Tip Of The Month : Protect yourself from scams

Fraudsters pose as your supplier and send a fake invoice or bill requesting urgent payment. They might ask you to set up a new bank payment or to change your existing details. The scammer often only gets found out when the real company chases the outstanding amount.

They gain access to a supplier or client’s email account, act as a trusted contact and trick you into transferring funds into a fraudulent bank account or sharing sensitive information. The scammer may pose as a supplier or business partner, often using an email address that looks legitimate. Fraudsters can manipulate emails or text messages to make them seem real, so you’re more likely to believe that it’s genuine.

They list fake or non-existent items for sale online or through social media. Their adverts look genuine, and someone you know could share or repost one without realising it’s a scam.

If you receive an invoice or bill from an existing supplier requesting payment to a different bank account for the first time, contact the supplier directly using known contact information. Avoid copying details straight from the invoice or bill to action the request.

To keep your email account secure, create strong, unique passwords. These ideally include a mixture of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Try to avoid reusing the same password across different accounts. Additionally, enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for your email account to add extra protection.

Fraudsters will often pressure you. Don’t feel rushed into making a payment. If you’re ever unsure about a request for money or sensitive information, take some time to think it through. Carry out checks to make sure it’s genuine.

Research Sellers and Websites – before buying, especially from a new or unfamiliar website, research the seller online. You should be able to find reviews or feedback. Beware of sites that have little to no online presence. If something feels off about a website or seller, trust your instincts and shop elsewhere.

Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals – scammers usually lure people in with extremely low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check the price of similar items elsewhere.

Beware of Social Media Ads – Be cautious when clicking on adverts from social media platforms. These are more likely to lead you to a fraudulent site. Always check deals are genuine by going to the company’s official website. Type the address into your browser, instead of using the link in the advert.