Page 33 - April 2024 Newsletter

• be aware that fraudsters can spoof phone numbers, so the number that
appears on your caller ID may not be proof of who they are
• instead, check with the organisation directly using contact details you
know are correct, such as those on a utility bill, official website, on the
back of your bank card
• if you get a message from a family member asking you to send money,
use known contact details to check if it’s real

2. Do you automatically trust offers and click on links?
“Half-price tickets to a sold-out gig!” “Incredible savings on a last-minute
holiday – hurry!” Fraudsters know most people love a bargain, so they use
discounts, time pressure and FOMO (fear of missing out) to pressure them into
paying out for non-existent deals. Or they urge people to click on links in
phishing messages that can take them to a fake website, where the fraudster
can steal cash and personal details, or infect the victim’s device.
How to reduce your risk

If you see a tempting offer:
• don’t be rushed into a
quick decision – always take time
to stop, think and check if the
message, offer or advert is
genuine
• don’t automatically click a
link, particularly in unexpected
messages
• if you’re not 100% sure,
don’t use the link to click through
– go direct to the organisation’s
website
• always stay on trusted
websites and use the site’s recommended payment methods
• avoid paying by bank transfer or virtual currency
• think carefully before you hand over any money or personal details

3. Do you use the same password for different accounts?
Lots of people use the same password for multiple accounts, such as email,
bank account and social media accounts. Less to remember, right? But
imagine if a fraudster gets hold of that password. Now they can access all of

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