatives online
A study of 1,000 UK adults with an older relative found 60% have had to step in to help them stay safe online, with one in three admitting the person is prone to risky habits A recent survey of 1,000 Brits has uncovered a worrying trend among the elderly, with 41% of respondents who have an older loved one believing they could be duped by scammers. A full 81% have elder family members, and 30% acknowledge their risky digital behaviour. Topping the list of unsafe practices are clicking on dubious links (68%), answering calls from unknown callers (60%), oversharing personal details (55%), using simple passwords (51%), and responding to unsolicited texts (47%). The study, commissioned by Avast, highlights a significant concern about the vulnerability of Britain's aged population in the face of evolving tech scams. Leyla Bilge, Global head of scam research, expressed concern: " Technology evolves so quickly that we often focus on its impact on younger generations, but we can't ignore how it affects everyone." She emphasised the importance of assisting elders in digital protection: "Supporting our parents and grandparents with online safety can be challenging, but it's incredibly important." The findings also showed that 26% of older Brits have encountered scams, while 21% have been victims of financial fraud, not to mention other serious threats like data breaches and identity theft. This has resulted in 75% of Brits fretting over their older relatives becoming scam targets. Seniors have also fallen prey to questionable emails, phone calls, and text messages, with 24% being tricked by fake websites. Despite the risks, nearly half (46%) of the elderly still resort to jotting down their passwords on paper, as reported by their family members. A worrying 24% of people are reusing the same passwords across all their accounts, while 17% are writing them down in a note on their devices. Leyla Bilge from Avast shared some sage advice: "Think of the safety guidance you would get on a flight – put on your own oxygen mask before helping others." She continued, "The same applies to Cyber Safety: learn the tips yourself first and then you can use that knowledge to help guide and inspire others." Bilge emphasised the impact of education, saying, "Even a single conversation could make a big difference in ensuring our older loved ones stay safe and connected in the digital world." Echoing the sentiment, Jorij Abraham, managing director of the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), highlighted the importance of collective vigilance. "As online threats become more sophisticated, it's vital that we treat cyber safety as a shared responsibility across generations." He added, "A simple conversation can help prevent a devastating scam and empower families to navigate the digital world more confidently together." To bolster online security, here are FIVE ESSENTIAL TIPS: 1. Bolster Password Practices: Craft long, distinct passwords for each account – aim for 15-20 characters blending lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Steer clear of personal details and consider a password manager. 2. Recognise Warning Signs: Exercise caution with unexpected emails, texts, or calls purporting to be from banks, the NHS, or tech support. Scams often instil a false sense of urgency to provoke hasty decisions. 3. Get to Grips with Common Cons: It's crucial for older adults to familiarise themselves with prevalent scams, including phishing, bogus tech support, romance frauds, grandparent cons, sham software updates, and NHS swindles. 4. Install Robust Security Measures: Safeguard your phones, computers, and tablets with security software that offers scam defence, like Avast featuring Scam Guardian, and opt for a secure web browser. Regularly update your devices and applications. 5. Turn Cyber Safety into a Group Activity: Establish a "phone-a-friend" strategy and consult with a trusted individual if you're uncertain about the authenticity of a message or request.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- IOL News
Scam alert: how to keep your holiday plans safe from travel fraudsters
Travel scams are on the rise, so be careful before embarking on your holiday. Image: Pexels As holiday plans begin to take shape for many across the globe, a dark cloud looms over the travel industry: a surge in holiday scams. Globally, fraudsters pilfered over $1 trillion from unsuspecting victims in 2024, as revealed in a recent report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA). Travel was cited as one of the hardest-hit sectors. Analysis indicates that nearly $25 million will be lost to online travel fraud this year alone, potentially impacting one in five travel bookings. This alarming trend isn't confined to the borders of specific countries; even South Africa is witnessing a sharp rise in travel-related scams. Antoinette Turner, general manager at Flight Centre South Africa, stressed the seriousness of the situation. 'South Africa is witnessing a significant uptick in scams – from counterfeit accommodation listings to phishing emails impersonating major booking platforms. Criminals are leveraging advanced AI tools, making their tactics increasingly sophisticated. Travellers need to exercise heightened vigilance,' she warned. In response to this growing threat, Turner offers pragmatic advice to help travellers spot red flags and protect their finances: Stick to trusted sites and double-check URLs Scammers are savvy, often utilising professional-looking emails or ads that appear legitimate. To safeguard yourself, always type the website address directly into your browser, avoiding links. Ensure URLs start with 'https' and proceed with caution if you notice minor spelling errors or odd domain endings. Use credit cards, not EFTs "If a deal looks too good to be true, it usually is," cautioned Turner. Paying via credit card can offer some protection through chargeback options, while cash transferred through EFT often renders recovery impossible. Don't go off-platform Stick to in-app messaging and payment systems on trusted platforms like Airbnb and Scammers frequently attempt to lure users to WhatsApp or email, promising discounts for direct bookings – a definitive red flag. Watch out for urgency tactics Be alert to pressure tactics such as fake countdown timers or last-minute discounts which can rush decisions. Take a moment to step back and verify any claims. Check credentials and verify logos Scammers often mimic well-known brands to build trust. To avoid falling victim, use official directories to verify travel agencies or operators before any transactions. Spot fake reviews Be cautious of overly positive reviews lacking detail, especially if they appear on multiple platforms with poor grammar. Additionally, heed negative reviews that hint at potential scams; they can serve as vital alerts from fellow travellers. Social media platforms are increasingly becoming the breeding ground for these scams, with Action Fraud in the UK reporting that over half of holiday scams are initiated via sites like Facebook or Instagram. Turner succinctly captures the widespread nature of these fraudulent schemes, issuing a stark warning: "Scammers are exploiting every stage of the booking process, from initial flight and accommodation reservations to post-trip refund scams. A holiday should be a chance to relax, not the start of a financial nightmare."
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Five common mistakes that let criminals hack your online accounts
Attacks on British retailers like Marks & Spencer have highlighted how mistakes can let cybercriminals into online accounts with devastating consequences. M&S announced on Tuesday it had finally reopened its website weeks after a cyberattack in April that the company blamed on 'human error' and it said it would cost around £300m. The government's cybersecurity breaches survey, published earlier this year, found 43% of businesses had suffered a security breach in the last 12 months. But even for ordinary people, it's still very possible to make mistakes that can lead to criminals gaining access to your account - and then using your details for identity theft or stealing money. Research by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance found that 10% of Brits had lost money to scams or identity theft in 2023. Yahoo News spoke to security expert Truman Kain, a security researcher at cybersecurity firm Huntress, about the common mistakes people make - including one which almost all of us have never even thought about. In security questions on online accounts such as banking, people often put their real mother's maiden name or the name of a first pet. But this is a mistake, Kain explains - and instead you should make up a fake name, because hackers can potentially use a security question to reset accounts and gain access, and such information is often easy to find out. Kain said: 'Security questions are a relic. When used as originally intended, they aren't security, they're trivia that hackers already know. "Think of it this way: if you had to, could you answer your friend's security questions? Yes? Well, so could a hacker. Attackers can typically guess or find your answers to common security questions on your social media or elsewhere online. 'This is how accounts can get taken over even if you do have a strong password. So, treat security questions like passwords… lie! Generate and save fake answers to security questions with a password manager. Never assume that your real answers to security questions are private.' Browsers such as Chrome commonly offer the option to save passwords, which can be highly convenient for users - but using this is a mistake. So are other common ways of storing passwords like notes apps, Word documents or spreadsheets, says Kain. 'Lots of people store passwords in places they shouldn't: these are a problem, because they can all be quickly scraped by malware or someone with access to your device," Kain says. For example, if your PC gets a virus, it can be easy for criminals to find passwords stored in this way. Instead, Kain advises, you should use a separate password manager app on your PC or smartphone, and generate strong passwords using the app. Kain said: 'If you care about your accounts, use a dedicated password manager. It's the simplest way to keep your accounts secure. Storing passwords anywhere else is like locking your front door and then leaving the key under the doormat. Reusing passwords offers an easy way to log in, for example, when forced to create a password to order on a pub's menu. But if you use one password across a lot of accounts, it's only a matter of time before it leaks online, says Kain, due to the frequency of data breaches. Kain said: 'By reusing passwords, you're basically playing Russian roulette. A breach at some random site, at any point in the future, can hand attackers the keys to your most important accounts. 'They'll turn right around and plug those credentials into every major service they can think of… and if you reused, they're in.' Kain said: 'Today's phishing attacks aren't poorly worded emails. They're polished, look just like the real thing and sometimes even come from real providers like DocuSign or Canva.' To deal with such attacks, it's best to be ultra-cautious around links in emails, particularly when they relate to banking or anything similar. Instead of following the email, use your banking app or navigate to your bank's website - or if you're really worried, call. Kain said: "Today, fake login pages are pixel-perfect and often use legitimate-looking domains. All it takes is one moment of distraction or misplaced trust, and your credentials or sensitive information are compromised. 'Attackers love evoking senses of fear or urgency because those emotions often cause you to act without thinking. So, always take a minute to stop and think: is this legit? Just because a site looks real doesn't mean it is. Check the URL before entering credentials and navigate to sites directly instead of clicking links in emails or text messages.' Multi-factor authentication (MFA) bolsters passwords by insisting on a second check (often via text or through a dedicated app) to prove people are who they say they are. This means that if a criminal finds your password in an online data breach, they still cannot access your account. Kain said: 'MFA is one of the most effective defences you have against account takeovers. However, it's often ignored because 'it's annoying', or put off with 'I'll do it later'. 'The reality is that passwords get breached. Phishing works. MFA adds a backstop that makes it much harder for attackers to get in when they inevitably get a hold of your credentials. App-based MFA is ideal, but any form of MFA is better than none.'
GMA Network
28-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
IT expert calls for crackdown on unlicensed crypto platforms
An information technology (IT) advocate called on the government to crack down on unlicensed cryptocurrency platforms, claiming these exchanges have become the financial backbone of kidnappings, human trafficking, large-scale scams, and even drug and illegal gambling operations. In a statement on Wednesday, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) ICT Committee co-chair Reyner Villaseñor claimed that unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges 'operating without regulatory oversight' have become the financial tool of organized crime syndicates operating within and beyond the country's borders. 'Criminal syndicates are exploiting regulatory gaps to carry out diverse illegal activities, using unlicensed and unregulated cryptocurrency platforms as their tools,' Villaseñor said. The IT expert said the unlicensed cryptocurrency platforms enabling criminal syndicates to move millions in illicit funds 'with little to no trace.' Citing data from the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, Villaseñor said Filipinos have lost an estimated P460 billion to online crime in 2024—equivalent to 1.9% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). 'These numbers paint a grim picture: the Philippines is now in the midst of a digitally enabled crime epidemic - one that calls for immediate public vigilance, private sector safeguards, and proactive regulatory intervention and law enforcement action,' he said. Without properly audited KYC or Know-Your-Customer and anti-money laundering controls—standards mandated on licensed platforms—these rogue exchanges offer near-total anonymity, according to the IT expert. Villaseñor said criminals are exploiting blind spots to launder ransom payments, conceal profits from human trafficking, and move massive sums without triggering regulatory red flags. With this, the IT expert called for an urgent, coordinated crackdown from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), and other relevant agencies. —RF, GMA Integrated News
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First Post
27-05-2025
- First Post
$242 million and counting: How Singaporeans keep losing vast sums of money to criminals
