How to Recognize Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraud

How to Recognize Scams: Protect Yourself from Fraud

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Here are some common red flags to watch out for:

Common Scam Tactics

  • Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions.
  • Too good to be true: If an offer seems unbelievable, it probably is.
  • Request for personal information: Legitimate businesses won't ask for sensitive information via email or phone.
  • Poor grammar or spelling: Many scams have grammatical errors or typos.
  • Unknown sender: Be wary of emails or calls from unknown numbers or addresses.
  • High-pressure sales tactics: If you feel pressured to buy something, walk away.

Types of Scams

  • Phishing: Scammers send emails or texts disguised as reputable companies to steal personal information.
  • Smishing: Similar to phishing, but via text message.
  • Vishing: Scammers use phone calls to obtain personal information.
  • Romance scams: Scammers build trust through online relationships to gain financial advantage.
  • Advance fee fraud: Scammers promise large returns for upfront payments.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Be cautious with personal information: Never share sensitive information unless you initiated the contact and verify the authenticity of the request.
  • Verify information: If you receive an unexpected email or call, independently verify the information with the company.
  • Use strong passwords: Create complex passwords for all your online accounts.
  • Keep software updated: Ensure your devices have the latest security updates.
  • Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest scam tactics.

Remember: If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts and don't hesitate to hang up, delete, or ignore suspicious communications.

If you believe you've been a victim of a scam, contact your bank or credit card company immediately and report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam.


Double Check Service By SPS

Have you received an email from a company you do use, but are unsure if it is legitimate? You can use our free check-a-scam service for peace of mind. Just forward the email to support@spsni.co.uk and enter (CHECK SCAM) in the email subject. We will review the email and aim to respond to you within 24hrs to let you know if it is likely a scam email or not. 

National Cyber Security Agency

You can also forward any suspicious emails directly to the NCSC: National Cyber Security Centre using the email: report@phishing.gov.uk
This service is completely free and you can forward as many suspicious emails as you like.  They also have services for reporting suspicious calls and texts. Find out more about the NCSC's reporting options on their website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/phishing-scams 

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