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Spotting scams
Social engineering fraud
What is social engineering?
Social engineering is a method fraudsters use to manipulate people so that they hand over personal information. The aim is to trick people into giving them passwords, bank information and even to install malicious software on your computer.
Steps to protect yourself
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01
Don't open emails or attachments you feel might be suspicious. If you don't know the sender, check and confirm they're legitimate with a quick Google search.
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02
Keep your anti-virus/anti-malware software updated. Check to make sure that the updates have been applied, and scan your system for possible infections.
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03
If you receive anything asking for passwords or financial information, check with the company. If the message was from a friend, give them a call to confirm it was actually them.
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04
If what they're offering seems too good to be true, then it probably is. Exercise caution when it comes to bargains.
How to report fraud
If you think you may have been victim of social engineering fraud then we're here to help.
Identity theft
Identity theft is when a fraudster steals your personal information to impersonate you, open accounts, obtain credit or set up businesses.
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Pension scams
A fraudster encouraging someone with access to their pension to move funds, where the money may be lost or unreasonably charged.
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Impersonation fraud
Criminals pretend to be a trusted organisation, may say your account is at risk and ask you to move your money to a ‘safe account’.
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