Hertfordshire victims lose more than £250,000 to hackers
Police say there have been 660 cases reported in 2026
More than £250,000 has been lost by victims of email and social media hacking in Hertfordshire this year.
There have been 660 reports of hacked accounts during 2026, with victims losing a combined £252,908.
Cyber criminals can use access to personal accounts to steal information, financial details and even identities.
An email account can be particularly valuable to criminals, as it may give them access to other online accounts through password reset links.
They could also use personal or business information found in emails to defraud the victim, or people they know.
People are being urged to take two simple steps to protect their email accounts.
Use strong passwords or passkeys
Passkeys are a more secure alternative to passwords and allow people to sign in using features such as Face ID, fingerprints or their device's PIN.
Where a password is required, people should use a strong password that's different from those used for other accounts.
A combination of three random words can make a password that's easier to remember but harder to crack. Personal information that could be guessed, such as a pet's name, should be avoided.
Turn on two-step verification
Two-step verification, or 2SV, provides an additional layer of security by requiring a code when someone signs in from a new device or makes certain changes to an account.
This means criminals are less likely to be able to access an account even if they manage to obtain the password.
Anyone who has been a victim of cybercrime can report it online to Report Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.