Staying safe from Email scams ….

REMEMBER: IF SOMETHING SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT USUALLY IS!

Create a separate password for your email accounts

Make sure you have strong passwords with 3 random words and change these regularly.
Find out more about strong passwords here.

Install two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email accounts. This is an additional process to secure your account. Further actions you can take to keep safe look after your mobile devices. Don’t leave
them unattended in public places, and protect them with a PIN or passcode.

Ensure you always have internet security software loaded on computers and update to new versions immediately. Don’t assume that Wi-Fi hotspots in places like cafes and hotels are secure. Never use
them when you’re doing anything confidential online, like banking. Use 3G or 4G.

Never reveal too much personal or financial information (such as in emails, on social networking and dating sites). You never know who might see it or use it.

Always consider that online or on the phone, people aren’t always who they claim to be.

Fake emails and phone calls are a favourite way for fraudsters to approach their victims.

Don’t click on links or open attachments if the source isn’t 100% known and trustworthy, or it seems strange that you’d be receiving them.

Always access internet banking sites by typing the bank’s address into your web browser.

Never pay for anything by direct bank transfer unless it’s to someone you know personally and is reputable.

Never respond to emails, texts, letters or social media that look suspicious, including messages with bad spelling or grammar.

Be cautious when going to a website from a link in an email and then enter personal details – the email could be fraudulent.

If someone you’ve never met in person asks you for money, that should be a red flag.
Tell them you’re not interested and stop all contact.

When shopping online always sign up to American Express SafeKey, Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode. Look for the padlock or unbroken key symbol when you first visit a site.

Where possible make your purchase with a credit card or via a credible online payment system (such as PayPal) which protects you in the event of fraud.

If you are at all suspicious, heed your instincts! You are most probably right to be concerned.
Report all emails that you believe to be fraudulent to report@phishing.gov.uk.