We thought it wise to share some Cyber Fraud best practice with you during these unprecedented times.

Let me start by saying, that during times such as now, malicious individuals and groups will make it their TOP priority to capitalise upon the current events. The COVID-19 pandemic is the perfect catalyst for their illegal activity.

Their main goal is to accrue illegal revenue and in some circumstances attempt to restrict access to online services such as business email and remote systems. This would mean restricting business activities and opportunity for growth during these trying times.

With that said, we would you like to digest and consider the following:

  • Online shopping:

You will no doubt use online shopping more now than ever.

How many deliveries have you had from Amazon this past week?

✔ If you are purchasing items online from a company you have never used before, do some research beforehand. Read reviews and ask friends & family whether they have used them before.

✔ As always, be wary of unsolicited emails. Question whether “the deal is really too good to be true?”

✔ Avoid paying for goods & services via bank transfer. It offers little protection. Always use credit cards and where possible utilise PayPal.

  • Lender Loan Fraud:

Discuss any loans you are considering openly with your friends & family. They may alert you to something they have read or seen which may prevent you proceeding.

✔ Unsolicited approaches need to be considered carefully.

✔ Don’t click on links or attachments in emails pertaining to urgent details required as part of the loan process.

✔ Never respond to messages asking for personal or financial details.

✔ Use the Financial Conduct Authorities (FCA) register to check if the company is regulated – https://register.fca.org.uk/

✔ Monitor your bank statements for any unusual activity.

  • Computer Support Fraud:

Now more than ever you will be unable to pop over to discuss an issue with a member of IT. All communications in the interim will be in email and on the telephone.

✔ Make sure you can identify the individual emailing or calling you to provide assistance.

✔ Most IT support teams will never ask a 3rd party to call you to provide support!

As always if you are unsure about anything, then please discuss the same with someone you can trust; friends, family, your line manager, IT etc.