Fraud awareness, and staying safe online.
What to look out for:
Requests for information
Genuine companies would never ask for your personal information such as usernames, passwords, or bank card details via a phone call, text, or email. Be suspicious if a request like this comes through.
Impersonators
Do not assume an email request or phone call is genuine. If you feel something is not right, trust your judgement.
Get in Touch
If you do receive an email, phone call or text that claims to be from a Company but appears suspicious, get in touch with the company directly through a verified channel, and question it with them.
Listen to your instincts
Above all else, go with your gut. If something looks or feels wrong, then you are right to question it.
Email Scams and Attachments
Don't open emails from someone you don’t know or trust and never open an attachment within an email from a company or person you don't know (or that you were not expecting).
Spam filters are great for blocking out suspicious emails, but if one gets through the net, never reply to or click on links inside spam emails.
Social Media
Social Media provides another platform for scammers too. Posts, tweets, or messages –anything that seems odd or too good to be true, it probably is.
Hackers may also use social media profiles to figure out your passwords or locate answers to security questions that may be asked as part of a password reset. Keep your accounts, or information, private, and only connect with people you know.
Top Tips to help you stay safe
- Do not let anyone else set up accounts in your name
- Use strong passwords - Try to create unique passwords and avoid common words or names and remember to change your password regularly
- Device updates - It is important that you keep all your devices updated with the most recent software and anti-virus versions available
Learn how to stay safe online and protect yourself, your family and your devices with these tips and resources
Get Safe Online - https://www.getsafeonline.org/
Stay Safe Online - https://staysafeonline.org/
Take 5 - https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
CIFAS - https://www.cifas.org.uk/
