Protect yourself from online fraud this Safer Internet Day

Today (11 February) is Safer Internet Day – so let’s take a moment and think about online safety.

Did you know that 68% of people in the UK worry about falling victim to online fraud? That’s a lot of us feeling a bit uneasy.

Criminals have become quite crafty, using online platforms to trick us into parting with our money or personal details.

It’s a serious issue, so let’s break it down.

How they work

Fraudsters often target unsuspecting folks by:

• tricking you into transferring money
• collecting personal details like addresses and phone numbers
• using AI to create more convincing scams

Even though many believe they’re most at risk over the phone, the online world is actually where most fraud happens.

Purchase scams are rampant on social media and online marketplaces.

Stay alert

Research from Take Five reveals that many of us are blissfully unaware of what makes us vulnerable.

For instance:

• Only 13% recognise that looking for quick cash could lead to scams.
• A mere 26% realise that sharing personal info online is risky.

Top tips to protect yourself

Giles Mason from Take Five has shared five simple steps to stay safe:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Activate 2-step verification for extra security.
• Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
• Keep your software up to date with anti-virus protection.
• Check your privacy settings and be cautious about what you share online.

Stop, Challenge, Protect

Remember, ‘Stop, Challenge, Protect’:

• Stop: Pause before giving out your money or info.
• Challenge: Question whether something seems fake.
• Protect: Contact your bank if you suspect fraud.

Extra steps to stay safe

Fortunately, you can stay one step ahead of scammers. Read more about spotting online scams or check out our guide about common types of fraud, including what to do if you think you've been scammed.

You can also find out more about how to stay safe from scams at takefive-stopfraud.org.uk.