The list of common sense pointers to keep you safe online is endless and I have attempted to include the main ones which will help.  However, if you think I have missed any obvious ones please let me know, I will include them and then we will all be winners!

USE STRONG PASSWORDS

Make sure your passwords contain a mix of lower and upper case letters, numbers, symbols.

Don’t use the same password for anything else and be careful where you store it.

Never use a one-time password (OTP) with anyone, even a bank employee, even if they say they are calling from a bank asking you to share an OTP.  Terminate the call and phone the bank using a known safe number.

SHRED!  SHRED!  SHRED!

Get rid of waste paperwork by shredding, including envelopes that give any of your personal data.

DON’T REVEAL YOUR PIN

Keep it to yourself.   A bank or organisation should never ask you for your pin or password or to move money to another account.

BE  WARY OF USING AUTO FORM FILLING

Key in sensitive details yourself.

KEEP YOUR ANTI-VIRUS UP TO DATE

Make sure your anti-virus is running OK and is up to date

SIGNOFF AFTER USING A PUBLIC PC FACILITY

Be cautious when entering your passwords that you are not being overlooked.  Make sure you do sign off or log out properly when using any online facility which you are not used to.  And, of course, do so on your own system.  Also, check to see that the printer has finished printing and has nothing further being held to print.

STAY IN CONTROL

Never let anyone you do not know have access to your computer, especially remotely.  Beware of cold calls which advise that your details have been compromised or that your equipment has a virus.

WAYS TO RECOGNISE AN EMAIL SCAM

The email doesn’t use your proper name saying something like “Dear Customer” instead

There are omissions (like a familiar Logo missing), spelling and grammatical errors.

You may be asked for personal sensitive information

The address the sender uses may be different from the usual familiar address.

Check to see that any website address is correct, it may contain a different character

There may be a sense of urgency urging you to act quickly.

The text may contain a hyperlink to a bogus site, check it to see its true destination

REPORT ANYTHING SUSPICIOUS

Only a very small percentage of victims of scam report their experience.  By reporting the crime you can help reduce the incidence of these crimes.

 

 


    1 Response to "How To Fight Online Fraud!"

    • Stephen Bradshaw

      Stuart, Just reaching out to you as a member of Partnership 2 Success as John Thornhill recommends.
      I really liked your site, out of the 10 I subscribed to yours was one of my favourites.
      Great use of white space, interesting informative topics, fabulous graphics, and very easy to navigate. Very inspirational. I shall certainly take on board some of your layout ideas.
      If you get a minute could you look over my site http://stephenbradshawonline.com any comments both good or bad I would be extremely grateful to you, thanks, Stephen

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