01 Jan Be scam-aware in the new year

New Year sales used to be the one time of year that you could get the best bargains and people queued around the block outside shops to be first through the doors.

Times have changed and whilst New Year sales are still a feature, the queues have been redirected online and Black Friday appears to take the lion’s share of most retail businesses turnover.

Monetary presents given at Christmas are burning holes in pockets and everyone is looking for a bargain to spend it on. That is why the scammers are also out in force targeting your cash and they are getting more sophisticated by the day.

Wherever there is money,  there is someone working hard to relieve you of it, whether online, by phone or even on your own doorstep and, of course, it is the most vulnerable that are first to be targeted.

It is easy to think that you would never become a victim of a scam but never say never, as there are thousands of people who were sure they would never fall prey to them. I know I was one of them.

A few years ago, I was coming to the end of a mobile phone contract when someone who seemed to know all about it rang me. The call came in an unguarded moment whilst I was out walking the dogs, and within minutes, I had fallen for it.

It was a relatively simple scam which involved me signing up for a deal that I should have realised was a little too good. I thought I was signing up for a SIM-only deal but was sent the latest new iPhone. A flurry of calls led to me sending it back to them. I didn’t check the address and it ended up in the hands of someone in Manchester, not the phone company.

I had unthinkingly handed over my bank details, but I was one of the lucky ones because, ultimately, all it cost me was a lot of anxiety but no money.  It cost the mobile phone company that provided the new phone £1,000 and it temporarily destroyed my hitherto good credit rating.

It was a harsh lesson nonetheless and one that causes me to wince with embarrassment every time I think about it. How could I be so stupid?

If a deal appears too good to be true, it probably is.

Since then, I always take a step back when reacting to any request for money., particularly unexpected ones and a quick scout around the web (which can’t always be trusted, which is an irony in this context) comes up with the following advice:

1. Be sceptical of unsolicited requests: If you receive unexpected calls, emails, or messages asking for personal information or money, be cautious. Scammers often pretend to be from trusted organisations.
2. Verify the source: Always verify the identity of the person or organisation contacting you. Use official contact information from their website, not the details provided in the message.
3. Don’t share personal information: Never give out personal or financial information in response to unsolicited requests. Legitimate organisations will not ask for sensitive information this way.
4. Use strong passwords and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable 2FA for an extra layer of security
5. Be wary of high-pressure tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to make you act quickly without thinking. Take your time to verify any claims.
6. Check for secure websites: When shopping online, ensure the website is secure by looking for “https://” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. There is also a handy widget that you can download to your browser that warns of likely scam sites https://notcommon.com
7. Monitor Your accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorised transactions.
8. Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about common scams and share this knowledge with friends and family to help protect them too.

If you ever feel unsure about a situation, it’s always a good idea to consult with someone you trust before taking any action.

It isn’t always a fool and their money that soon parted, it can happen to anyone. Don’t let it be you. If in doubt…

Have a Happy scam-free Year!