With the number of scams currently in operation throughout the country, it can be difficult to feel adequately secure, even within the walls of your home. You may need to find ways to protect yourself from these scams so that you don’t lose money, access to accounts, or become the victim of other types of crime alongside them.
Doing a quick internet search can help you to identify the more common scams that you may be likely to encounter. From here, you might be able to gain some good, solid advice on what to do if you were to be manipulated or become a victim. However, it can be a good idea to prepare yourself, so that you can cut them off in the first instance.
One type of scam that you might deem as more common can be those that come through on your phone. This could involve nuisance calls starting with 0800, or another number that you don’t know. At times, the caller may have also withheld their number. Telephone scams could involve an individual pretending to be from a larger corporation, such as a supermarket or bank. From here, they may tell you that a payment is outstanding, or there is a problem with your account, to try and either gain access to money, or your personal information that could allow them to clone your identity.
Scammers may also try to visit you in person. This may be particularly frightening for older people or those who live alone. There has been a number of reports of visitors claiming to be from the police, or other organisations, to try and coerce residents to give information. There have also been incidents where these individuals claim that they require money for fines, or even claim to have found a bank card and start asking about spending habits.
It can be a good idea to always ask a visitor for their identification before conversing with them. Avoiding inviting people in, except when you either know them or have a pre-arranged appointment, can also be useful. Should you suspect that a visitor is attempting to scam you, you may want to call the police so that they can investigate.
Scams and other types of crime can also occur when you use the internet. Once again, there are things that you can do to reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim of crime. Checking the URL of any sites you visit for their authenticity can be a good start. Keeping antivirus software updated, and using a good quality firewall, can also help to keep your system free of viruses, malware, and keyloggers. Using a different, secure password for each online account you have can also keep any potential damage to a minimum.
While scams can occur in different aspects of your life, that doesn’t mean that you need to remain unprepared. By taking some time to consider the different ways that you can protect yourself, you may be able to avoid the more obvious instances, and know where to report any occurrences to.
Have you been the victim of a scam recently?
*Disclosure: Collaborative Post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤️
Franca 💋
Susie Wilkinson says
I’ve always gone with the idea that if it’s too good to be true, badly written, or unsolicited, don’t trust it! If in doubt, always check!
Priscilla Stubbs says
I feel that I am very well aware of scams but sometimes they do look very convincing, fortunately I haven’t been caught out yet
Natalie Burgess says
Fantastic post thank you. I’ve very recently been played by a royal mail scam which I believed! I’m definitely much more wary now
Rachel King says
Thanks for this. I’ve so far avoided falling victim, but it is an ongoing concern!
Emma England says
Luckily I’ve never been the victim of a scam. Very helpful post, everyone should be aware of scams and how to protect themselves.
Jeanette Leighton says
Luckily I’ve been on the Internet a long time and can spot most scams a mile away , I’m always informing family members about them
Kim Willing says
Nearly got caught out, so convincing some of the emails, but a quick hover over the address in the email usually helps. One amazon one was very convincing, not like others. Always better to wait and check it out on a different device by typing in @ domain name and scam afterwards.
Sarah-Marie says
Scams always seem so realistic. My mum had one that suggested my phone had been broken and that I was sending her my new number. It was nonsense of course but it really concerned her. #KCACOLS
Karen,the next best thing to mummy says
I know of several people who have been scammed, great advice given here#kcacols@=karendennis
Crystal Green says
This is some valuable advice. My mother-in-law and father tend to get scammed quite regularly despite all the tips I keep sharing and telling them. I’ll have to share this post with them as well in hopes it will help them if they hear it from someone other than me. #KCACOLS
Note Me Happy says
Some great advice here! It’s devastating to hear of people becoming the victim of smas, it’s important to raise awareness to keep rates as low as possible! #KCACOLS
Sam says
Great advice and always important to be vigilant on these matters x #kcacols
Jade Page says
There seems to be so many scams out there, this is really helpful advice #KCACOLS
Lydia C. Lee says
They’re non stop at the moment. I guess a sign of desperate times. Sad really. #KCACOLS