Keep yourself safe from scammers!
The BBC recently reported on a WhatsApp scam where a South West student, Bella, lost £3,000! After distributing her CV in search of a job, Bella received WhatsApp messages from a ‘recruiter’ who tricked her into handing over her bank details and took her money.
Listen to the BBC Sounds Money Box podcast here.
Spam and phishing messages are getting more and more convincing, and it can be really easy to fall for them. We’ve put together some tips to keep you, your information, and your money safe. Check out some of the spam emails below too, they’re pretty convincing!
Slow down
When we’re busy, it can be easy to rush. You might get an email from Amazon saying missed delivery or a message saying you’ve won a prize from an expensive brand and automatically click the link, but it’s important to check the sender’s details before you do.
I received this email seemingly from EVRi (formerly Hermes) telling me I needed to choose a new delivery time and providing me with a convenient link. But, when I checked the sender’s address, it came from a private email account – clearly not real.
Be secure
Make sure your information is protected by strong passwords and don’t use the same password for everything! It might be easier that way, but it makes your accounts easier to break into.
Always report spam and phishing messages
If you receive a spam email, you can report it as phishing via your email provider or forward it on to report@phishing.gov.uk. If you receive a spam text message, you can forward it to 7726, a dedicated spam account. Spam messages on WhatsApp can be reported via the app.
Do not share financial information
If you receive a text or email asking for your bank information, do not share it. It may look genuine, but legitimate organisations will never ask for information this way.
Unsure? Ask!
If you receive a message and you’re not sure if it’s spam or not, ask someone. Sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can be a good sense check, even if you’re certain it’s safe.
Post authored by:
Patrick Owen
Press & Public Relations Officer
Plymouth Marjon University
