The truth behind just how they do it is both chilling and frightening.

• Home computers attacked by cyber criminals
• Inside the world's hacking capital
• Identity theft alert

How to protect yourself online

More stories from reporter David Richardson

That's Life: A phone call cost me $30,000

• Scam Watch warns that scammers are sophisticated, moving with the times to take advantage of new technology to create plausible stories.
• Think twice if someone professes strong feelings very quickly and presses your for more contact details.
• After gaining your trust, they tell you an elaborate story and ask for money, gifts or your bank account/credit card details.
• They continue to ask for money, but never visit you.

• Check a Date - www.checkadate.com
• www.scamwatch.gov.au

This reporter is on Twitter at @RichoTT7