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Protecting Yourself from Phishing & Scams - What to Look Out For

Phishing emails - Internet security software UK, email protection, phishing protection
Taking time to double-check before you click on links or give your details, can help you in the long run.

What Phishing Looks Like!

Updated March 2023; We've all seen recent news of cyber attacks on hundreds of thousands of networks worldwide, affecting major corporations and health systems. Cybercriminals don't just target large networks. They also come after the personal user, through their digital devices. In 2021, Banks report record levels of theft, especially on younger users whose details are being made available through social media. 

Phishing is essentially communication designed to get you to divulge information such as personal or bank details or credit card numbers. You may get an email, message text or social media like Snapchat or TikTok purporting to be from a reputable source such as your bank or IT service provider. 

This mail may ask you to update your details with them, designed to get your login or account numbers to defraud you. They may also ask you to click on a link, which will install malware on your device.

Top Three Phishing Tips

1. The Message is poorly spelt and badly written
Grammar and spelling are important to respectable companies like your bank. If something reads really badly, it’s a scam. 

2. Never click on links in emails or texts that ask you to sign in to your account. 
Close the email immediately

3. Never give your personal information to anyone online.
Never fill in details about yourself. Why are they asking? Who are they? You would not do it on the street. Eight out of 10 crimes online rely on human error.  

Phishing emails - Internet security software UK, ransomware, inbox protection
Facts show 90% of cybercrime is human error usually through the Inbox

No. 1 Lesson. Bank does not refund losses.

If you

  • Click a link 
  • Giveaway your details 
  • Credit Cards, Debit Cards, usernames & passwords

The Bank doesn't care; it happens so often, they can not afford to refund everyone. They will be polite, that's it. But they don't do refunds. No. It is not 2008 now. It's 2023, your fault, your loss. They'll suggest you consider banking protection tools as well.  7 day Password Manager Trial

How does phishing work?

Phishing emails require the recipient to do something like "update" their info, click on links or divulge bank or credit card details, all to make money from your accounts or use your details fraudulently. 

An email may have your bank's logo and a sender's address that looks like it could be from your bank. 

Phishing emails used to be easier to spot, as they often included odd syntax or terrible spelling. Lately, the scammers have been trying to look more "official" in their emails, though they often still include glaring spelling errors or strange grammar. These signs are a giveaway.

You may receive a phone call claiming to be from one of your service providers, looking for login details to update your account. 
Fraudsters use any means possible to contact you via email, and messaging services to get vital information to access your funds.

At BeSecureOnline, we know people are caught off guard all the time, who unthinkingly give away vital details, resulting in financial loss, but there are ways you can avoid phishing scams. 

Know what to look out for and What to do!

Your bank will not contact you via email to ask you to update your details or give them account numbers or full logins. Your bank already has these details. Be very wary of any such email. Do not give out logins or details to anyone via email.

Emails pretending to be from a trusted source will have a recognisable email address. Scams will often come from an address that looks like your bank or subscription service, but something will be wrong. If you think the email address looks a bit off, don't open it. Check with your bank first.

It's Green for Go. Amber be careful and Red for Stop, Don't Open!

The #1 best protection in Inbox


It's a fake. Delete it!

Don't click links in emails that you weren't expecting. You can hover over the link (never click!) to check the address. Don't click on it if you don't like something.

You may receive an email that looks like it's from your co-worker, family, or friend. It may have their name on it. If the email wants you to.

  • Transfer money
  • Paying a supplier bill  
  • Asking you to click a link

It's a fake. Delete it!

The scammers are using their names to draw you in. 

Always use common sense; ask yourself if this is the type of mail they would send. Is this how they usually talk? If it looks suspicious, just email your friend - using the address you already have for them.

If you're at work and you get an email supposedly from your boss, but which looks suspect, pick up the phone to make sure it's from them.

If you get an email saying "urgent" or demanding "immediate action", be very careful. Often scammers will prey on our willingness to make sure all of our accounts are up to date. Emails threatening to cut off service if details aren't updated need caution.

Slow down. Hackers and cybercriminals rely on people having busy lives and want to get through all our emails as quickly as possible. If we take a few moments to think about what an email, message or caller wants, we may not be too quick to give away our details.

Make sure you have up-to-date security on all your devices, to protect yourself from malware and scams.

Trust your instincts. If an email looks suspicious, it may well be. If you receive an email from a family member or friend who doesn't seem like them, check it out by contacting them other than replying to that email. 

Do not click links in emails that you're not sure about. Think about your overall internet safety. 

Last Thing. Report to the Police.

Most people don't bother but tell the Police. You have been hit, it is a crime so report it to the Police in your local station.

Articles of interest

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German Insurer Allianz says  - Businesses fear a catastrophic IT failure the most

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