Best practices to avoid scams

Avoiding scams via email or SMS requires vigilance and adherence to several key rules. Fraud prevention refers to the steps that can be taken to avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Here are the main practices to stay safe.

Verify the Sender

• Check the sender’s email address or phone number carefully. Scammers often use addresses or numbers that look legitimate but contain slight errors (e.g., “amaz0n.com” instead of “amazon.com”).
• Avoid trusting unsolicited messages, especially if they seem urgent or unexpected.
• If you receive an unexpected, suspicious message (internal or external, from a bank or company), contact the sender using a second, independent channel to CONFIRM.

Don’t click on Links

• Hover over links in emails or SMS messages to preview the URL. If it looks suspicious or unfamiliar, don’t click it.
• Avoid clicking links sent in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from a trusted source.
• It is always the best practice to manually type the requested URL in the browser, instead of clicking the link, whenever possible.

Avoid sharing personal information

• Never provide sensitive information (e.g., passwords, bank details, or confidential information) via email or SMS.
• Legitimate companies usually don’t ask for personal information through these channels.

Beware of urgent or threatening language

• Scammers often create a sense of urgency, claiming your account will be suspended, or you’ll face penalties unless you act immediately.
• Take your time to verify the message independently by contacting the organization directly through official channels.

Look for Red Flags

• Poor grammar, misspellings, a very large amount of money or unusual formatting can indicate a scam.
• Requests for payments via unconventional methods (e.g., gift cards, cryptocurrency).

Use Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Enable 2FA for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security even if your credentials are compromised.

Be cautious with attachments

• Avoid opening email attachments from unknown senders; they might contain malware or viruses.
• Use antivirus software to scan attachments before opening.

Update your software

• Regularly update your devices and security software to protect against vulnerabilities.

Report suspicious messages

• Report phishing emails or SMS messages to the appropriate authorities or organizations (e.g., your email provider or cybersecurity bodies in your country).

Trust your instincts

• If something feels off or too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check.

By staying cautious and informed, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to email or SMS scams.