 Don't
Look Like A Phish
Phishing
is a type of identity theft unique to the online world. It is a term
which describes a
technique which invites victims to enter personal information (such
as credit card numbers,
bank details, etc.) into fake copies of websites or emails that the
user may already
be familiar dealing with.
By
mimicking websites, advertisements or emails of trusted firms, these
con sites ask unsuspecting
online users to ‘log-in’ and hand over personal data without realising
what is
happening. Once the con artist has this information, they will use
it to steal from the victim..
Whether
or not you have been a consumer who has been victim directly of this
fraud, this
crime is costing your business money. Identity theft like this costs
Britain billions of pounds
each year and it is businesses who pick up most of the bill.
But
the true cost to businesses is far greater, as damage to reputations,
brands and customer
satisfaction will inevitably follow and ultimately affect profits.
This
number of cases of this identity theft is growing and the methods
these thieves use are
becoming more sophisticated. As a result phishing has received
increased media coverage
and online consumers want to be reassured that email is safe
and want to see that
businesses are taking this problem seriously.
According
to an online consumer survey 64% of online population believe it
is “unacceptable”
for businesses to do nothing about this and 76% say businesses should be
required to educate their customers.
But
what are UK businesses prepared to do about it?
SafeShop are providing these recommendations for your website so you can address this
issue and build consumer confidence…
Phish
Characteristics 
Use
clear and understandable domain names.
|
A
longer url creates suspicion and confusion.
Customers want to know where they are
going.
|
Use:
www.domain.co.uk/promtion.htm
Not:
www.23.domain.co.uk/sd/fgf.htm |
Get
your customers to enter your domain from your
homepage wherever possible.
|
A
longer url creates suspicion and confusion.
Customers want to know where they are going.
|
Use:
www.domain.co.uk
wherever possible |
Use
clear, consistent branding.
|
Don't
make it easy for phishers who may struggle
recreating logos. Be consisent with your communications.
|
Consistency
is the key.
|
Don't
'overdo' important emails.
|
Fake
emails often try to create a sense of urgency.
"Warning" and "Immediate Action Needed" are
now seen by consumers a phishing traits.
|
Never send your
customers 'warning' emails. Keep your communication
calm and clear.
|
Proofread all emails.
|
Scamming
emails are often riddled with spelling errors.
Business emails should go through quality checks,
ensure yours do.
|
Customers
will notice errors. This can only have a
negative
impact on your business.
|
And, of course, make sure you have
the SafeShop Logo visably
displayed on your website. It is the best
way to allow visitors to get a
third party verification.
Members, login
to the members area for
the code to add to your pages. Or Click
Here for more information about how to apply for membership. |
Apply
Now
