Fraud awareness

If you think you’re being scammed, let us know right away. Your effort could help protect others!

Your Cheat Sheet for online safety

To help you stay safe online, we’ve put together some simple tips below.

Keep data private

Think twice before sharing sensitive information online, especially on social media platforms, providing it to trusted sources only.

Update software often

Regularly update your operating system, antivirus software helps protect you against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Watch for suspicious links

Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or unsolicited emails, texts, or websites.

Use strong passwords

Creating unique passwords for each account using a mix of letters, numbers and special characters, making them more resilient against hacking.

Useful information

Here’s some reliable sources we recommend that offer helpful advice on staying safe online:

1

Money Helper

This website gives you a detailed overview of various online scams. Learn how to recognize them, deal with them, and recover from them by visiting them.

2

Adding Fraud

If you’re in the UK and come across online fraud or suspect it, report it directly to their website.

3

Keeping your smartphones (and tablets) safe

It’s important to keep all your electronic devices up to date to make it harder for hackers to access them. Check out the latest advice from the UK Government on protecting your smartphone.

4

Passwords

Don’t use weak passwords or the same password for all your accounts. It makes it so much easier for hackers to break into your accounts and steal your personal information or money. For the most recent guidance on passwords, visit the UK Government’s website.

5

Phising, Vishing, Smishing, and more

Be cautious of any suspicious links or files sent to you, as they could infect your computer with viruses or access your personal information. Learn more about the different types of scams below.

How to report and what to do if received suspicious message

If you come across any suspicious emails, text messages, or QR codes that seem like they could be scams, please report them. It not only helps us but also other organisations identifying and removing fraudulent websites.

Drop us a line

Email us at enquiries@offa.co.uk and provide details of any suspicious emails, text messages, QR codes or forward suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk

Expose a scam

Report suspicious or unwanted text messages to your mobile provider by forwarding them to 7726 for free.