Stay informed and protected with Conister Bank’s expert tips on preventing scams and securing your finances.

22 October 24

 

Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud

At Conister Bank, your security is our top priority. With the rise in scams and phishing attempts, it's essential to remain vigilant. By following these key steps, you can protect yourself and your finances from fraud:

1. Verify Contacts

• Be Sceptical: Always verify the identity of anyone contacting you, whether by phone, email, or text. Conister Bank will never ask for your personal information, passwords, or PINs via these methods.
• Use Official Channels: If you need to reach us, only use the contact information provided on our official website. Be wary of unsolicited contact that asks for sensitive information.

2. Secure Your Information

• Keep It Private: Never share your passwords, PINs, or account details with anyone, even if they claim to be from Conister Bank. If in doubt, contact us directly.
• Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your online banking accounts are protected with strong, unique passwords. We recommend changing them regularly for added security.

3. Recognise Phishing

• Beware of Suspicious Emails: Fraudulent emails and messages often ask for personal information or direct you to unsafe websites. Signs of phishing include poor grammar, urgent requests, or unknown sender addresses.
• Check URLs: Always verify the URL of the website you're visiting. Ensure it starts with "https://" and look for a padlock symbol in the address bar, indicating a secure connection.

4. How to Spot a Scam Email

Fraudulent emails (also known as phishing scams) are a type of cybercrime. These emails can appear to come from a trusted source, making them sometimes difficult to identify.

Follow these steps to spot a scam email:

• Suspicious Links and Attachments: Scam emails often contain links to hoax websites. Avoid clicking on links – instead, hover your mouse over the link to see the full URL and check if it's legitimate. Never open attachments unless you are certain the email is genuine, as they could contain harmful viruses.
• The Sender: Check the actual email address, not just the display name. Scammers often send emails from public domains like 'hotmail.com' or 'gmail.com,' pretending to be well-known brands. If the email address doesn’t match the company's official domain, it's likely a scam.
• Unsolicited Emails: If an email arrives unexpectedly, especially from a company you haven’t contacted, be cautious. Contact the company directly through official channels to verify the email.
• Language: Be wary of emails that use urgent or emotional language to pressure you into acting quickly or providing sensitive information.
• Spelling and Grammar: Look for typos or bad grammar in both the email contents and sender's address. Scammers may intentionally use subtle misspellings, like ‘exmple.com’ instead of ‘example.com.’
• Phone Numbers: If the email provides a phone number, do not call it directly. Instead, search for the company's contact details on their official website and call them through the verified number.

5. How to Spot a Scam Text Message

It's always wise to be on guard when you receive a text message out of the blue. Scammers often use urgency and emotional tactics to prompt you into responding quickly without giving you time to think.

• Avoid Clicking Links: Never click on a link within a suspicious text message. These links could lead to phishing websites or malware.
• Verify Authenticity: If a text message asks you to provide personal information or prompts urgent action, be cautious. Always verify the message by contacting the company directly using their official contact information.
• Unrecognised Number: If you receive a text from an unknown number claiming to be from a company or person you trust, always call the organisation using their official number to verify the message.

6. How to Spot a Fake Website

Fake websites can look very convincing, but there are several signs that can help you identify them:

• Secure Website: Look for the padlock symbol next to the URL, indicating the site is secure and your information is encrypted.
• The Domain: Always check the URL is spelt correctly. Fraudsters may use misspelled domain names to trick users.
• Payment Methods: Be cautious if the website asks for payment via bank transfer instead of secure payment methods, such as credit cards or payment processors.
• Contact Information: Check for proper contact information, such as a telephone number and physical address. Lack of contact details can indicate a scam.
• Business Policies: Look for clear privacy and return policies, which can signal a legitimate business.
• Online Reviews: Research the business on trustworthy sites like Trustpilot to see what other customers are saying.
• Spelling and Grammar: Be alert for poor spelling and grammar on the website, as this can be a red flag.
• Company Verification: If you're uncertain about a company’s credibility, use GOV.UK to confirm their legitimacy.

7. How to Spot Telephone Scams

Fraudsters often pose as companies like HMRC, your bank, or third-party compensation firms through unsolicited phone calls.

• Unsolicited Calls: Be wary of unexpected calls. Scammers often pressure victims to act quickly, using fear or urgency to manipulate responses.
• Never Share Sensitive Information: Never provide sensitive details, such as your bank account number, PIN, or personal information over the phone.
• Verify the Caller: If you receive an unexpected call claiming to be from Conister Bank, hang up and call us back using our official number to confirm the authenticity of the call.

8. How to Report Scams

If you suspect someone is falsely claiming to represent Conister Bank, contact our Customer Services team immediately. For any online scams, account hacks, lost funds, phishing messages, or other cyber concerns, report them promptly to the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance. If your financial details may have been compromised, notify your bank right away. Additionally, if you've received a suspicious email, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at SERS@ocsia.im.  

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