In our previous blog we explained what scammers try to do and how they use your emotions to get you to do it.

In this blog we look at how to spot a scam and how you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

How to spot a scam

So now you know what scammers try to do, and how they go about doing it. So what should you look out for? Do they only use one emotion for identify theft and another for Investments?

The simple answer is that they will try all the emotions on all the scams. But there are simple things you can look out for to protect yourself. Here is our reference guide on what to look for.

People asking us to verify information

Most companies you deal with have your information. If they need more information, they will ask you to add it to your online account or they will ask for it when you place an order. If you receive a call for information, it could well be a scam. Examples include:

• An Amazon delivery driver confirming your address – they have it, it’s on the shipping information
• An internet service provider asking for your date of birth – it went on the account when you took out the service
• An online retailer asking for your mother’s maiden name – why do they need this information?

Unexpected emails

Most companies don’t send unexpected emails. They either send regular marketing communications or order confirmations. If you haven’t ordered something from a company, then why are they asking you to confirm your delivery information?

People asking you to confirm passwords

When companies call you, they need to confirm they are speaking to the right person. But most organisations won’t ask you to tell them your full password. They will instead ask you to confirm a selection of characters from it. If someone asks you for your full password, it’s probably a scam.

Messages from your bank

Banks have been subject to high levels of scams and therefore have very good security.

Banks won’t send you links to click. Instead, they will ask you to log into your account. If a message appears claiming to be from your bank and asks you to ‘click here’, it’s probably a scam.

Banks will never panic you. They won’t ever say that you are subject to current fraud. They will never send you a message saying a new payee has been added to your account and to click to authorise it. Instead, the bank will contact you and ask you to log in to your account. When you log in, you will see their message. If a message from a bank ever makes you feel panicked, it’s possibly a scam. If you are worried, look up the bank’s phone number and call it.

Banks won’t ever ask you to move money to a safe account. The bank doesn’t need to. If they are worried, they just won’t make any payments. If someone claims to be from the bank asking you to move money, it is a scam.

Banks won’t ask you for your account information. They already know it. The only time they will ask for it is if you ring them. If someone claims to be from a bank and asks for your account number and sort code, it’s a scam.

Your bank won’t:

• Send you a link to click
• Make you panic
• Ask you to move money to a safe account
• Ask you for your account information.

If you suspect you are subject to a bank request scam, DO NOT action the request. Instead, call your bank to check its validity.

Messages from the police

The police will never call and tell you that you are being subjected to fraud. They will never ask you to move money to their secure account.

Messages from HMRC

This one’s straightforward.

Messages about investments and pensions

There are strict rules about advertising these kinds of products and you should not expect to get calls out of the blue about them.

Be very careful about anyone advertising an amazing return. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Messages about amazing deals

Celebrity endorsements

Didn’t know that David Beckham was advertising double glazed windows? He probably isn’t. If it appears strange for the celebrity to endorse the product, it could well be a scam. A quick internet search should give you the answer.

Calls to ‘act now’

If they are trying to rush you, ask yourself why. Are they trying to make you commit before you realise it’s a scam? Don’t fall for it when they tell you “not to miss out”. Instead make sure you miss out on their scam!

Romance scams

In romance scams, the individual will take the time to build a relationship with you. Initially they will focus on asking you questions and will avoid answering questions about themselves. Once they have gained your trust, they will share their sad story. This is the point they want you to start handing over money. Often this is a scam but it can be difficult to spot when you have a bond with the person.

Be cautious of people who won’t share information about their life, until they want your help. Don’t hand over money to an individual you haven’t met.

How to protect yourself

Password best practice

It is good practice to have unique passwords for everything. You can check here to see if any of your passwords have been compromised.

It can be difficult to remember unique passwords. This is where a password manager can help. Many mobile phones come with one built in such as keychain on Iphone, and there are plenty available to download, such as:

• Keeper – this is a cross-platform paid service and is a relatively cheap solution
• LastPass – free and paid versions are available

Check your credit file

One of the most common ways for someone to find out their identify has been stolen is when they are suddenly declined for credit. By this time, the person has a lot of work to do to recover their identity.

The earlier you catch identity theft, the better.

It’s a good idea to regularly check your credit reports for unexpected transactions or changes in the score. This will tell you early that your identity has been stolen.

Protect your bank details

Don’t give out your bank account details to strangers. This might sound obvious, but the phone call claiming you are due a refund can tempt you into sharing this information. Instead of receiving a refund, your bank account might get lighter.

Any reputable company or organisation issuing a refund will either:

• Already have your bank account/payment card details
• Ask you to log in to your secure account and update your payment details.

Don’t pay by bank transfer

If you pay by bank transfer you might not have much protection if you are scammed. Instead, pay by credit card when the item is over £100. When you do this, the consumer credit act gives you some protection.

Check email addresses

We have busy lives and it’s easy to misread the address that emails come from. When you read it quickly Royalmail and Royalrnail can look the same.

If you receive an email that feels like a scam, check the email address.

Check tradebody membership lists

Companies in the UK have to be authorised by the FCA to sell most financial products. The FCA website contains a register of authorised firms. Check a company is authorised before using them.

Other trade bodies have similar tools.

In addition, remember there are other websites where you can check out companies e.g. checkatrade.

Keep your data private

We all share information on social media sites. But how much information could a scammer find out about you from social media? It’s not just the items we mentioned previously. Is your password the football team you support or the name of your pet? If so, they have that information too.

Check the privacy settings of your social media accounts and decide if you really need all your information to be public. Maybe some of it should be kept just to your friends.

What to do next

Try and stay vigilant. But remember scammers will keep trying and even the best of us can fall prey.

If you think it has happened to you, the most important thing is not to feel embarrassed and hide your head in the sand.

If you think you have been affected:

• File a report with Action Fraud
• If money has been stolen from you, make a police report and contact your banks and credit card providers to make them aware
• Check your credit record each month. This will show any identity theft activity (someone opening credit accounts in your name, for example). If this happens, report it immediately and send a notice of corrections to the credit agency, to make sure providers can see you’ve been a victim of identity theft

If you need more support Victim Support is a good starting point.

Don’t forget to share this information with your friends and relatives to help keep them safe.

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