Lock Down Your Passwords
Your password is like the key to your digital castle, so make it strong, unique, and impossible to guess. Forget birthdays or pet names, those are too easy. Instead, think: random combos of letters, numbers, and symbols.
TIP: Save yourself the brain strain with a password manager. It keeps things secure without you needing to remember 20+ combinations.
Stop & Think Before Sharing
Scammers love urgency, “Act now! Reply or lose your account!” Sound familiar? Don’t bite. Take a beat, double check the sender, and go directly to the source if you’re unsure.
TIP: Real companies don’t pressure you with ultimatums, so if something smells off, trust your gut and delete.
Activate Two- Factor Authentication (2FA)
Passwords are a great start, but 2FA takes your security to the next level. By requiring a second step, like a code from an authenticator App, You're adding an extra layer of protection against scammers, even if they crack your password.
TIP: Use an authenticator app like Google / Microsoft Authenticator or Authy, Instead of SMS-based 2FA whenever possible. It's more secure and harder for these sneaky scammers to intercept.
Protect Your Personal Details
Think twice before spilling too much on social media. Posting your new car? Crop out the plates. Sharing a house tour? Skip the street signs. The less identifiable info you share, the better.
TIP: Tighten your privacy settings. Keep posts visible only to people you trust (sorry, distant acquaintances).
Be Suspicious of Strange Links
If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Always hover over links to see where they lead and never download unexpected attachments.
TIP: If you’re curious, type the website URL into your browser instead of clicking. Better safe than scammed.
Keep Online Transactions Secure
When shopping or selling online, stick to secure platforms and payment methods. Oh, and always check for https:// in the web address, it’s your digital green light.
TIP: Meeting in person? Choose a busy public spot and bring a mate. Safety first, always.
Insights for Businesses
Scams aren’t just an individual problem, they’re a growing threat to businesses of all sizes. From fake invoices to sophisticated phishing attempts, scammers are constantly evolving their tactics. Protecting your company requires a proactive approach.
Empower Your Team: Regular training sessions can help your staff recognise phishing emails, suspicious payment requests, and other scam techniques. A well informed team is your best defence.
Audit Your Systems: Ensure your software, firewalls, and antivirus programs are up to date. Regularly review access to sensitive information and restrict it to those who need it.
Secure Disposal: Shred old documents containing sensitive data, yes, even in the digital age, some scammers still rely on physical information like discarded invoices.