Experts warn even ‘streetwise’ internet users are being conned by sophisticated online scams

Internet security experts have warned that even the most “streetwise” of people are being conned out of cash by sophisticated online scams.

ESET Ireland said it recently spoke to a Waterford man who, despite being very aware of online scams, was fooled twice and lost nearly €400 as a result. Christy told the online security experts he felt stupid for being scammed twice but “it looked so routine”.

“I use my tablet and phone every day to send and receive emails and use PayPal quite regularly to shop online. I would consider myself fairly streetwise when it comes to the internet and would be very suspicious of scams. I depend heavily on my online activities such as paying for holidays, making purchases on eBay, buying certain stock for the business etc,” he said.