Keeping You Safe

Instances of fraud continue to rise, with fraudsters coming up with new scams every day. These scams are designed to gain your trust so that fraudsters can gain access to your personal information, bank account or computer.

Everyone is susceptible, but staying alert and remembering a few common warning signs will help you to protect yourself. Here are the most frequently seen types of scam to look out for.

Impersonation scams

• A phone call which puts you under pressure to respond quickly
• Poor grammar or spelling mistakes on a website or email
• A website which immediately asks for your contact information
• Being asked not to discuss the episode with family, friends or other employees of the organisation they claim to represent

Investment scams

• If an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is
• Cold calls, text messages, social media messages or door to door salesmen offering investment opportunities
• Being offered a ‘guaranteed return’ or risk free investment
• A ‘time-limited- investment opportunity, so you have to ‘hurry, otherwise you will miss out.’

Malware and ransomware

• Fraudsters use malware (also known as viruses, worms and trojans) to hijack computers and steal information.
• The fraudster will trick you into installing malware on your computer by sending a link or attachment, which will take over your computer on opening
• Watch out for cold calls from individuals purporting to work for software or technology companies
• Check for emails from unknown sender which contain links to unrecognised websites or have files to download

Phishing

• Cold calls, text messages or emails which relate to suspicious activity on your account
• Poor grammar or spelling mistakes in correspondence
• Being asked to confirm your password
• Being asked not to discuss the episode with family, friends or other employees of the organisation they claim to represent

If you are at all suspicious, consider the following steps.

• Always try to verify the identity of the caller. If you do receive a cold call, do not return it using the number they provide. Try to find another phone number for the company or institution via the FCA register ( https://register.fca.org.uk/s/)

• Refer to the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) register to establish whether a company contacting you has any ‘cloned firm’ warnings in place.  https://register.fca.org.uk/s/

If you think you have been a victim of fraud, report it as soon as possible.

Action Fraud is the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Call them on 0300 123 2040 or click here https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If you believe the fraud involves Vision or one of it’s Appointed Representatives, please contact your adviser or email Vision at