Last month you may have read 5 simple ways to improve your cyber security and stay safe online in which we looked to help you avoid falling victim to a scam.
These key steps included:
- Choosing a secure password, keeping it safe, and not sharing it
- Always opting for two-step verification where a platform offers it
- Deleting unsolicited texts or emails and never replying or clicking links.
Unfortunately though, with highly adaptable scammers always looking for new ways to snare their victims, these tips might not always be enough.
This month, as we follow up on cyber security, keep reading to find out what could happen when you fall victim to fraudsters, and what you should do next.
3 important steps to take if you think you have been scammed
1. Keep a record of any potential contacts
Whether a scammer knocks on your door, telephones, or sends a text or email, if you have any suspicions, keep a record of the time and date. Also, note down exactly what happened and what aroused your suspicions.
This will ensure you have all the information to hand if decide to report your suspicions.
You can report potential fraud by telephoning 0300 123 2040 or by visiting the Action Fraud website, which contains all the information you need.
Be sure to contact your bank if you think your bank account details or PIN have been stolen. If you have already transferred money to a potential scammer – and the transfer took place within the last 24 hours – report this to the police by calling 101.
If you feel threatened by a scammer, immediately call 999.
2. Change your passwords if you think they have been stolen
Last month, we looked at the importance of secure passwords and two-factor authentication. You might also have read about remote access.
As a first step, always ensure your passwords are strong and secure, to limit the chance of them being guessed or stolen. Also, be wary of screen-sharing software and remember that once you allow anyone to gain access to your device, what they do to it is out of your hands.
The scammer could plant a virus, steal your personal information or log into your financial accounts.
If you think a scammer has had access to your computer:
- Choose new, strong passwords, in no way associated with the old ones
- Contact your bank immediately to let them know that your details have been stolen
- Check your devices for anti-virus software and make sure you have the latest version.
3. Report phishing or smishing scams and don’t click links or reply
Scammers are increasingly turning to email (phishing) and text messages (smishing) to lure their victims.
Government and NHS text messages about Covid and the cost of living crisis have proved easy to clone but there are some tell-tale signs to look out for.
Suspicious emails
For an email, check the email address the message has come from. Does it look genuine? Look for spelling or grammatical errors in the address and the message itself.
Visit the company’s genuine website and click their “Contact” page. Do company email addresses match the format of the message you have received?
Be sure not to click on any links as these could take you to a cloned site intended to harvest your data.
You can report scam emails via Action Fraud or, if the email purports to be from HMRC, simply forward it to phishing@HMRC.gov.uk so that it can be investigated to be added to the list of known scams.
Suspicious texts
Texts will have many of the same red flags as emails. Does the message appear genuine, and free from errors? How does it show up on your phone? While scammers can use technology to hide the true source of the communication, it might not match legitimate messages from the same source.
Don’t reply to the message or click on any links as this could be sufficient for the scammers to plant a virus on your device.
If you have any suspicions about a suspicious text you can forward it to 7726 or visit the Action Fraud website.
The FCA also has a ScamSmart page dedicated to helping identify and report potential scams.
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