Don't Get Trapped in the Web
Greater Manchester Police is launching a new campaign to warn people of the potential of becoming a victim of crime on the internet.
Beginning today “Don’t Get Trapped in the Web” focuses on cybercrime in general but also draws on four crime types – child sexual exploitation, sextortion, fraud and human trafficking – warning people to be careful when using the internet.
Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, affecting both businesses and individuals. It includes a range of cyber-dependent (crimes which can only be committed online) and cyber enabled (crimes which can be conducted on or offline) crimes.
GMP recorded 9,972 cybercrimes between the beginning of April '14 and end of May '16. The most common types of cybercrime in GM are fraud and harassment, with the biggest increases being seen in blackmail, harassment and child sexual activity.
Detective Chief Inspector Danny Inglis said: “The online world is changing every day with new apps and websites creating new risks for anyone using the internet. People are using online sites more and more every day to buy products, meet people and keep in touch with loved ones and the risks are increasingly apparent.
“By encouraging individuals and businesses to question their online behaviour and identify potential risks before they become a victim of cybercrime we hope to make people aware of the consequences of such crimes and encourage reporting.
“This campaign looks at what people can do to stay safe online and asks them to pause and think before sharing any personal data online – the vast majority of people and businesses online are trustworthy but being wary when using online services helps people stay even safer. A really simple rule to follow is that if you wouldn’t do it in real life then don’t do it online.”
Playing on the imagery of being ensnared on a spider’s web, ‘don’t get trapped in the web’ highlights the potential dangers present on the World Wide Web and the steps that people can take to protect themselves.
Posters, postcards and social media posts will circulate the messages across Greater Manchester, highlighting the differences between what appears online and what is really happening behind the screens. By asking potential victims not to get trapped in the web, GMP will aim to help prevent people from becoming victims of cybercrime by changing their online behaviour.
The team that leads on cybercrime for GMP will also be taking part in a live twitter chat on Thursday 13 October encouraging people to share their experiences and think about their online behaviour.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Protecting ourselves is the best line of defence against ruthless criminals who use the internet to prey on people and exploit their vulnerabilities. Cybercrime is no different to any other crime and we must not underestimate the impact it has on victims, often causing financial or emotional distress. We can all learn more about how to protect ourselves, our valuables and our loved ones, while helping the police stop cybercriminals in their tracks.”
Visit www.gmp.police.uk/dontgettrappedintheweb for more information or staying safe online. If you are concerned that you or someone that you know is a victim of cybercrime you can call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency. If you suspect fraud report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Don't Get Trapped in the Web
Greater Manchester Police is launching a new campaign to warn people of the potential of becoming a victim of crime on the internet.
Beginning today “Don’t Get Trapped in the Web” focuses on cybercrime in general but also draws on four crime types – child sexual exploitation, sextortion, fraud and human trafficking – warning people to be careful when using the internet.
Cybercrime is one of the fastest growing crimes in the UK, affecting both businesses and individuals. It includes a range of cyber-dependent (crimes which can only be committed online) and cyber enabled (crimes which can be conducted on or offline) crimes.
GMP recorded 9,972 cybercrimes between the beginning of April '14 and end of May '16. The most common types of cybercrime in GM are fraud and harassment, with the biggest increases being seen in blackmail, harassment and child sexual activity.
Detective Chief Inspector Danny Inglis said: “The online world is changing every day with new apps and websites creating new risks for anyone using the internet. People are using online sites more and more every day to buy products, meet people and keep in touch with loved ones and the risks are increasingly apparent.
“By encouraging individuals and businesses to question their online behaviour and identify potential risks before they become a victim of cybercrime we hope to make people aware of the consequences of such crimes and encourage reporting.
“This campaign looks at what people can do to stay safe online and asks them to pause and think before sharing any personal data online – the vast majority of people and businesses online are trustworthy but being wary when using online services helps people stay even safer. A really simple rule to follow is that if you wouldn’t do it in real life then don’t do it online.”
Playing on the imagery of being ensnared on a spider’s web, ‘don’t get trapped in the web’ highlights the potential dangers present on the World Wide Web and the steps that people can take to protect themselves.
Posters, postcards and social media posts will circulate the messages across Greater Manchester, highlighting the differences between what appears online and what is really happening behind the screens. By asking potential victims not to get trapped in the web, GMP will aim to help prevent people from becoming victims of cybercrime by changing their online behaviour.
The team that leads on cybercrime for GMP will also be taking part in a live twitter chat on Thursday 13 October encouraging people to share their experiences and think about their online behaviour.
Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “Protecting ourselves is the best line of defence against ruthless criminals who use the internet to prey on people and exploit their vulnerabilities. Cybercrime is no different to any other crime and we must not underestimate the impact it has on victims, often causing financial or emotional distress. We can all learn more about how to protect ourselves, our valuables and our loved ones, while helping the police stop cybercriminals in their tracks.”
Visit www.gmp.police.uk/dontgettrappedintheweb for more information or staying safe online. If you are concerned that you or someone that you know is a victim of cybercrime you can call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency. If you suspect fraud report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk.