Be ready, be wary

Issue:

Outdated software and apps could leave your devices open to attack.

What to do:

• Install software and app updates as soon as you’re prompted
• Set software updates to 'automatic' wherever possible.

Issue:

Weak and repeated passwords make it easier for scammers to get access to your data

What to do:

• Mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers & special characters
• Avoid names of your loved ones, sports teams, pets etc. Be random
• Use a password manager.

Issue:

Viruses can take over your devices and steal information

What to do:

Install antivirus software and keep it regularly updated.

Issue:

The more places that have your information online, the more chance it will fall into the hands of scammers.

What to do:

• Make yourself less visible online by limiting what you post
• Lock down privacy settings on your social media accounts
• Delete unused accounts.

Look out for unexpected and urgent calls, emails or texts from well known companies or by strangers who will want you to:

• make a payment or donation
• amend or confirm bank or personal details
• click through to a website
• take a financial offer, like lower life insurance or income protection premiums
• unlock cash from your pension.

Never let curiosity get the better of you. Always take a moment to check.

If you are suspicious, stop and think. Is this person really who they say they are? Does this message seem too good to be true? And most importantly, can I trust it?

If you’re even slightly suspicious of an email, text or call:

• don’t give out your bank details or other sensitive information
• don’t click any links or attachments in emails or texts
• hang up and call back later using a number you trust from a company’s official website
• and visit the organisation’s website via an internet search.

If you think you have been victim to a fraud or scam you can report it to the following:

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-us

Action Fraud - Police UK

National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Friends Against Scams

Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.

https://www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk/

Is that email from us? Is that our website?

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