Scams are on the rise, and they are getting more sophisticated than ever before. It’s important for everyone to stay informed on the latest tactics used by scammers so that they can protect themselves and their hard-earned money. With the rise of technology and the internet, scammers can easily target anyone, no matter their age, gender, or background. Here we provide some tips on how you can stay informed on scamming tactics to keep your finances safe.
Research and Read News About Scams
The first step to staying informed about scams is reading up on the latest news on circulating scams. Scams can come in all forms, from phishing emails to social media scams or even text messages and phone calls. By keeping yourself up to date with the latest news and trends regarding scams, you will be able to recognise them and avoid being their next victim. Regularly visit www.scamwatch.gov.au/ or follow them on social media to keep yourself informed.
Learn to Recognise Suspicious Emails, Messages and Calls
Scammers use many tactics to catch their victims out. Most often, these attacks are disguised as messages that seem innocent or tempting. For example, some emails might offer you a free trial or prize, others offer to fix your computer, and others might pose as your bank or insurance company, (remember to never provide your credit card or bank account details). However, if you receive a message or a call from someone you don’t know, or if a message seems too good to be true, always be suspicious and don’t click any links. If any of these requests come from an address that you feel is suspicious, check them in a search engine to see if other people have reported it as a scam. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to contact your bank or the company in question to verify the legitimacy of the message.
Use Security Software and Updates
Make sure to use a security software on all your devices, and always keep them updated to the latest version. If you think that you’ve been targeted by a scam, use the software’s virus scanner to check for malicious programs or files. Additionally, if a software or operating system update is available, make sure to install it since these often patch up security vulnerabilities.
Report Scams to the Authorities
Reporting scams is also important to protect yourself and others. That’s why the authorities warn that, if you think you’ve received a scam email or message, don’t click any links, or download any files. Instead, report the message to the authorities. This will help them track the source of the scam and stop it from happening to other people.
You can report a scam to Scamwatch here www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam or via the police at ReportCyber (the Australian Cyber Security Centre ACSC) www.cyber.gov.au/report-and-recover or their 24/7 hotline 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371).
Educate Yourself and Others
Finally, educate yourself and others about the latest scams. Share this article with your family and friends and let them know how to recognise and protect themselves from scams. Encourage them to look for further information on this topic.
Scams are on the rise in today’s digital world, and you should aim to stay updated on the latest scams to protect yourself from becoming a victim. By staying informed, you will be able to recognise the schemes and methods used by scammers and avoid falling into their traps. We hope that the tips we’ve shared will help you stay informed, and you remain vigilant when browsing the internet or messaging through different platforms. Remember to keep your devices safe from malicious software, to report any scams that you encounter and to share your knowledge with others, who may not be as well informed and up to date with the latest scams.
