A guide to navigating 3 common types of digital fraud 

As technology keeps evolving, so do the tactics used by fraudsters. In a world flooded with digital information, it's critical to understand the different types of fraud that can threaten your banking details and personal data.

In this article, we will dive into 3 types of fraud: card skimming, juice jacking, and recruitment scams. Our goal is to break down how these work and equip you with essential tips for staying safe.

So, get ready to arm yourself with the knowledge you need to outsmart the bad guys!

1. Card skimming

Imagine heading to an ATM to withdraw cash. You slide in your bank card, punch in your PIN, and feel confident that your transaction is secure. But, unknown to you, a type of fraud known as card skimming is happening, where fraudsters attempt to steal your card details and PIN. 

How do they do it? By installing a device called a skimmer, which blends in with the ATM's appearance. This device captures data stored on your bank card's magnetic stripe or microchip. Even worse, these fraudsters might plant hidden cameras to record you entering your PIN.

But that's not all. Sometimes, fraudsters pretend they want to use the ATM and stand close to you. They do this to memorise your card number and PIN. Then, they use this stolen data to make a copy of your card and take out money from your account. 

We're not sharing this information with you to scare you. Actually, it's quite the opposite! We believe that you can absolutely prevent card skimming attempts. Start by checking for strange devices around where you insert your card or near the keypad. And when you're entering your PIN, it's wise to cover the keypad from any wandering eyes. Also, we strongly advise against writing your PIN on your card. Lastly, if you're trying to deposit money into the ATM but notice the amount doesn’t match the number on the screen, it's a sign to hold off on the transaction.

2. Juice jacking 

Picture this: You're sitting in a coffee shop, sipping on your latte, and suddenly, your phone's battery has dipped into the dreaded red zone. Luckily for you, there's a charging station near your table. You see a charging cable lying there, plug it into your phone, and settle back to catch up on emails or scroll through social media. Little do you know, you've just fallen victim to what's known as "juice jacking."

"Juice jacking" is a cyber-theft tactic involving the use of fake or modified charging cables carefully crafted by cybercriminals. These cables are designed to give unauthorised access to your device, enabling cyber attackers to infect it with malicious software or steal your personal data.

And this tactic is not only limited to charging cables. Cybercriminals are becoming more cunning, even tampering with charging stations in public places. These stations might look harmless, but they're far from it. If you use one of these stations, your data or identity might be stolen, leading to chaos in your digital world.

An effective way to avoid using these risky charging cables or public stations is to ensure your phone stays charged. We understand that older smartphone models tend to run out of battery faster, so we recommend investing in a power bank. If these options aren’t available to you, and you need to charge your phone, consider using a wall outlet. And if you're travelling, don't forget to carry a universal adapter before taking off.

3. Recruitment scams

Imagine you're searching for a new job, hopping from one job ad to another to find that perfect match. Finally, you find an exciting position with a competitive salary and the chance to work at a respected company.

Filled with excitement, you send in your application and detailed CV. Soon after, you receive an email from the company expressing interest and inviting you for an online interview. The interview feels real and professional, leaving you optimistic about your chances.

Not long after, the company offers you the job, but there's a catch. They ask for an upfront payment to complete the hiring process. Believing the offer is legitimate, you make the payment. But, as time passes, the company stops responding, and your emails go unanswered. Confusion turns into frustration, and you realise that you've fallen for a recruitment scam.

Before you jump into any job offer, take a moment to research the company advertising it. Make sure it's legitimate before you get too invested. This quick precaution can save you from disappointment and wasted time.

We hope that with this knowledge, you're better prepared to tackle the tricks of fraudsters in the digital age. Simple steps like shielding your PIN, verifying job offers, and using caution with charging stations will give you the upper hand.

To learn about and shield yourself from other forms of fraud, check out “Real-life fraud cases to learn from: Part 1 and Part 2.”