Quick tips to stay ahead of the scourge of scams

Student Joel Davies looks at quick ways we can protect ourselves from the growing plague of scams.

Scams are everywhere these days in the UK, and they’re getting sneakier by the minute. Brits lost over £1 billion to scammers in 2023, according to trade UK Finance’s most recent fraud report.

With tech getting better, so are the scammers, and their tricks are harder to spot than ever. One minute you’re getting an email that looks exactly like it’s from your bank, and the next, a dodgy phone call from someone pretending to be HMRC. It’s enough to make your head spin!

And let’s not forget the scary stuff like losing your hard-earned cash or even having your identity stolen.

These aren’t just minor inconveniences. They can disrupt your life in ways you might not even realise until it’s too late. That’s why it’s more important than ever to know the warning signs and learn how to dodge these traps.

But don’t worry, while scams are getting more advanced, so are the ways to protect yourself. Let’s dive into some practical steps you can take right now to safeguard yourself and your money.

1. Be wary of unsolicited contact

Ever get one of those emails or texts out of the blue, asking you to click on a link or share some personal info? Red flag!

Scammers are pros at making their messages look legit, but there are usually a few giveaways if you know what to look for. First off, don’t panic and rush to respond. Take a deep breath and think, does this seem fishy?

Check the email address or phone number it came from. If it’s not one you recognise, or it looks slightly off (like a weird spelling or extra numbers), don’t engage. If in doubt, contact the company or person directly using a number or email you know is legit.

2. Guard your personal information like gold

Your National Insurance number, bank details, and even your date of birth are like gold to scammers.

They’ll do anything to get their hands on them, so it’s up to you to keep them safe. Never give out this information unless you’re absolutely certain who you’re dealing with.

And even then, it’s worth double-checking. If someone calls you out of the blue asking for this info, be suspicious. Hang up and call them back on a number you trust.

3. Get smart with passwords and two-factor authentication

We all know we should be using strong, unique passwords, but how many of us actually do it? It’s tempting to use the same password for everything. After all, who can remember a dozen different ones?

But this is exactly what scammers hope for. Mix it up! Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid anything too obvious like your pet’s name or birthday.

And if you really want to step up your security game, turn on two-factor authentication wherever you can. It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it. Think of it like locking your front door and then putting the chain on.

More from Joel Davies on Mouthy Money

4. Stay updated on the latest scams

Scammers are always coming up with new tricks, so staying informed is key. Make it a habit to check out the latest scam warnings from trusted sources such as Citizens Advice or Action Fraud.

They regularly update their websites with the newest scams and advice on how to avoid them.

It might feel like a hassle but taking a few minutes to read up on the latest threats can save you a lot of stress and money down the line.

5. Speak up: report suspicious activity

If you think you’ve come across a scam, don’t keep it to yourself, report it! Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, and they’re the ones who can help stop scammers in their tracks.

Reporting a scam not only helps you but also protects others from falling victim to the same trick.

Plus, it gives the authorities the information they need to crack down on these criminals.

So readers remember, it’s not just about protecting your money. It’s about securing your future. Every step you take to safeguard against scams is a step towards a safer, more secure world for everyone.

And here’s the best part: the more we talk about these issues, the more we learn and grow as a community. With each conversation, each reported scam, and each small act of caution, we’re collectively building a stronger defence against these threats.

It might feel like an uphill battle at times, but rest assured, every little bit helps. Together, we can create a safer digital world where scammers have nowhere to hide.

Photo credits: Pexels