During the pandemic there has been a huge increase in online fraud and scams.
According to newly published data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), individuals and organisations in the UK reported losses of £1.3bn to fraud and cyber-crime between 1 January and 31 July 2021 – a 300% increase on the previous year’s figure of £414.7m. Instances of cyber-crime also increased by 700%, rising from 39,160 to 289,437.
The NFIB’s data reveals major spikes in reported instances of such crimes between January and March 2021, at the height of the UK’s second major lockdown, with more than 137,000 crimes resulting in losses of £625.6m reported during the first quarter.
To help people protect themselves from online scams and fraud, Solihull Council and West Midlands Police are holding a free webinar at 7pm on Tuesday 1 February.
The speakers will discuss current trends and suggest ways to protect you and your small business from becoming a victim.
Speakers include –
Ian Parnell - Chief Supt, Solihull Neighbourhood Policing Unit
Richard Staveley - Head of Trading Standards, Solihull Council
Khatija Nichols - Economic Crime Unit Fraud & Cyber Protect Coordinator for West Midlands Police
Detective Inspector Michelle Ohren, Head of Cyber and Innovation at The West Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (WMCRC)
To book your free place click the link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/staying-safe-online-tickets-226971867967