A fraud expert has shared the six things you need to do – and avoid doing – to prevent being caught out by a scam.
Six expert tips to avoid scams
A fraud specialist has revealed six crucial steps to dodge falling victim to a scam. It comes as a poll of 2,000 adults revealed nearly half (47%) have narrowly escaped being duped by a scam. It was reported Brits are targeted by fraudulent activity roughly four times a month, with emails being the most common platform for scam attempts, followed by text messages and phone calls.
Four out of ten have been the target of a phishing scam, meanwhile over a third have received a ‘hi mum’/’hi dad’ text message pretending to be from their child asking for money, and 13% have noticed a bogus celebrity endorsement for an investment.
Two-thirds have fallen victim to at least one type of scam, including free gift QR code scams or being duped into giving away their One-Time Passwords (OTP) to fraudsters.
While 77% would feel confident in reporting a scam, only 18% actually do when they’ve been targeted, with 39% most likely to simply ignore them.
Worryingly, four in ten confess to using the same password for multiple online accounts. Meanwhile, a fifth admit they have stored passwords as ‘notes’ on their mobiles, in case they forget them – while 11% have sent a screenshot of their bank or credit card details to someone.
Gareth Pindred, head of fraud at Virgin Money, explained how this can cause issues: “There is a level of protection your bank can provide, but you are the first line of defence when it comes to protecting yourself from scammers.
“Some things may seem like common sense, but the reality is people across the nation are being scammed every week, so it’s the simple things you must keep front of mind.
“The chances are, if something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t – so ensure you always trust your instincts above all else, and take the time to Stop. Think. Check.”
Anybody can fall victim to scams but Gareth points out there are a range of steps Brits can take to protect themselves. He advises never to share your pin, even with a close partner; and always keep One-Time Passcodes (OTP) to yourself.
He also cautioned against taking everything at face value; just because someone knows a few basic details about you, it doesn’t mean they’re from a reliable source. Scammers can manipulate phone numbers to appear trustworthy on your screen.
And remember, never let yourself be rushed; reputable brands will never pressure you for information, a decision, or to transfer money. They’ll give you time to think, while scammers will try to rush you.
To avoid scams, steer clear of clicking on unfamiliar links or attachments, don’t store documents containing personal data on shared folders or drives, and keep all software, including antivirus software, up to date.
Gareth further advised: “Most of the advice around staying safe online is the same as staying safe in the physical world – use some common sense, and if something seems too good to be true – it usually is.
“Remember, the first thing standing between fraudsters and your money is you, so arm yourself and avoid making yourself an easy target. “.
TOP 10 SCAMS EXPLAINED:
1. General phishing scam:
Where scammers impersonate trusted sources, such as banks or companies, to trick people into revealing their personal information. Often done via emails, texts or phone calls.
2. Text message scam:
Where people say ‘I’ve broken my phone mum/dad, please text this number’ and then attempt to scam money. Scammers then manipulate the receiver to share personal information.
3. Job opportunities:
Shared via TikTok or WhatsApp scammers pose as recruiters or employers in order to get personal information.
4. One-Time Password (OTP) scam:
Scammers trick individuals into surrendering their OTPs
5. A celebrity endorsing a fake investment scam:
Scammers falsely claim a well-known public figure supports or has profited from an investment opportunity to encourage the public to part with their money or personal information.
6. Free-gift QR code scam:
Scammers use counterfeit QR codes to trick people into revealing personal information, pretending to offer a free gift or prize.
7. Sport/gig ticket buying scam:
Scammers pose as ticket sellers on social media or online platforms and take buyers money but don’t have the tickets to sell.
8. Lottery cons:
Scammers falsely claim someone has won the lottery in order to trick them into handing over personal information.
9. LinkedIn relationship fakes:
Scammers create a fake professional profile on LinkedIn to build a relationship and use their trust to steal money, data or access.
10. Cryptocurrency-romance scam:
Victims are manipulated into sending cryptocurrency to someone they believe they are in a relationship with.