How to Spot & Avoid Scams Protect Yourself from Online Fraud

Scams are everywhere, and anyone can become a target. Did you know that many scams happen online, especially on social media? Scammers trick you into giving them money, personal details, or account access. You need to stay alert and know how to spot these tricks. 

Scammers use lies to take your money or information. They often act like someone else, like your bank, a company, or a family member. Scammers love to target young people because they share a lot online. They also create a feeling of urgency so you act quickly without thinking. Knowing their tricks will help you avoid them.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

1. Phishing Scams

Phishing scams are fake messages. They can be emails or texts that look like they come from real companies. These messages might ask you to click a link or give personal information. Always check email addresses for unusual details. Look for spelling mistakes or weird grammar.

2. Social Media Scams

Many scams start on Facebook or Instagram. Scammers might sell items that seem cheap or unavailable elsewhere. They also use tricks like the “Hi Mum” scam. A scammer pretends to be a friend or relative and asks for quick help, usually money. Always contact the person directly to confirm their identity.

3. Phone Scams

Phone scammers call and claim to be from your bank or another trusted company. They might say your account has a problem and tell you to act fast. Hang up right away. Then, call the company back using their official phone number.

4. Fake Websites

Scammers create websites that look real but steal your data or payments. Always check the URL before entering your information. Real websites often have “HTTPS” in the address. Be cautious if something feels off or the deal sounds too good.

Red Flags of a Scam

Scammers use similar tricks to fool you. Here are some common red flags:

• If someone contacts you out of the blue, be careful. This is especially true if they ask for personal details.
• Scammers want you to act fast. They say things like, “Your account is locked!” Take your time and think.
• If something seems way cheaper than usual, it’s likely fake. Trust your instincts.
• Scammers often send poorly written emails or texts. Look for mistakes in grammar and spelling.
• Be cautious if someone asks for gift card payment, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. These are usually scams.

How to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from scams is simple if you follow a few key steps. First, always pause and think before acting on a strange message or call—take a moment to assess the situation or consult someone you trust. Then, verify the identity of the person or company contacting you by using official websites or phone numbers to confirm their legitimacy. 

Be cautious about what you share on social media, avoiding personal details like your full name, address, or location, as scammers can use this information to target you. Secure your accounts by creating strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping your apps and devices updated to guard against hackers. Lastly, safe payment methods like credit cards offer protection and avoid sending money directly to unknown individuals.

What To Do If You Spot a Scam

If you spot a scam, taking the proper steps quickly can help protect yourself and others.

1. If you receive a suspicious message, avoid responding, clicking links, or downloading attachments, as these could contain malware. Instead, delete the message immediately. If it’s a phone call, hang up without providing any information.
   
2. Reporting scams helps prevent others from falling victim. Forward phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and report scam calls to Action Fraud or your phone provider. If the scam involves a social media platform or online marketplace, use their reporting tools to flag the account or post. Forward the message to 7726 (SPAM) in the UK for text scams.
   
3. If you’ve accidentally shared personal or financial information, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately to secure your accounts and prevent unauthorised transactions. Change passwords for affected accounts, especially if you’ve reused them elsewhere, and enable two-factor authentication for added security. Monitor your accounts closely for unusual activity, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit file to make it harder for scammers to open accounts in your name.

Scams can happen to anyone, but you can spot them if you stay alert. Protect yourself by thinking before you act, verifying people’s identities, and using secure accounts. If you do fall victim, report it and act quickly. The more you know, the harder it is for scammers to target you.  

Thank you for reading, click the link to read more of our Advice articles