Maybe it’s a call, a pop-up message or an email or a text message; but it’s always a warning and it’s always meant to be serious.
However it arrives, it’s almost certainly going to be successful in stealing your private details, all whilst trying to empty your bank account, your savings and maybe your pension.
As technology advances, so do the troubles and challenges of staying safe. Viruses, malware, and other technology threats do now exist. Yet one group seeking to help protect us from it all is the scammer. Ironic ….that it’s the same scammer that sends us the problem in the first place.
That means it’s never completely a genuine coincidence that once a tech problem appears, you’re then greeted with an offer to help. An offer which can sometimes be free or based on a small fee or a renewal. Instead, it’s a well-planned, calculated scheme designed to steal your information, access your device, and take your money. All under the disguise of help, support, guidance.
But what if the message is true? The answer is still to pause. By pausing, it gives you time to think about what is happening. Did you just do something to cause the message? Is the message random, is it followed by another message or a phone call, or could it simply be ignored? Could you run your own virus solution or get help from someone you trust?
Thinking, because you’ve paused, allows you to make the right decision. A decision that in the end means doing what’s right for you and not anyone else. Yes, threats can sometimes be real, viruses do exist, but we all have controls in place that protect us. Reacting to such threats should not be via an unknown person you haven’t sought any help from.
The next time you are contacted by a stranger, without warning, without ever asking; listen to the voice inside your head. Is it saying something doesn’t feel right?
To help, always remember to Pause – