All you need to have your identity stolen online is an email address, a social media profile or an account with an online retailer. — dpa
Fraudsters are known to use social media to try to access user data like names, email addresses, passwords and credit card details. That's why users should never open social media by clicking on links, but always open the website directly, police say.
Users should also not allow too much personal information to be publically accessible, so that it cannot be used by fraudsters. On Facebook, for example, you can restrict public access to a few details, like your name and profile picture.
In general, users should be suspicious of links they receive that are unsolicited or from strangers. Police say common methods of attack include messages such as: "Is that you in this video?", "Earn lots of money from home", "Your account has been deleted" or "Verify your account".
These statements are sent along with a link prompting users to log in. Users should also be suspicious of services that claim to show who last viewed your profile or offer vouchers for popular brands. – dpa
Win a prize this Mother's Day by subscribing to our annual plan now! T&C applies.
