Chief Information Security Office
Stay secure: a guide to recognising and preventing fraud
Arendt can help you stay safe with these key tips on how to recognise, avoid and respond to scams. Learn how to protect your personal information, keep your accounts secure and stay vigilant against phishing, identity theft and other forms of fraud. Make every effort to safeguard yourself today by following our expert guidance on preventing fraud.
Types of fraud to watch out for
In a world where everyday life is increasingly online effective fraud prevention is more important than ever. Scammers use sophisticated methods to trick people into revealing sensitive information or transferring funds. Our goal is to help you identify these threats, understand common tactics used by scammers and give you the tools to protect yourself, your finances, and your personal data.
Phishing and email scams
Phishing emails often appear to come from trusted sources such as well-known banks or companies, perhaps where you are already a customer, and encourage you to click on links or download attachments, often for seemingly plausible reasons. These links may lead to fake websites that have been designed to steal your credentials or install malware on your device.
Identity theft
Scammers may use stolen personal information to open accounts, apply for loans or carry out transactions in your name. Protecting your personal information is essential to prevent identity theft and secure your financial wellbeing.
Financial and investment fraud
Investment scams promise high returns with little or no risk. Be wary of unsolicited investment offers, especially if they are pressuring you to make quick decisions. Only work with licensed financial advisors and verify investment opportunities through trusted sources.
Online shopping and social media scams
Scammers often set up fake online stores or social media accounts to lure buyers into making purchases that never arrive. Always verify sellers, check reviews, and use secure payment methods when shopping online.
Practical tips for preventing fraud
Verify before you trust: Double-check email addresses, URLs and social media accounts. Hover over links to ensure they lead to legitimate sites, and never click on suspicious links.
Protect personal information: Avoid sharing personal details like national ID numbers, account numbers and passwords over the phone or online unless you’re sure of the recipient’s legitimacy.
Use strong, unique passwords: Secure your online accounts by creating strong, unique passwords. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible for an added layer of security.
Monitor your accounts: Regularly check bank statements, credit reports and financial accounts for unusual transactions. Early detection is key to limiting damage from fraud.
Be cautious with unsolicited requests: Scammers often try to create a feeling of urgency, claiming that your account is at risk or offering a time-limited deal. If something feels off, take the time to verify its authenticity before taking action.
FAQs on preventing fraud, phishing, and related scams
Phishing is a type of scam where attackers impersonate legitimate organisations to trick you into providing personal information, like passwords or credit card numbers. Look for suspicious signs such as misspelled or random URLs, unfamiliar senders, urgent language, or requests for sensitive information. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
Do not click on any links or download attachments. Verify the sender’s identity by contacting the organisation directly using contact information obtained from their official website. Report the message as spam or phishing to your email provider or social media platform.
Safeguard your personal information by using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) on accounts, and avoid sharing sensitive details online or over the phone. Regularly check your credit report and monitor your accounts for unusual activity.
Financial scams often promise high returns with little risk or pressure you to invest quickly. Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, unexpected loan offers, or deals that seem too good to be true. Always research and verify investments with trusted financial advisors.
Malware is malicious software that can steal information or damage your device. Avoid downloading files or software from unknown sources and be wary of email attachments and unknown websites. Install antivirus software and keep it updated to help detect and block malware.