At Holden Accountants, we take our clients security very seriously. This week is Scam Awareness Week 2022, so we are getting in touch to share some tips to help protect yourself from some common scams.

With the continuous rise of scammers using sophisticated technology, it has never been more important to talk to your family and friends about scam prevention.

Common scams and tips to protect yourself

  • Remote access

You may receive phone calls from someone saying they are from a telecommunication or service provider, claiming there is a problem with your computer and may ask for remote access to your computer, your personal or financial information or demand you pay them to ‘fix’ the problem.

 TIP: ask yourself, were you expecting this call? If the call seems out of place or suspicious, hang up. Never give someone you don’t know remote access to your computer, your personal or financial information or install their software.

 

  • Business email compromise

Scammers may intercept emails with invoices and change the payment details before they get to you. For example, you may be expecting an invoice from a tradesperson for work they have recently completed.

 TIP: if you have received an invoice or payment details by email, always call the supplier or business on the number listed on their website first to confirm the account details you have received are correct before paying.

 

  • Phishing

Scammers may try to access your personal information by claiming they are from a trustworthy source such as a bank or internet service provider. They may contact you via email, social media, phone or SMS and use this information to attempt to gain your banking access.

TIP: Do not click on links or open attachments that ask you to provide financial or personal details, particularly if the email or text is unsolicited or from an unknown source. If you are not certain if the email or text you received is from a legitimate source, call the provider on the number listed on the company’s website.

 

  • Investment

Scammers may claim to offer you financial or investment advice and ask you to invest in an opportunity that promises a big return. It may even appear that you have received a return initially once you have handed money over. These scams can go on for months.

TIP: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Before investing, always do your research and get independent legal advice and financial advice.

 

  • Other ways to protect your information
    • Set-up ‘two-factor’ authentication (also known as 2FA) on your accounts. This will provide you with additional security by providing a one time code each time you login to your account making it harder to hack.
    • Ensure you have anti-virus software installed on your computer/s and mobile phone. By having a strong virus protection program it should automatically run scans throughout the day to find any viruses or malware that has found its way onto your computer or phone.