Fraudsters always find new ways to scam people and have a way of targeting the vulnerable. With an increase in online activity and changes in how people interact and do business, fraudulent schemes have become more common. So I want to share how you most effectively can protect yourself from scammers:
Be Careful What You Share on Social Media
Be mindful of what you share on social media and who you connect with. Scammers often use social platforms for identity theft, as they can easily access images and personal information. On a personal level adjust your privacy settings so only friends can see your posts, and avoid connecting with people you don’t know. Watch out for duplicated accounts—if you get a friend request from someone already on your friend list, ignore it and report anything suspicious.
For your business accounts make sure you don’t share anything confidential such as your home address, even if it’s just your house number in the background of a picture.
Being present on social media is really important for your business, however identity theft through these platforms can lead to fraudulent financial applications, so always be cautious about your online presence.
Research Businesses You Are Buying From
While online shopping is convenient, it’s important to verify the legitimacy of new companies before making a purchase. Research businesses you've never used before, and always use secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal to ensure you are protected. Never transfer money directly to someone you don’t know.
Be Aware of Phishing
Be cautious when opening emails, even if they appear reputable. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments unless you are certain the source is trustworthy. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate companies will not ask for personal information via email. Never email your passwords or personal details; instead, use secure software like LastPass or 1Password. If you’re unsure whether an email is genuine, contact the company using a phone number you know to be correct, not one provided in the email. Delete suspicious emails or texts immediately.
Be Vigilant with Phone Calls
There has been an increase in nuisance calls, some of which are very sophisticated scams. Fraudsters may impersonate reputable organisations and use scare tactics to obtain personal information. If you receive a call claiming to be from an organisation like HMRC or the NHS, do not give out personal information or call back the number provided. Verify the call by contacting the organisation through their official channels.
Never grant remote access to your computer to anyone unless you are certain of their identity and trustworthiness.
Destroy Sensitive Paperwork
Shred any unwanted mail that contains personal information. Avoid writing down or emailing passwords; instead, use password management software like LastPass or 1Password.
Secure Your Devices
Ensure that your devices are password-protected, and regularly update your passwords. Use strong passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and numbers. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible and keep your software updated. Install antivirus software and be cautious when using public Wi-Fi connections. Only trust websites with a security certificate, indicated by "https" rather than "http".
How to Spot a Fake Document
Fraudsters may send letters that look like they’re from legitimate companies. Be on the lookout for poor-quality printing, generic greetings, incorrect grammar, and spelling errors—these can all be signs of a scam. Reputable companies typically ensure their documents are of high quality.
Doorstep Fraud
With more people working from home, fraudsters may target you at your doorstep. They often appear legitimate, with ID cards or branded materials, and may try to pressure you into signing up for a service. Never provide personal or financial information on the spot. If you are interested, take time to research before making any decisions. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, ask the person to leave and report the incident if necessary.
Stay Vigilant
Always think carefully before sharing personal information, especially online. Be cautious, take your time to verify, and remember: if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Stay vigilant and make it hard for scammers to succeed!
If you want to ensure that your personal finances are safe then ensure you research when looking for an accountant. At Pinnacle Advisory Services® we use the latest software to ensure that your data is in safe hands.
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