Think before you click

Use strong passwords

This is particularly important for your email accounts. If scammers hack into your email, they can get a host of personal information about you and can use it to reset passwords for your other online accounts. The National Cyber security Centre advises using a strong password by combining three random words and avoiding common ones like password or significant dates like birthdays.

Protect your personal information

Be careful about what you share online, particularly on social media. Details like your birthday, hometown, school, or workplace can help scammers guess passwords or security answers. Before posting, consider whether you’d be comfortable with that information being publicly available.

Secure your online accounts

Enable 2step verification on your important accounts. This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring two forms of ID. Even if someone gets hold of your password, they won’t be able to access your account without that second check.

Recognise scammers’ tactics

Scammers often play on emotions, build false relationships or create urgency. Many fake websites and adverts are also designed to look genuine.
Be cautious if a message asks you for:

a onetime passcode

your PIN or full password

payment before a prize or lost delivery

a direct cash or cryptocurrency transfer

moving away from an official payment site

money before you’ve met in person

Always stop, think, and check.

What should I do?

If you’ve seen something that doesn’t feel right, STOP!

break the contact – don’t reply, click on any links or make any payments

check if it’s genuine: contact the person or company directly, using a phone number you already have and know is correct

forward the message for free to your phone provider on 7726