Fraud websites possess a number of
flaws that can be detected with reason and technology. However, what is
important is the time taken by the internet user to stumble upon these
tell-tale signs. Timing is crucial since fraud websites try to elicit as much data
from visitors.
Ways
in which fraud websites extract visitor data
●
Using malware that is capable of installing a
keystroke logger without the visitor’s notice. This malicious software is
equipped to record keyboard movements that put all confidential data, entered
in the fraud websites at jeopardy.
●
Even in one is in the midst of entering data,
and quits after partial entry, it is still imperative that he must follow the
damage control procedure explained hereunder, since an intelligent guesswork is
all it takes for scammers to trespass into financial records of the victim,
like online banking accounts.
●
Fraud websites for online shopping are the major
source of illegal data mining.
●
It is possible for fraud websites to sell
account information to scammers who pay a hefty price for data hijacking. For
example, where people save their card details for loading money on online
payment gateways, hacking into their accounts can expose the concerned bank
account for manipulation.
Checklist
for fraud website attack
Setting panic aside, one needs to
make a quick check for the following, before proceeding to damage control from
phishing webpages:
●
An unexpected mail or an SMS, even for a
negligible amount from bank or card issuer, reflecting a charge that has not
made by the victim
●
Receipt of gifts or offers from service
providers when there has been no communication with them from the victim
●
Suspicious device usage alert for accessing your
email from an unknown device or location
●
Receipt of invoices for things never bought
● Disparities from cash books and bank books,
beyond routine reconciliation.
Following are immediate measures
that one must take, after visiting fraud websites:
●
If sensitive details like email ids, passwords, bank
account numbers etc. have been shared,
the bank must be contacted immediately for freezing accounts and blocking cards
●
Check your credit report if find out if there
have been any unintended alterations
●
Log off all active sessions of your email from remote
●
Ensure that antivirus software is updated and is
functional to thwart any impending virus attacks. Get your system scanned for
any new applications or software downloaded.
●
Activate fraud alert on your credit report
●
Get in touch with cyber law enforcers and also
with the local Police
●
Spread the word on various watchdog
organizations online as well as on the social media, with screenshots of the
login sessions on fraud websites
●
To speed up investigation, use a website checker
to check the authenticity of the website and intimate the results thereof to
the investigators
●
Getting in touch with network of people affected
by fraud websites, can reveal useful information that can throw light on the
whereabouts of the criminals. It is essential to share information on fraud
websites, if possible with images on the internet.
