It’s easy to think that you won’t fall for a fraudulent text, email or phone call, but scammers are more sophisticated than ever.
Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never automatically click on a link to an unexpected, or undisclosed, email or text. Software now exists that allows fraudsters to place a message into an existing text conversation already on your phone from a legitimate organization. A scam email could look identical to a genuine one, but has come from a different address and includes links to a suspect website.
Always question uninvited approaches when is comes to personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Contact the organization directly using a known email or phone number. Your bank will never contact you to ask for your PIN, full password, or to move your money to another account.
Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Fraudsters rely on your defenses being down when you’re in the comfort of your home using a computer or mobile device, and on people being naturally trusting.
It’s absolutely ok to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information and to end the discussion if you don’t feel in control.
Criminals will use a variety of tactics including impersonating someone else. They may pretend to be from your bank, credit card company, online retailer, utility company, or a government department.
Common scams to watch out for include requests to move money, bogus invoices, identity theft, scam mail where the victim is drawn in by a surprise win and parts with money in order to claim their prize, and fake online shopping and auction items – when the victim has transferred the payment into the fraudsters account, the purchased item never shows up.
Often, it isn’t until after you’ve parted with your hard earned money that you realize it’s a scam.
If you ever experience any unusual activity related to your accounts contact your bank immediately.