Don’t be scammed, be suspicious. It’s #ScamAware week.
Today in #ScamAware week a reminder about who and when to trust.
And when to be suspicious!
Let’s accept it: not everyone wishes us well. The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending December 2022 reported 3.7 million fraud offences. Most estimates show at least 60% online or computer-related.
Winning trust
Fraudsters steal people’s money, identities and self-confidence by winning their trust. It might be through direct personal contact or a false organsation. Whichever, in lots of everyday situations, beyond family and friends, it’s not just ok, it’s essential to be suspicious.
That’s a gloomy thought but here are the basics for staying safe:
- Don’t be rushed into making any quick decisions
- Never give money or personal details, like passwords or bank details, to anyone you don’t know and trust or have only met online
- Before you buy anything research the company or website you’re using
- Pay by debit or credit card
- Make sure your antivirus software is up to date and keep your online accounts secure.
Warning signs
And never forget: scammers can be very smart. This is where our second reminder guide comes in. You must recognise warning signs if…..
- Something seems too good to be true (it almost certainly is)
- Someone is urging you to respond quickly (hustled in other words)
- Someone is asking you to pay urgently or in an unusual way (ditto with ££)
- You’re being asked to give personal information (no, no, no)
- Someone you don’t know contacts you unexpectedly (be very careful – in any doubt delete, don’t pick up).
Finally, if you think someone might be trying to scam you, get advice.