Professional hustler Paul Wilson sharing tips to prevent identity fraud - Global Banking & Finance Review
This image features Paul Wilson, a professional hustler, sharing vital tips to prevent identity fraud. As part of National Identity Fraud Prevention Month, his insights help users safeguard their mobile devices and financial information.
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How to stop identity fraud

Published by Uma Rajagopal

Posted on October 7, 2013

2 min read

· Last updated: October 25, 2024

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Watch our video during National Identity Fraud Prevention Month for up to date tips from professional hustler Paul Wilson on what not to do with your mobile devices

Common Mistakes Leading to Identity Fraud

We’ve been told for years to be on high alert for suspicious activity when using our computers, laptops and mobile devices but how many of us are making basic mistakes on a daily basis that could put us at risk of identity fraud?

From not locking our phones, to giving away our credit card details to others, answering calls from unknown numbers and logging into bank accounts on public WiFi, many of the big no-nos are things millions of us do every day according to a new study.

How Secure Are Your Mobile Devices?

Less than 40% of us have a passcode/password/gesture lock to access all of our mobile devices;
a third don’t have anti-virus / safety software on our mobile devices, and almost one in ten wrongly believe that as they have an Apple device they can’t get a virus.

But interestingly the same study, which has been conducted by Experian to reflect the growing number of mobile device users and demonstrate risks of online identity theft and fraud, saw almost three quarters of the population describe themselves as tech literate. The research however would suggest otherwise…

The Real Impact of Identity Fraud

Last year there were 123,589 victims of identity fraud with the average financial loss per victim being £1,100. In 2012, it took people an average of 444 days to discover that they had become a victim of ID fraud and in that time, a criminal can do a great deal of damage to a person’s finances and credit status.

Watch our video for tips from professional hustler Paul Wilson on how to keep yourself and your devices safe.

Key Takeaways

  • Many users neglect basic mobile security habits like locking devices or installing antivirus software.
  • Misplaced trust in Apple devices can lead to complacency, even though risks still exist.
  • Identity fraud detection takes a long time—average of over a year—allowing significant damage before victims notice.

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it risky to use public Wi‑Fi for banking?
Public Wi‑Fi networks are often unsecured and easily intercepted by fraudsters, risking your login credentials and financial data.
Can Apple devices get viruses?
Yes. Despite common beliefs, Apple devices are not immune to malware or attacks—so security precautions like antivirus are still necessary.
How long does it typically take to discover identity fraud?
According to the study, it took people an average of 444 days in 2012 to realize they had been victimized, allowing fraudsters significant time to do damage.

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