Online scams can catch anyone out. Cybercriminals use believable messages, identities, and websites to steal your data or money. Protecting yourself against them requires being alert to the common tactics and knowing how to respond.
Discover five key strategies that can help you evade these schemes and maintain your security.
Recognise and Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are among the most prevalent online scams facing UK businesses and individuals. Phishers act as trusted sources like your bank representatives, retailers, or government bodies. While they may appear legitimate, they plan to trick you into sharing sensitive information.
To protect yourself, always examine emails, texts, and social media messages for signs of deception. Inspect the sender’s address and watch for poor grammar, generic greetings, and prompts to take urgent action. Don’t click on links or attachments, and always check the details on the sender’s official website.
Use Strong Passwords for Each Account
Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to access multiple accounts if they break into one. To stay secure, use a unique, complex password for every account. A password manager can make it easier by securely generating and storing passwords for you.
Additionally, change your passwords periodically and avoid reusing old ones. When possible, use two-factor authentication (2FA) on important accounts for an extra layer of security.
Beware Impersonation on Social Media
Social media has made it easy to impersonate people or companies, so always verify who you’re communicating with. Scammers might create fake profiles pretending to be your friend, family member, or a well-known brand. They intend to gain your trust and eventually request money or personal information.
If you receive an unusual request from someone you know, reach out to them through another method, such as a phone call, to check their identity. If it’s a brand account, look for verified marks, follower counts, or other signs of authenticity on the profile.
Use a VPN With a Malicious Website Scanner
Scammers can exploit malicious websites to steal your data or trick you into providing sensitive information. However, a virtual private network (VPN) with a malicious website blocker can help protect you by preventing access to harmful sites, keeping your online activity more secure. Additionally, combining this protection with a malware scanner ensures that even if you accidentally visit a dangerous website, your device remains safe from any potential threats.
This solution is quicker and easier than manually avoiding risky websites or relying solely on other tools.
Activate your VPN whenever you’re browsing to keep your data secure and your activity private, especially on public networks.
Watch Out for Offers That Are Too Good to Be True
One of the oldest tactics in a scammer’s playbook is the promise of something too good to pass up. Whether it’s a prize or a discount available through a special link, these offers aim to steal your information or install malware on your device.
Pop-up ads, banners, and unsolicited emails with urgent offers are often signs of a scam. Rather than clicking on these links, visit the official website of the company to check if the deal is legitimate.
Stay Vigilant
Ofcom reports that almost 9 in 10 UK adults have spotted scam content online, and 46% have fallen for it. If you can confidently identify the strategies described above, you’ll be in a stronger position to avoid their fate.
