This Fraud Awareness Week, KlickEx is putting your safety first. We’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge to protect your hard-earned money in the digital world.
It’s an unfortunate truth that financial fraud is becoming more and more sophisticated. From phishing emails that look deceptively real to complex investment scams, it’s easier than ever to fall victim. The consequences can be devastating, leading to financial loss and compromising your personal information.
Here’s some tips to help keep you safe!
Tips to identify and avoid “phishing” attempts: Phishing is a type of online scam where criminals impersonate trustworthy entities (like banks, government agencies, or popular companies) to trick you into giving them your personal information.
- Scrutinise emails and texts: Pay close attention to the sender’s address, look for spelling and grammar errors, and be wary of urgent requests or threats. Hover over links to see the actual destination before clicking.
- Beware of suspicious websites: Look for a secure “https://” connection and a padlock icon in the address bar. Be cautious of websites that look like clones of legitimate sites.
- Never share personal information: Legitimate organisations will never ask for your password or sensitive details via email or text.
Best practices for securing your online accounts:
- Create strong, unique passwords: Use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a password manager to help you generate and store secure passwords.
- Regularly update your software: Keep your operating system, browser, and antivirus software up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
How to recognise and avoid investment scams:
- Be skeptical of high returns with little or no risk: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Do your research: Investigate any investment opportunity thoroughly before committing any money. Check for reviews and verify the company’s registration with relevant authorities.
- Beware of pressure tactics: Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision. Take your time and seek independent financial advice.
What to do if you suspect you’ve been a victim of fraud:
- Contact your bank or financial institution immediately: Report the incident and take steps to secure your accounts.
- Change your passwords: Update your passwords for all affected accounts.
- Report the scam to the authorities: File a report with your local police and relevant consumer protection agencies.
Together, let’s make this Fraud Awareness Week a success!
Stay safe, stay informed.
