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How can you stay safe from online scams?
The best ways to stay safe online are to bolster your passwords, turn on multi-factor authentication, check links and websites carefully, be suspicious of unexpected investment or payment requests, limit the personal information you share online, and always verify unusual requests independently before acting.
Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals can now use artificial intelligence, convincing fake websites, realistic emails, cloned brands, and even deepfake voices and videos to trick people into sharing information or transferring money.
The good news is that a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk. Here are five practical steps to help protect yourself online.
1. How can I make my online accounts more secure?
Your online accounts are often the gateway to your personal and financial information, so use a different, strong password for every account and switch on extra checks, such as multi-factor authentication.
On top of this, you can:
- use a password manager to generate and store passwords securely
- use passkeys where supported, as they can offer stronger protection than traditional passwords
- be particularly careful with your email account — if a fraudster gains access to your email, they may be able to reset passwords and access other accounts.
2. How can I tell whether a link or website is genuine?
Don’t assume a link is safe just because a message or website looks professional. Before clicking a link or downloading an attachment, check who sent the message and look for unusual website addresses or spelling mistakes.
Fraudsters regularly create convincing emails, texts, adverts, and websites that appear genuine, so be cautious of unexpected messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted organisation.
If you receive a website link through an email, text, or social media advert, search separately for the company’s official website instead and check that the URLs are the same.
3. How can I spot an investment or impersonation scam?
Be suspicious of unsolicited investment opportunities, guaranteed returns, demands to act quickly, or requests for security information.
Scammers often impersonate banks, well-known brands, government bodies, and investment firms. They may even pretend to be from your own bank in a bid to convince you to ignore your bank’s scam alerts.
Before investing, check whether a firm is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, hang up the phone, wait 10 minutes, and call your bank’s official helpline. Check the FCA Register and seek independent advice if you are unsure.
4. What information should I avoid sharing online?
Avoid publicly sharing information that could help someone identify you, locate you or answer your security questions, particularly on social media.
Be wary of any photographs you upload, too. An innocent picture of you and your children in their school uniforms in front of your home could reveal your house number, car number plate, and hometown in one go.
And be particularly cautious if someone you've only met online begins requesting money, gifts, cryptocurrency, or personal information.
5. What should I do if someone asks me to send money or share information?
Stop, think, and verify the request before doing anything. Many frauds succeed because criminals create a sense of urgency.
Pause before acting if you are asked to:
- transfer money
- change bank details
- share personal information
- download software
- approve a payment.
Verify the request using contact information you've obtained independently. Never rely solely on phone numbers, email addresses, or links provided within the message itself.
Remember, legitimate organisations will never pressure you into making immediate financial decisions.
What should you do if you think you've been scammed?
If you think you’ve been targeted by an online scam, act quickly.
- Contact your bank immediately.
- Change affected passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication where available.
- Contact and notify Report Fraud.
- Monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
- Seek advice from trusted family members, friends, or professional advisers.
The sooner you act, the better your chances of preventing or limiting any losses.
