Never disclose security details, such as your banking PIN or passwords

REMEMBER – Banks and other trusted organisations never ask for these via emails, on the phone, by text or in writing. If you feel pressured or tempted to share such details with anyone STOP and PAUSE to consider what it is your being asked for, questioning as to why they need it. NEVER under any circumstance disclose any personal or financial details unless your 100% sure & certain who it is you’re talking to.

Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic

REMEMBER – Just because someone may know your basic details i.e. your name, address and perhaps your mothers maiden name will not mean that they are genuine. Be mindful and aware of whom you can trust, as fraudsters try to always trick people in order to gain their confidence by telling them they’ve been a victim of fraud. Fraudsters use this kind of tactic to draw the unsuspecting victim into a conversation, ultimately in an attempt of scaring them into revealing security details.  Sadly technology is today that fraudsters can make a telephone number appear on a person handset in order to be seen as authentic, so never assume that such callers are always genuine.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision

REMEMBER – Under no circumstance would a bank or organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would also never ask for money to be transferred into another account for fraud reasons. A bank or trusted organisation will not rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think.

Listen to your instincts 

REMEMBER – If and when something feels wrong then its usually right to question it. Fraudsters may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when in the comfort of your own home. Although they may appear trustworthy they may not be whom they claim to be.

Stay in control

REMEMBER – Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But its okay to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it.