To avoid scams, remember the three core rules: Stop, Check, and Protect. Scammers rely on creating a sense of urgency and exploiting trust, so taking a moment to verify information is your best defense.
Stop
- Take a moment to think: Scammers often pressure you to act immediately (e.g., “your account will be closed” or “this offer is time-limited”) so you don’t have time to think or get a second opinion. A genuine organization will not rush you.
- Trust your instincts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. If something feels wrong, it generally is.
- Don’t be embarrassed to say “No”: It’s okay to reject, refuse, or ignore requests.
Check
- Verify the source: Don’t use the contact details provided in the suspicious communication. Instead, contact the company or person directly using a trusted method, such as a number from an official website (typed directly into your browser’s address bar), a recent bill, or the back of your bank card.
- Look for red flags:
- Unexpected contact: Be wary of all unsolicited calls, emails, or messages.
- Requests for personal details: Legitimate organizations will never ask for your full PIN, password, or ask you to move money to a “safe account”.
- Poor grammar and spelling: Official communications from reputable companies rarely contain obvious errors.
- Unusual payment methods: Be suspicious if you’re asked to pay using gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency, as these are difficult to trace and almost impossible to recover once sent.
- Get a second opinion: Talk to a friend, family member, or a professional advisor before making a big financial decision or commitment.
Protect
- Secure your accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security.
- Protect your devices: Keep your computer and phone software, including antivirus software and firewalls, up to date to protect against malware and viruses.
- Be careful with information sharing: Limit the personal information you share on social media, as scammers can use this data to target you.
- Monitor your finances: Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity or unrecognized entries.
- Report scams: If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it to help prevent others from falling victim.
- In the US, reports to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
- In the UK, report to Action Fraud or call 159 to be connected securely to your bank if you are in a suspicious call.
By staying aware of these tactics and following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a scam.
