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It can be challenging to detect phone scams, as there are many types in operation. One common example is when fraudsters mask their phone numbers to disguise themselves as your bank's fraud department – known as spoofing. They then urge you to transfer your money to a 'safe' account before disappearing with your cash.
Scammers can be persuasive, so don't trust calls that come out of the blue. Learn more about the most common types of phone scams and follow our tips to stay safe.
A new national campaign against fraud launched in February, with adverts running across various channels including TV, radio, social media, and billboards in public places.
Stop! Think Fraud aims to help people understand the different types of fraud and the tactics which criminals can use against them. The campaign also provides advice and guidance on the actions people can take to prevent them falling victim to fraud.
Did you know that in just one year, 1 in 17 adults were victims of fraud? Criminals can target people online and in their homes, often emotionally manipulating their victims before they steal their money or personal data.
This is why the government has launched this new national campaign which encourages people to take a moment, and to Stop! Think Fraud when they come into contact with a potential scam. The campaign will remind people to check for some of the common signs of scams before providing personal details or payments if requested.
The National Campaign Against Fraud is brought to you by the UK government in partnership with City of London Police, National Cyber Security Centre and National Crime Agency.
Here are some key aspects of securing your browsing experience:
Browser Security:
Keep your browser and extensions updated: This ensures you have the latest security patches and features.
Consider a secure browser: Explore options like Firefox, Brave, or Tor (for enhanced anonymity). These offer features like built-in tracking protection and blocking malicious websites.
Enable security features: Utilise features like "HTTPS-Only Mode" or "Enhanced Safe Browsing" for additional protection against insecure connections and harmful content.
Security Practices:
Beware of phishing attacks: Don't click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources. Be cautious of emails urging immediate action or claiming to be from legitimate institutions.
Use strong passwords and 2FA: Employ complex and unique passwords for each account, and enable two-factor authentication wherever available.
Be mindful of public Wi-Fi: Avoid sensitive activities like online banking or entering passwords while connected to public Wi-Fi networks. Consider using a VPN for added security.
Be cautious with online forms and downloads: Don't provide personal information on unverified websites. Only download software from trusted sources and be wary of free downloads with hidden costs or malware.
Additional Tips:
Use an ad blocker: This can reduce the risk of encountering malicious ads that might contain malware.
Clear browsing data regularly: This helps protect your privacy and improve browser performance.
Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on current cybersecurity threats and best practices.
By following these tips, you can significantly enhance your online browsing security and minimise the risk of online threats.
Be cautious when downloading crypto apps, as we've found scams disguised as legitimate offerings on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. While most apps are safe, vigilance is key.
This blog exposes some of the "dodgy apps" we discovered and provides 7 crucial tips to help you avoid falling victim to these scams.
Only apps that include user-to-user content, meaning that they let people upload content for other users to see, are covered by the new Online Safety Act.
Spotting and reporting dodgy apps
Follow Which? seven top tips for spotting a dodgy app:
Review information from the app’s developer including its privacy policy and T&Cs.
Read reviews of the app on more than one platform or website.
Always enable two-factor authentication when downloading an app, if possible.
Think twice about agreeing to the app’s permissions, as while some apps will need to access certain parts of your phone, if the permissions seem excessive, reconsider downloading it.
Check how recently the app was updated, if an app was updated more than six months ago, then it's one to be wary of.
Check the number of downloads it has as genuine apps have millions or billions of downloads.
To report an app on Google Play, go to the details page of the app, tap ‘more’, flag it as inappropriate, choose a reason and then tap submit.
If you think you may have been scammed, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card. Then report it to Action Fraud or call the police on 101 if you’re in Scotland.
Stay tuned for the full article to learn how to identify and avoid these hidden threats!
While convenient for many services, recurring payments can also open the door to scams. This article exposes five common traps to be aware of:
Premium Text Alerts (Charge to Bill): These can be used for legitimate purposes like charity donations or TV voting, but they can also result in unexpected charges without requiring your card details.
Remember: Be cautious of unfamiliar phone numbers and services requesting confirmation through text messages.
Stay tuned for the next 4 traps revealed in the full article!
A reader contacted Which? after falling victim to a scam involving a cold call and a fake "pension review." They were persuaded to transfer £96,000 into an unauthorized overseas scheme. While Which? could help recover some of the losses, the fight for the remaining funds continues.
This story highlights the danger of pension scams and the importance of seeking expert advice if you suspect you've been targeted. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
