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Internet Fraud

Answer

Government Departments are working with industry organisations and law enforcement agencies through groups such as the Internet Crime Forum to tackle internet crime.Two of the main approaches used in dealing with fraud over the internet are prevention and education. A large amount of fraud can be prevented if organisations and individuals have proper fraud prevention measures in place. The Home Office publishes fraud prevention advice on the e-tailing mini website, which forms part of the Crime Reduction website. It helps consumers and businesses protect themselves when buying and selling over the internet.The Government are also involved in the development of Project Endurance, an initiative that will launch an internet security public awareness campaign later this year. The project is an alliance of public and private sector bodies, which brings together several Government Departments and law enforcement organisations with a number of high profile private sector companies. This campaign will be targeted at micro business and consumers, primarily aimed at helping them gain confidence in using the internet.The Consumer Protection (Distance Selling) Regulations 2000 protect consumers against payment card fraud including credit cards. The regulations apply to contracts made at a distance including online ones. The card issuer is required to reimburse consumers the full amount in the event of fraudulent use of the consumer's card.The Government issued guidance in December 2003 advising consumers how to guard against the risks associated with internet auction sites. Details are available from Consumer Direct Online at www.consumerdirectgov.uk/auctions.In 2004 the Office of Fair Trading published Tips for Safe Trading when buying from private sellers. Information is available from www.oft.gov.uk/internet+auctions.The Home Office website provides information about internet crime, potential scams and how not be a victim of fraud. Their website address is www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime/fraud/preventationadvice.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

435 c611-2W;435 c615-6W; 4716

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Fraud Electronic commerce