Most of us are now using technology to get online, whether that be on a Smartphone, Tablet, Laptop, Chromebook, Desktop Computer and even through our TV’s. However, it’s important that we are all aware of the potential online risks. This is the first of several articles to help you to stay safe online.
Take Five to Stop Fraud is a national campaign backed by the government, financial and banking industries to help you protect yourself from financial fraud. If you suspect someone may be after your money, take five minutes to pause and follow these tips:
Requests to move/pay money
Before responding to any text, message, email or phone call asking you to share any personal or financial details, remember that a genuine financial institution will never contact you out the blue asking for your pin, password or to move money to another account. Only give out personal or financial details to use a service that you have given consent to, that you trust and are expecting to be contacted by.
Clicking on links/files
Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details. Never click on a link in an unexpected email, text or message, especially from a contact that you don’t recognise.
Only use genuine App Stores
When downloading or updating Apps, only use the official App store for your operating system. For example, Apple has the Apple App Store, Android has Google Play, Microsoft and Samsung have their own stores. There are other more niche App stores, but make sure they are genuine if considering using them.
Do not download through links as these can actually download malware onto your device and steal your information. An example of this is a message to install WhatApp Gold. This is a known scam and if you do mistakenly download and install something like this, uninstall it immediately, run any antivirus software you have and change your passwords for important accounts – especially important if you use the same password across multiple accounts. Then monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Personal Information
Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.
We will be producing a series of short guidelines to give you advice and tips to stay safe online. These will cover online crime, QR code scams, using Wi-Fi Hotspots, Online shopping and auction sites, computer software service fraud, online banking, ticket fraud and scam mail.
Don’t forget that we have drop in support sessions with our Digital Champions every Monday from 12.30 – 3pm in the MCO library and every second Monday at the Grewelthorpe Café from 11 – 1pm. If these times don’t suit you, please contact the MCO office and we will arrange a time that suits you.
Stay safe!
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