RESIDENTS are being urged to consider their "digital vulnerability" at a special event in Clacton.

The digital safety drive by Barclays is aimed at keeping people safe online and comes following an increase in online fraud.

The digital safety and fraud awareness event will take place at Esplanade Hotel, in Marine Parade East, Clacton, on Friday from 2pm to 4pm.

Barclays estimates that if people implemented these three top tips we could help to cut levels of fraud by up to 75 per cent:

  • Never give out your full Online Banking PIN, Passcode or Password to anyone, even a caller claiming to be from the police or your bank.
  • Do not click on any link or open an attachment on any e-mail you receive which is unsolicited.
  • Avoid letting someone you do not know have access to your computer, especially remotely. 

Alain Lipton, manager at Barclays Clacton branch said: “Helping customers and local residents get online is something we’re really keen to support through our digital eagles, however, we’re also keen to make sure they do this safely and provide tips on safe banking and how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.”

“We hope this event will help raise awareness of the different kinds of frauds and scams in existence and we are encouraging everyone, even the most confident of digital users, to come along to the event and listen to our Digital Eagle’s presentation.”

He added that "digital familiarity" may be fuelling online complacency and residents of all ages are regularly falling victim to online scams, fraud and cyber threats.

Giles Watling, MP for Clacton, who is support the campaign, said: "The internet is an extremely powerful tool, now vital for many businesses and used daily by individuals.

"However, there are a number of scams that take place on the internet and educating users on what to look out for, how to tackle cyber crime and protecting yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime is really important and events like this do just that."

Afternoon tea and cakes will be served at the free event.