Identity theft
Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission. They may use it to open a new account, apply for a loan, or access an existing account.
Identity thieves can obtain personal information in several ways, including:
Stealing wallets or purses that contain personal identification, such as a driver’s licence or bank cards
Stealing mail, which may include bank or credit card statements, tax information, or pre-approved credit offers
Using personal information shared online
Sending fake emails that appear to come from your bank to trick you into revealing personal details or passwords. This is known as phishing.
Scams
Scams usually involve someone asking for money or your bank account details in exchange for a reward that never arrives.
A common example is a remote access scam. This is when someone asks you to download software or a mobile app that gives them access to your device. They may then try to pressure or trick you into making purchases that benefit them, such as buying digital gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Scams are becoming more sophisticated and can happen through:
Online messages
SMS
Unsolicited phone calls
Scammers often impersonate legitimate companies to gain your trust and access your personal details or accounts.
Phishing
Phishing is when cybercriminals try to trick you into revealing personal information, such as passwords, account details, identification information, or credit card numbers.
They often impersonate well-known businesses that you may deal with, including:
Financial institutions
Utility companies
Telecommunications providers
Government agencies
Courier companies
Malware
Malware is the term used to refer to any type of code or program that is used for a malicious purpose.
Cybercriminals use malware for many different reasons. Common types of malware are used for stealing your personal information, holding your computer to ransom or installing other programs without your knowledge.