AN OFFICIAL safety note from Vodafone reveals how to avoid dangerous online scams.
Cybercriminals are getting more and more sophisticated – so you need to stay one step ahead.
The UK mobile network has advice for all phone owners who spend their time online – to avoid losing money or personal information to a fraudulent email or text message.
These scams can pop up in your email or text inbox anytime on an iPhone or Android.
“Getting online is great. It can open up your world, but it can also open up more ways for fraudsters to reach you,” Vodafone warned.
“We want to help you stay safe and know what to do if you think something is wrong.”
Vodafone has revealed eight tips for staying safe when checking your email or text.
Vodafone cybersecurity tips
Here are Vodafone’s eight cyber tips…
stop and think – “Always trust your instincts. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Beware of links – “Clicking on a link could give fraudsters access to your details. Think about who sent it and why they want you to click on it. Be careful with urgent messages that require immediate action.”
Phishing – “You may receive an email or text message that appears genuine, but is actually from someone trying to steal your identity or obtain money. Do not give out passwords or personal information and do not make any payments without checking with a parent.”
Delete fraudulent emails – “You can also mark them as spam so that future messages from the same address will automatically go to your spam folder.”
Verify sender email address – “Some scammers will give the impression that their emails are genuine by appearing to use an official mark. Always check the sender’s address to make sure the email is from the relevant company.”
Check if it’s a scam – “Citizens Advice has a scam checker you can use to see if something is a scam.”
Protect your devices – “Protecting your personal data is important, so be sure to use strong passwords, install security software, and use a password to protect your smartphone, tablet, and Wi-Fi.”
Lock it – “When you’re done with your phone, computer or tablet, lock it – just like you would your front door.”
