Phishing

Be cautious when opening emails, even if they look reputable. Don’t open links or attachments if you’re not 100% the source is reliable. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is. Reputable companies will not email you asking you to hand over personal information. Never email your passwords or personal information to anyone, if you do need to share your password, use encrypted software such as LastPass or 1Password. If you’re not 100% sure the email is genuine then call the company using the phone number you would usually call them on, not the one in the body of the email. Delete suspicious email or texts straight away.

Phone calls

Even I have noticed an increase in nuisance calls and cold callers over lockdown. The majority of them are obvious that they are scamming you, but others are very clever in enticing you. Vulnerable people or the elderly may find it hard to distinguish between a fraudsters and a genuine person so make sure you make older friends and family aware of the risks. There has been a HMRC phone call doing the rounds saying that if you don’t call them back there will be a warrant out for your arrest. HMRC would never make phone calls of this nature, if you receive a phone call like this, do not ring the number back and report it Action Fraud.

It’s also been reported that there are phone calls being made from people claiming to be from the NHS offering vaccines to people for a cost. The NHS will not charge you for your vaccination. You will receive a text message, phone call or letter informing you that you can now book your appointment online using their online portal.

I’ve also heard reports of phone calls from someone claiming to be from Sky. They give the impression that there is a fault with your internet and it will be disconnected if you don’t reveal your IP address to them. They offer to access your computer remotely in order to assist you. Be wary of phone calls of this nature, especially unknown numbers calling you and never hand over information to them.

Never grant people remote access to your computer unless you know who they are and that they are trustworthy.

Destroy paperwork

Any unwanted mail you receive should be shredded so that your name and address cannot be seen. Don’t make note of or email personal information and passwords, use password sharing software such as Lastpass or 1password for example.

Secure your devices

Ensure that your devices are password protected and update your password regularly. Never share your password with anyone, choose strong password which cannot easily be guessed, use capital and lowercase letters and special characters and numbers.

• Use 2 factor authentication when available
• Update your software 
• Install antivirus software
• Be wary when using public wifi connections
• Only trust encrypted websites that have a security certificate - this can be recognised with the prefix https rather than http

How to spot a fake document

Not only do fraudsters use the internet for their crime they also use the mail. They will replicate a letterhead from a legitimate company in order to make you believe it’s genuine. Keep an eye out for poor quality printing, reputable companies will ensure that their print is of a high standard in order for their brand to maintain its reputation. If a letter is generic and not personally addressed to you, it’s more than likely marketing spam or fake. Look out for incorrect grammar or spelling, a professional document will be proofread and checked before being sent out to customers.

Doorstep Fraud

Now that more and more people are working from home, people will try their luck by targeting you on your own door-step. The people that do this will look genuine, probably with an ID card to make you believe that they are who they say they are. They may even stand at your doorstep with an iPad in their hand trying to get you to sign up to their service, they usually use charities as a persona to do this. Never hand over your personal information or your bank details over to them. If you really want to sign up to their service, tell them you want time to research first. You should not be forced into making a decision there and then. If your instinct tells you that it isn’t right, it probably isn’t so trust it, ask them to leave and call the police. 

Always think before rushing into something new especially online, remember never to hand over personal information and be vigilant about what you post. Let’s make it difficult for scammers to do their job!