GMP highlights the dangers of the internet with new cybercrime campaign

GMP highlights the dangers of the internet with new cybercrime campaign

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Greater Manchester Police is launching a new campaign to warn people of the potential of becoming a victim of crime on the internet.

'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 2014 and end of May 2016. The most common types of cybercrime in Greater Manchester 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, ‘trapped in the web’ highlights the potential dangers present on the World Wide Web and the steps that people can take to protect themselves.

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.