Scams have become more prevalent than ever, targeting people from all walks of life. Whether it’s a dodgy email, a phone call from a so-called “official,” or an elaborate online con, scammers are always coming up with new ways to trick people. But don’t worry, there are plenty of things you can do to protect yourself. In this blog post, we’ll dive into 30 ways you can stop scams and keep your personal information safe. We’ll also include some links to resources that can help you stay one step ahead of the fraudsters.
1. Stay Informed About Common Scams
Scammers are always evolving their tactics, so keeping yourself up-to-date on the latest scams is crucial. Sign up for email alerts from trusted sources like the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) or Action Fraud, which provides updates on common frauds circulating in the UK.
2. Don’t Trust Unsolicited Communications
If someone contacts you out of the blue—whether via phone, email, or social media—be cautious. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always verify the identity of the person or company reaching out to you.
3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Scammers often gain access to accounts by guessing weak passwords or reusing passwords stolen from other sites. Use strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts, and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager to help with this. The National Cyber Security Centre has great advice on creating strong passwords.
4. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Adding an extra layer of security can go a long way in preventing account hacks. Enable 2FA whenever possible, so even if a scammer gets your password, they can’t get into your account without the second form of verification. Major sites like Google and Facebook provide easy ways to set this up.
5. Beware of Phishing Emails
Phishing emails often appear to come from legitimate companies but are designed to steal your personal information. Watch out for misspelled domain names, poor grammar, and suspicious links. If you’re unsure whether an email is real, don’t click any links—go directly to the company’s website and log in there.
6. Check URLs Carefully
When shopping or browsing online, always double-check the URL in the address bar. Scammers often create websites that look identical to trusted ones but use slightly altered web addresses. Look for a secure connection (https://) and be cautious of strange domain names.
7. Use Security Software
Keep your devices secure with reputable antivirus and anti-malware software. Products like Norton or McAfee offer solid protection against scams, and they regularly update their systems to block new threats.
8. Don’t Share Too Much on Social Media
Scammers can use the information you share on social media to guess your passwords, answer security questions, or pose as someone you know. Be mindful of what personal details you’re sharing publicly and consider tightening your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook.
9. Verify Before You Donate
Charity scams prey on your goodwill, especially during disasters or holidays. Always research a charity before donating, using sites like Charity Commission to verify whether they are legitimate.
10. Hang Up on Robocalls
Robocalls can be annoying, but they’re also often scams trying to steal your personal information. If you receive a call asking for personal details or money, hang up and verify the claim separately by calling the company or person directly using their official contact information.
11. Avoid Pop-Up Ads
Online pop-up ads can be more than just irritating—they’re often used in scams to trick you into clicking on something harmful. Never click on pop-ups. Instead, use your browser’s built-in pop-up blocker or install an ad-blocker like AdBlock Plus.
12. Be Skeptical of Unbelievable Offers
If you receive an email or see an ad offering an incredible deal, it’s probably a scam. Scammers know how to lure you in with promises of cheap goods, but if the deal seems unrealistic, it likely is.
13. Monitor Your Bank Statements
Make it a habit to regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately to your bank. Most banks, like Barclays and HSBC, have dedicated fraud teams that can help you deal with any issues.
14. Use Secure Payment Methods
When shopping online, always use secure payment methods like PayPal or a credit card. These methods offer additional protection, such as chargebacks if something goes wrong with your purchase.
15. Be Cautious When Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often not secure, making it easy for scammers to intercept your data. Avoid doing anything sensitive—like online banking—while connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must use it, consider a VPN like NordVPN for added security.
16. Be Wary of Job Scams
Job scams often promise high pay for minimal work and ask for personal information or upfront payments. Always research the company before accepting a job offer, and be cautious if they ask for sensitive information early in the process. Action Fraud offers advice on avoiding recruitment scams.
17. Spot Fake Online Reviews
Fake reviews are often used to boost the reputation of a scam website or product. Check multiple sources for reviews, and be cautious of reviews that seem too glowing or use overly generic language.
18. Avoid Overpaying Scams
In overpayment scams, a scammer sends you a payment for more than the agreed amount, then asks you to refund the extra. In reality, the payment is fraudulent, and you’ll end up losing the money you refund. Always be cautious when accepting payments, especially from unknown sources.
19. Educate Older Relatives
Seniors are often targeted by scammers, so it’s essential to educate your older relatives about common scams. Teach them how to recognize suspicious emails, phone calls, and offers, and encourage them to double-check before providing any personal information.
20. Don’t Trust Caller ID
Caller ID can be spoofed, so don’t trust that the name or number on your phone screen is legitimate. If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the company back using an official phone number.
21. Watch Out for Subscription Traps
Subscription traps are a sneaky type of scam where you sign up for a free trial but unknowingly agree to automatic payments. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, and keep track of when your free trial ends. The UK Consumer Rights website offers useful information on subscription scams.
22. Be Skeptical of Cold Callers
Cold callers trying to sell you products, services, or investments could be scams. Always take time to verify the legitimacy of the company before handing over any money or personal information.
23. Research Before Investing
Investment scams promise big returns with little risk. Always do your research before investing in anything and consider using resources like the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) ScamSmart tool to check if the investment is legitimate.
24. Don’t Fall for “Free” Offers
Many scams start by offering something for free, like a product trial or a gift. However, these offers often have hidden terms and conditions that require you to pay for something later. Be wary of these offers, especially if they ask for payment information upfront.
25. Use Credit Monitoring Services
Sign up for credit monitoring services to receive alerts about any suspicious activity on your credit report. Many services, such as Experian, offer free monitoring tools to help you stay on top of your credit status.
26. Be Wary of Fake Tech Support
Tech support scams often involve someone calling you, claiming your computer has a virus, and offering to fix it remotely. Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple will never cold call you to offer tech support. Always contact the company directly if you’re unsure.
27. Don’t Open Suspicious Attachments
Be cautious when opening email attachments, even if the email appears to be from someone you know. Scammers can hack email accounts and send malware-infected files. If you weren’t expecting an attachment, contact the sender directly to confirm its legitimacy.
28. Report Scams
If you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to your local authorities or organizations like Action Fraud. Reporting helps track scams and can prevent others from falling victim.
29. Watch Out for Fake Lottery Wins
Scammers love to trick people into believing they’ve won a lottery they never entered. If you receive a message claiming you’ve won, and it asks for payment to release the prize, it’s a scam.
30. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency or excitement to get you to act quickly. Always take a step back, think, and verify before providing any personal information or making a payment.
Staying vigilant and taking these steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. For more information and further tips, visit trusted resources like the Cyber Aware campaign and the UK Government’s website on fraud prevention.
By following these guidelines, you can keep yourself—and your loved ones—protected against the many scams out there. Stay safe!