The Best Guide for the LS7 Area

Many of us are tightening our belts right now. And if you’re not already on a budget, chances are you’re being more careful with your money than ever before. So, the idea of someone trying to trick you into handing over your personal data or bank details seems both unbelievable and terrifying in equal measures.

Unfortunately, it’s never been more important for individuals to make themselves aware of the latest scams and fraudulent tricks that criminals are pushing on innocent victims. Regrettably, as time moves on, criminals are becoming savvier and savvier and finding new ways to convince us that we’re talking to someone genuine, especially whilst on the phone.

For example, when your phone rings you might not wonder ‘what's this number’ if it’s from a reputable company such as SKY, which is the name that might come up on your phone giving you peace of mind. Unfortunately, a closer look at this number shows that it’s been spoofed or duplicated by criminals who are pretending to work for SKY to get your personal details. It’s because of this complex approach to scamming that the public needs to be aware of the subtle signs that they’re talking to a scam artist. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the signs you should be looking for. Read on to find out more.   

Questions Are Odd and Personal

If you receive a call from your utility provider or a call about your phone contract, then they’ll already have specific information about you. However, if the caller suddenly starts asking questions about your mother’s maiden name, your sort code or the PIN of your credit card then warning bells should start to ring. You should be wary, they may weave these questions into the conversation carefully and build a rapport between you first so as not to arouse suspicion. Always be on your guard.

They’re Piling on the Pressure

Scammers and fraudsters don’t want you to have time to think things over and potentially pick holes in their stories. This is why they’ll usually call you under high-pressure circumstances that require immediate action before it’s too late. This could mean investing in something before the opportunity passes you by, or they need you to move your money into a “safe” account due to fraudulent activity in your current account before the money is stolen. If you’re feeling pressured and panicked into making a snap decision, you should hang up.

And Finally:

They Want Access to Your Computer

A spate of scams involving fraudsters calling up victims and trying to help them rectify an issue with their Wi-Fi or device (we all experience problems!) is another scam that is easy to fall for. They’ll offer help and advice to help with your tech issue but will claim they need remote access to fix the problem. They’ll usually ask you to log onto your online banking account for a particular reason and then copy your details or take your money there and then. Legitimate companies would never approach a situation like this, if this happens to you, then hang up and speak with your provider.