Scam Awareness Training

Recognising Common Scams:

Scams can target anyone, regardless of age, gender, education, or economic background. In this module, we explore the various tactics employed by cybercriminals to identify potential victims.

1. Postal Scams:

Postal scams come in various forms, all aiming to extract personal details, financial information, or money. Stay informed to protect yourself.

2. Telephone Scams:

Telephone scams are an effective way for criminals to obtain personal details or financial information. Be cautious of smishing and vishing attempts, which use SMS messages and voice calls to lure victims.

3. Online Scams:

Criminals employ various techniques to trick internet and email users into divulging personal and financial information. Recognising these tactics is key to safeguarding your money.

4. Doorstep Scams:

Criminals utilise diverse strategies at your doorstep to manipulate victims into parting with their money or gaining access to their homes. Learn about these tactics to stay one step ahead.

Understanding the Consequences:

Module two provides concrete examples of fake websites, emails, phone calls, and text messages, helping you identify scams effectively.

Examples include:

• Messages purporting to be from the UK Government, including HMRC refunds or fines, TV licensing direct debit issues, and cloned Government websites featuring Marriage Allowance Tax Rebates and driving licence applications, among others.
• Emails and texts related to Covid-19.
• Extortion emails.
• Scams involving financial institutions, pensions, investments, bitcoin, and fraudulent cryptocurrencies.
• Social media scams, including enticing ‘giveaways,’ online shopping scams, and romantic relationship scams.

We highlight the signs and key indicators that help you identify scams, along with the actions to take when you receive suspicious communications.

Protecting Yourself and Others:

The first step in avoiding scams is preparation. In this module, we demonstrate how to check if your personal information is accessible online and provide strategies for self-protection.

1. Keep Your Devices Secure:

Ensure your smartphones, laptops, tablets, and computers are up-to-date with the latest security updates and antivirus software.

2. Manage Your Email Effectively:

Distinguish between personal and junk email addresses to filter out potential scams effectively.

3. Enhance Password Security:

Implement strong password security measures and securely store your passwords.

4. Exercise Caution on social media:

Be mindful when sharing personal information on social media platforms.

5. Join Relevant Services:

Enrol in the Mailing Preference Service (MPS) and register with the Telephone Preference Service to reduce unsolicited communication.

6. Use Call Blocking Features:

Leverage call-blocking features to avoid unwanted calls.

7. Stop Nuisance Texts:

Put an end to receiving nuisance texts.

8. Prevent Charity Calls and Texts:

Prevent receiving calls and texts from charitable organisations.