Be ready, be wary

Helpful tips

We are all vulnerable to scammers keen to steal our savings, investments and our personal and financial information.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you spot scamming.

Stay safe online

You never know who's watching.

So much of our daily lives is now spent on the internet. The following simple steps will help keep your data safe.

Keep software updated

Issue:
Outdated software and apps could leave your devices open to attack.

What to do:

Install software and app updates as soon as you’re prompted
Set software updates to 'automatic' wherever possible.

Use strong passwords

Issue:
Weak and repeated passwords make it easier for scammers to get access to your data

What to do:

Mix upper and lowercase letters, numbers & special characters
Avoid names of your loved ones, sports teams, pets etc. Be random
Use a password manager.

Install antivirus software

Issue:
Viruses can take over your devices and steal information

What to do:

Install antivirus software and keep it regularly updated.

Reduce your digital footprint

Issue:
The more places that have your information online, the more chance it will fall into the hands of scammers.

What to do:

Make yourself less visible online by limiting what you post
Lock down privacy settings on your social media accounts
Delete unused accounts.

Spot the scammers

Scammers tactics vary, but most begin in the same way.

Be careful

Look out for unexpected and urgent calls, emails or texts from well known companies or by strangers who will want you to:

make a payment or donation
amend or confirm bank or personal details
click through to a website
take a financial offer, like lower life insurance or income protection premiums
unlock cash from your investments.

Never let curiosity get the better of you. Always take a moment to check.

Take a moment

If you are suspicious, stop and think. Is this person really who they say they are? Does this message seem too good to be true? And most importantly, can I trust it?

If you’re even slightly suspicious of an email, text or call:

don’t give out your bank details or other sensitive information
don’t click any links or attachments in emails or texts
hang up and call back later using a number you trust from a company’s official website
and visit the organisation’s website via an internet search.

Resources

If you think you have been victim to a fraud or scam you can report it to the following:

Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)

An Garda Síochána

Friends Against Scams
Friends Against Scams is a National Trading Standards (NTS) Scams Team initiative, which aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.