Debtors at risk from internet scam?

UK adults with debt management difficulties may have had their problems exacerbated by an online network that sold bank and credit card account details in an internet auction-style manner.

According to the Daily Mail, 33-year-old Renukanth Subramaniam has been named as the perpetrator behind the £100 million scheme, called Dark Market, which featured security codes, account and pin numbers selling for £36.

Tutorials were also offered regarding how best to commit identity fraud, gain access to internet accounts and money laundering.

Founded in 2005, over 2,500 criminals across the globe subscribed to this service, which was brought to its knees following an investigation by the Serious Organised Crime Agency in the UK and the FBI over a period of three years. Mr Subramaniam is due to be sentenced later this year and faces up to ten years in jail.

Towards the end of last year, it also emerged that people were increasingly at risk of gold-buying scams, with the Daily Telegraph reporting that firms were offering low prices for the precious metal.

By Sarah Adie