Identity theft
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information without your permission to establish a new account, apply for a loan, or gain access to an existing account. Identity thieves may use a variety of methods to access your personal information, including:
- Steal wallets and purses containing your personal identification. For example a driver's licence or bank cards.
- Steal your mail, which may include bank and credit card statements, tax information and pre-approved credit offers.
- Use personal information you reveal on the Internet.
- Send false emails pretending to be from your bank to trick you into revealing your personal information and passwords. This is known as Phishing.
Scams
Most scams ask you for money or your bank account details in return for a reward which never arrives. A common type of Scam is the Remote Access Scam, which involves a request to download software or a mobile app which grants the scammer access to your device. It may include an attempt to deceive or coerce you into making purchases that will benefit the scammer, such as purchasing digital gift cards or crypto currency.
Scams are becoming more elaborate and come in other forms, such as online, SMS or unsolicited phone calls. The objective of the scammer is to obtain your personal details by impersonating reputable companies to gain access to your accounts.
Phishing
Phishing is a way Cybercriminals trick you into revealing your personal information such as passwords, account, identification details or credit card numbers.
Cybercriminals often impersonate well known businesses that you are likely to deal with such as financial institutions, utility companies, telecommunications companies and government agencies.
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.