Security
Protect Yourself From Cybercrime and Fraud
Everyone is potentially vulnerable to cybercrime and old-fashioned fraud; older generations are favoured targets for ruthless crooks; and the anxieties of Covid-19 and the increased reliance on the Internet have created additional risks.
On this page you will find links to a presentation and guidance documents kindly provided by the Police. Please download and read them - and remember the A-B-C rule:
A - Accept nothing
B - Believe no-one
C - Confirm everything.
Remember the ten golden rules to help you prevent fraud and beat the scammers.
- Be suspicious of all ‘too good to be true’ offers and deals. There are no guaranteed get-rich-quick schemes.
- Don’t agree to offers or deals immediately. Insist on time to get independent or legal advice before making a decision.
- Don’t hand over money or sign anything until you’ve checked someone’s credentials and their company’s.
- Never send money to anyone you don’t know or trust, whether in the UK or abroad, or use methods of payment you’re not comfortable with.
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Always log on to a website directly rather than clicking on links in an email.
- Don’t just rely on glowing testimonials. Find solid, independent evidence of a company’s success.
- Always get independent or legal advice if an offer involves money, time or commitment.
- If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help.
- Don’t be embarrassed about reporting a scam. Because the scammers are cunning and clever there’s no shame in being deceived. By reporting it, you'll make it more difficult for them to deceive others.