Cyber security: Staying safe at Christmas…

As we enter into the festive season proper, there’s no avoiding it, our spending is going up – Christmas parties, drinks with friends and neighbours, presents, food, more drinks with friends and neighbours. It’s a fun time. But as the transactions go up, so do the number of scams and it’s worth just reminding ourselves of good online security practices and what to look out for.

There are plenty of things online that we can do to help protect us against fraud. Start by using a strong and separate password for your email, be sure to create strong passwords with random words and save your passwords on your browser. These three simple steps will go a long way to help to protect your details and your money at this time of year while you shop online.

But the scammers are not just active online. Increasingly, we’re hearing of people getting phone calls – very convincing ones at that – as well as texts that are designed to capitalise on any vulnerabilities we might have. It’s a busy time, we often answer calls or messages while distracted and are not as questioning about things as we normally might be. But again, there are some simple tips to help keep you safe.

Online:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account.

• Change passwords regularly.

• Hover over links to see where they're really taking you.

• Don't click on suspicious emails.

• Keep your antivirus and software updated.

• Check your privacy settings on social media.

On the phone:

• Screen your calls - if it's a number you don't recognise, let it go to voicemail. If it's important, they'll leave a message. Scammers don't.

• Never give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the call.

• Verify, Verify, Verify - if someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the number on your card. Real companies won't mind you double-checking.

• Hang up if things feel fishy. Trust your gut.

• Never trust anyone who tells you not to talk to anyone about the supposed ‘problem.’ If you don’t have an adviser, or don’t want to talk to your adviser for whatever reason, contact an independent authority such as:

  • Action Fraud (National Fraud & Cyber Crime Reporting Centre)

  • The Financial Conduct Authority

  • Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline

 Both:

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

• Trust your instincts

• Before you jump in, Google the company or offer.

The important thing is to stay vigilant and remain suspicious. Yes, it’s the festive season and spirits are high, but it is worth keeping your wits about you and question all unsolicited calls and messages. Nobody wants to fall victim to fraud, and certainly not at Christmas. Stay safe.