Staying safe online

Phishing emails are a common tactic fraudsters use to obtain personal information by posing as a trusted company. Never open any attachments or click on any links in any emails that are suspicious or respond to them. Watch out for scammers using similarly named email domains to appear as if the communication is from an official source. While not always the case, such emails often contain spelling mistakes or improper formatting, which can indicate that something is not right. Voice phishing and number spoofing are other methods used to convince victims to disclose sensitive data, so always confirm the authenticity, even if it is from a number you recognize.

Malicious malware and viruses can send information from your device or change transaction details in an attempt to steal your identity or funds. Don’t download files or programs from unknown sources. Set up anti-malware software on any devices that you may use and frequently update them. You should also ensure that you have the latest OS updates on your device.

Sometimes it is easy for fraudsters simply because of a lack of password complexity or changing. Change your password(s) frequently and use a combination of symbols, numbers, upper and lowercase letters. Don’t use passwords that contain family names, pets or nicknames, as these are easily guessable. Use different passwords for different websites and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible.