These days we are all inundated with emails or ads on our social media feeds with all sorts of offers. It can be hard to know what is safe and what is fraudulent.
Remember, if it is too good to be true, it probably is ( too good to be true). Fraudsters prey on people who are either easily swayed by a bargain, greedy,lonely, bored, or in too much of a hurry to really check what they are being presented with. However it is not the case that they only prey on the above, nobody is too clever to be conned. Scams today are becoming more and more sophisticated, and can fool the best of us.
So remain vigilant:
Check for spelling changes in websites, including letters changed to numbers etc.
Check that websites are https, and therefore secure, look for the padlock.
Check reviews of the company and products.
Don’t click on links from unknown senders. Feel free to hang up on unsolicited callers.
If you are suspicious at all, then stop, heed your instincts.
Don’t give out passwords or pins over the phone. If unsure call a known number for the contact.
Block cards as soon as they go missing or you spot irregular activity.
Use 2 factor authorization where possible, and different passwords per site.
Be wary of public WiFi, especially at Airports or in Hotels. They are open to all. Do not do any financial transaction over an open network.
Keep your software up to date. If you are still using Windows 10, upgrade to Windows 11 now.
You might want to consider using a VPN when making online purchases. Clear cookies afterwards for extra security.
Check your bank account and credit card transactions online regularly. Know what you are spending and where.
Check out this site for more tips on how to keep yourself secure on the internet.
Also watch out for a new scam on the increase using QR codes. Whether paying by Twint or linking to a website, QR codes are everywhere. Scammers will use false QR codes to redirect you to a false website. It is known as Quishing.
What is quishing?
Quishing is a mashup of ‘QR’ and ‘phishing’. A QR – or Quick Response – code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with a smartphone camera and will instantly take you to a website, app, payment page, or digital file.
Phishing is a form of cybercrime where scammers contact you via email, text, or phone to trick you into revealing sensitive information such passwords, credit card numbers, or bank details.
These QR codes are replacing links in phishing emails to make them more difficult to identify as being harmful. When scanned, the QR code often directs users to phishing websites that are designed to steal credentials and personally identifiable information. Because QR codes are increasingly used, both in the digital and physical world, this updated phishing method has become a growing threat.
Personal Cyber Insurance
More and more insurance companies now offer cyber insurance for individuals as well as businesses. Moneyland has a useful link about such insurance, which can also be bought to cover the whole family.