AI is trying to scam Channel Islanders – watch out, be careful, and report if there is an incident.

This week, we have seen cryptocurrency scams involving fake reviews impersonating the Jersey Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq and the late Channel Islands ITV journalist Gary Burgess.

You can watch an ITV news piece on this recent news: https://www.itv.com/news/channel/2024-09-05/scammers-use-profile-of-itv-journalist-who-died-from-cancer

ONLINE SCAMS ARE BECOMING MORE SOPHISTICATED, AND SCAMMERS ARE GETTING SMARTER.

1. They know we are more likely to click the link if something appears local or mentions people we know.
2. The well-resourced organised crime groups behind these scams often use artificial intelligence to make the scams more convincing.
3. Unfortunately, these scams are now a fact of life and are becoming more advanced.

HOW TO SPOT A SCAM

Be on the lookout for these common signs of scams:

1. Fake reviews.
• Scammers often use fake reviews to make their offers look more legitimate.
2. Misleading sign-up processes.
• Be on the lookout for unclear or deceptive sign-up procedures.
3. High-pressure sales tactics.
• Please be careful with offers that pressure you into making quick decisions.
4. Clickbait headlines.
• Scams often use headlines to grab your attention and make you click.
5. Sense of urgency.
• Offers that are time-limited or create a sense of urgency are common scam tactics.
6. No trading history.
• If a company has no trading history or a poor reputation, be cautious.
7. No local entity.
• If the business isn’t locally recognised or registered, it’s a red flag.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from online scams:

1. Use reputable local businesses.
• Stick with companies you know and trust. If you don’t recognise a company, try to search for independent reviews.
2. Verify who you’re dealing with.
• Scammers often avoid revealing their true identities or details about their operations. Check website terms and conditions and privacy policies – these should clearly state the name of the legal entity you’re dealing with.
3. Check for registration.
• If a company provides a financial service, you should check that it is registered with the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC).
4. Research independently.
• Instead of clicking on links from online ads or SMS messages, look up the company online via a search engine. This will give you access to unbiased information and reviews.

CYBER SECURITY INCIDENT, YOU CAN REPORT IT

If you are experiencing a cyber security incident, you can report it:-

• IF AT WORK
• Report it to your data protection officer or someone similar.
• IF AT HOME,
• COMPLETE AN INCIDENT REPORT FORM: https://jcsc.je/report-an-incident/
• Emailing incidentreports@jcsc.je
• Calling +44 (00) 1534 500 050

VICTIM OF FRAUD

If you have been a victim of fraud, you should report it to the States of Jersey Police by calling +44 (00) 1534 612 612.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Always remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

SOURCE JERSEY CYBER SECURITY CENTRE

• https://jcsc.je/advice-and-guidance/protect-yourself-from-online-scams-essential-tips/
• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/certjersey_did-you-spot-our-director-matt-palmer-on-activity-7237784293228388352-1HOA?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop