Stay Safe Online – Internet Banking and Mobile Apps
We have been really concerned about the number of people – particularly older people – who are so worried about online fraud that they refuse to entertain the idea of internet banking – and some even refuse to get a mobile phone.
I must admit I only condescended to get a mobile phone a few years ago because it made sense to take one with me if I was driving alone – but since them I have found it so useful – and not just for phone calls.
The younger generation use their phones for everything – satnav, online banking, making payments – but when you think what you used to carry in your handbag (or pockets) that you can now do on your phone – cheque book, notepad, torch, MP3 for music, camera, watch, diary – even if you don’t use your phone for the internet – it’s still really useful.
Your mobile phone is now one of the safest ways to pay for things and to access online banking and, if your bank has your mobile number, they can send you a text if there is some concern about a payment going out of your account – (which saved one of our clients from losing money from a Microsoft scam). You can also use it for two factor authentication (2FA) which makes your online access safer.
To reassure our clients and help them get safer online access, we have found an anti-virus programme (for desktops, laptops, tablets and phones) that provides safer online shopping and banking. It’s not expensive and provides peace of mind – if you are interested ring us for more details – or bring your computer in for a service and clean-up and we can install a premium version for you. ESET anti-virus software – has been awarded the Which? Best Buy two years running. It’s ideal for small businesses too.
Current scams to watch out for:
Fake government emails offering Coronavirus grants of up to £7,500
Scam emails which offer access to ‘Covid-19 relief funds’
Emails offering ‘council tax reduction’
Fraudsters offering help with applying for Universal Credit
Phishing emails from the ‘NHS Test and Trace’ service sending false links
Fake adverts for Covid-related products such as hand sanitizer and face masks
Free TV licence offers
Requests to update payment details for online TV subscription services
Creating fake profiles on online dating websites
Fake investment opportunities
Find details of other recent scams here www.actionfraud.police.uk and on our Facebook page rainford-it -stay safe online . If in doubt – call us – advice is free.
Published in the October edition of the Whitchurch Gossip