BE AWARE OF SCAMS

BE AWARE OF SCAMS

#ScamAlert | Scams are becoming more sophisticated and it's important to know the signs.

Scammers can contact you by phone, text message or through apps such as WhatsApp, pretending to be from your bank, a delivery company, the police, a government organisation, or even someone you know.

Their aim is often to make you panic or act quickly, whether that’s handing over personal information, sharing a security code, clicking a link or sending money.

✋ STOP — don’t rush into action.

If you receive a suspicious call or message:

📞 Unexpected phone call? Don’t give out personal or financial information. If they claim to be from an organisation, end the call and contact that organisation using a phone number you know is genuine. Don’t use a number provided by the caller.

💬 Suspicious text or WhatsApp message? Don’t click links, reply, download attachments or send money. If it appears to be from someone you know, contact them separately using a number you already have saved.

🔐 Never share security codes or passwords. Your bank or other legitimate organisations will not ask you to disclose passwords, PINs or one-time security codes.

💷 Being pressured to transfer money? Stop and take a moment. Scammers may create a sense of urgency to prevent you from checking whether the request is genuine.

👨‍👩‍👧 Check with someone you trust. A second opinion can help, particularly if you feel pressured, worried or unsure.

📱 On WhatsApp: Turn on two-step verification, keep your app updated and consider enabling privacy settings that limit who can add you to groups or see your information.

🚔 Remember: If someone contacts you claiming to be a police officer and asks you to transfer money, provide banking details or move your money to a “safe account”, treat this as a scam.

If you think you have been the victim of fraud, report it to Report Fraud If you are in immediate danger or a crime is happening now, call 999.

Take five. Stop. Check. Don’t be pressured.