Protecting yourself from scams has proven to be a true art against the ingenuity of some, but solutions do exist.
Historically, many frauds and scams have plagued society. And like Victor Lustig, the “seller of the Eiffel Tower,” they can also take care of companies. “Today, between the Internet, connected things and globalization, the physicalization of exchanges has become imperative. Everything depends on it now. Also, when the tool is disrupted as a result of malicious acts, it can lead to tragic situations from an economic and social point of view. It has become a major issue. Focused by our cybercriminalsFrederic Colas, Squadron Leader and Deputy Officer in Charge of Intelligence, Economic Security and Business Protection Officer at the Gendarmerie Group explains.
To protect yourself
“Working on the other side of the world, without leaving a trace is one of the main characteristics of cybercrime. The methods of operation are varied. Phishing, for example, involves having you provide personal data through a link in an email message, under pretexts such as updating your Social Security file.” But sometimes malware or viruses are attached as well. Without realizing it, it can install spyware or malware on your computer or network. Ransomware blocks your computer and requires a large sum of money. In this case, paying is not a solution. There is no guarantee that the computer will be unlocked or that you will not be asked for more. Some sites refer to some of these viruses and explain how to unlock the device., He adds.
While some scams occur on the web, others happen by phone, mail, or sometimes registered mail, or even in person. The boss scam or fake bank accounts, for example, require monitoring on the part of the fraudster. In the first case, he pretends to be the businessman, is absent at the time of the facts, declares that he has an opportunity, or an unexpected event, and asks for a fast transfer. In the second case, the individual would pretend to be a supplier and pretend to have changed bank details. So future bills will never be paid to the true creditor. “To avoid all this, it is necessary to raise employee awareness, but also to set protocols and finally secure the information system, by changing passwords, by making backups outside the network, etc.”Frederick Colas shouted. It reminds us that service providers specialize in protecting computer networks.
“At room level, we advise you to be vigilant during the transaction. Many scams play with slight changes to logos, names, or email addresses. People carrying out this type of ‘coup’ often flirt with the limits of the law and rely on the fact that few victims They go to courtThierry Toulon, Director of Commerce Development at CCI de l’Ain, identifies.
Fraudulent activity reported
Of course, protecting yourself isn’t always enough. When damage occurs, it is imperative to report it. “Filing a complaint makes it possible to initiate an investigation and find money at times. But also to prevent other victims from being deceived,” explains Frederic Collas. On the CCI side, every fraud attempt or fraud proven to be announced to the Administrative Directorate for Population Protection of Al Ain. At the national level, there are other entities to report and obtain information, such as the DGCCRF. Helpful for you to know that Medef and CCI regularly give webinars on this topic.
Data protection
The gendarmerie and CCI fix it at home, and there is no official agency asking for bank details through email or phone. When in doubt, never hesitate to contact the relevant organization directly before providing data.
Written by Josephine Josermoz
This article appeared in the magazine Economic Cooperation Organization in Al Ain From March 11, 2021. To find all the weekly articles, as well as in our supplements and special issues, find them here and here. 
