How to spot a scam and keep your information safe

In an era where digital interactions are common, it’s important to stay sharp and cautious because scams are everywhere — on social media, over the phone, and in your inbox. Knowing the signs of a scam can help you keep your personal information out of the wrong hands. Let’s discuss some red flags to watch for and simple habits you can develop to protect yourself.

Red flags that signal a scam

Scammers are crafty and have tricks to lure you into giving up your personal details.

If someone you don’t know contacts you and starts asking for personal details like your bank account information, or login credentials, it’s a strong indicator of a potential scam. Always verify the identity of the person or organisation before proceeding, and avoid sharing any sensitive information until you have confirmed they are legitimate.

Offers that seem incredibly favourable without any risk are classic baits used by scammers. Examples include announcements that you’ve won a large sum in a lottery you never entered, or suddenly inheriting money from a relative you’ve never heard of. These scams play on the natural human instinct to get excited about unexpected gains. However, if an offer requires you to pay a fee upfront, provide bank account details, or call a shady phone number, these are telltale signs that the offer is a scam.

Scammers often create a sense of urgency to provoke a quick decision without giving you time to think it through or talk to family and friends. They might insist that an offer is time-sensitive and will disappear soon, or claim that your account will be closed unless immediate action is taken. This tactic is designed to rush you into making decisions that you might not make under normal circumstances, often leading to oversharing of personal information or financial loss.

One of the most common methods scammers use to steal personal information or install malware is through malicious links or attachments. They might send an email or message that appears to be from a credible source but contains a link to a fake website or a file that could infect your device with viruses. Always hover over links to see where they actually lead before clicking and maintain up-to-date antivirus software to protect against unintended downloads. If you’re unsure about the legitimacy of an attachment, contact the sender through a different communication channel to confirm its authenticity.

Keeping Yourself Safe

Now that you know what to watch for, here are some protective measures to keep scammers at bay:

It’s easy to get fooled by fraudulent messages that look legitimate, so it’s vital to verify the source before taking any action. If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from your bank or a similar institution, do not click any links or reply directly. Instead, perform a quick internet search to find the official contact details or open a new browser window to log into your account through the official website. By reaching out through verified channels, you can confirm whether the message you received was genuine.

Your first line of defense against unauthorised access to your accounts is a strong, unique password. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like “password123” or “admin” and don’t recycle passwords across multiple sites. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords, which can help you maintain security without the need to remember each one.

If you encounter what appears to be a scam, it’s important to report it. Reporting scams helps authorities take action against fraudsters and can prevent others from becoming victims. It also contributes to a broader understanding of current scam tactics in circulation.

Being aware of the signs of a scam and maintaining good digital hygiene are your best defense against fraud. Always question the unexpected, and remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. With a bit of vigilance, you can enjoy the conveniences of modern technology without falling prey to scams. Stay safe out there!