According to reports, the city-state of Singapore, since 2019, has witnessed an increase in both the number of scams and the amount of money lost. In 2024, Singaporeans, including the rich and famous, lost around $800 million to scamsters in over 50,000 cases. Why do experts say Singaporeans are 'uniquely vulnerable'? read more Singapore has seen over 13,000 scam cases in 2025. Victims are estimated to have lost $242 million thus far. Reuters Singapore is in the grip of a 'scamdemic'. According to reports, since 2019, the city-state has witnessed an increase in both the number of scams and the amount of money lost. Around $800 million was looted from residents of Singapore in 2024 alone – including from the rich and famous – in over 50,000 cases. But what do we know? What do experts say is to blame? Let's take a closer look What do we know? As per the report in the Financial Times, Singaporeans have been among the biggest scam victims on the planet over the past two years. The city state has seen over 13,000 scam cases in 2025. Victims are estimated to have lost $242 million thus far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Singapore in 2024 recorded 51,501 scam cases. Residents of the city state lost $800 million – a 70 per cent increase over 2023. The police have only been able to recover around $182 million of this money. More from Explainers Liverpool parade crash: Why Europe is witnessing a rise in car-ramming attacks And it's not just ordinary citizens either. Among the victims were the city's rich and famous including actor Laurence Pang. Pang lost around $31,000 (Rs 26 lakh) in crypto to a scammer name 'Mika'. 'Mika' lured Pang to invest in a fake e-commerce company. It took months before Pang figured out he was being conned. In 2023, Singaporeans lost the most amount of money per person of any nation – $3100 (Rs 2,64,000). That's a higher figure than the citizens of Switzerland and Austria lost on average. Worse, experts say these are just the reported figures – meaning that the real numbers could be even higher. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance has claimed over 67 per cent of scam victims in Singapore have not reported the matter to the authorities. The scams are varied – from romance like in the case of Pang to people offering jobs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In 2023, Singaporeans lost the most amount of money per person of any nation – $3100 (Rs 2,64,000). Representational image The criminals also call Singaporeans and pose as bank and government officials. In 80 per cent of the victims, it is the victims who willingly transfer their money or crypto to the criminals. In many cases, this could be entire life savings. A new survey shows that at least a third of Singaporean looking for work have been targeted by a job scam. Most of these scamsters reach out from Meta platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, authorities say. PYMNTS Intelligence quoted data as showing that scams became the leading form of fraud last year – ahead of digital payment fraud. The share of scam-related fraud rose by 56 per cent, while financial losses from scams jumped 121 per cent. 'Scams now account for 23 per cent of all fraudulent transactions, with relationship/trust and product/service scams responsible for most losses,' PYMNTS wrote in December. 'These scams manipulate individuals into authorizing fraudulent transactions, often using deceptive tactics. Additionally, fraud involving compromised credentials, where individuals are tricked into revealing account details, is also on the rise.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is to blame? As per Financial Times, experts say Singaporeans are uniquely vulnerable. This is because they are rich, tech-savvy, and extremely compliant with authority – a deadly combination in this instance. 'They are rich and naive,' an asset recovery professional told the newspaper. Experts say artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and phishing schemes are making it harder and harder to determine whether one is being scammed. 'As AI continues to evolve, it's becoming harder to tell what's real and what's a scam — especially in digital hiring. This is no longer just a tech problem; it's a human one,' said Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group, told The Source. 'The value of human involvement and verified interactions is becoming even more important. We must build hiring ecosystems where people feel safe and trust comes by default.' 'Today's AI-driven attacks aren't limited to phish-y emails. Fraudsters now employ voice cloning and deepfake videos to impersonate executives, tricking employees into authorizing large fund transfers,' a report by PYMNTS Intelligence warned. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance has claimed over 67 per cent of scam victims in Singapore have not reported the matter to the authorities. Credit: Pexels 'The accessibility of generative AI tools means that even low-level scammers can produce high-quality forgeries, blurring the lines between genuine and fake communications.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The problem is getting so out of hand that authorities are considering bringing back certain punishments. 'We believe in caning as a strong deterrent,' Loretta Yuen, chair of the fraud committee at the Association of Banks in Singapore, told Financial Times. 'It's a deterrent, but there is also a sense of revenge to it.' People like Pang are sharing their experiences – in hopes of spreading awareness to others. 'The most important thing to remember is that any time money or crypto is mentioned, it is a massive red flag,' Pang told the newspaper. 'You can be sure at that point that it is a scam.' With inputs from agencies
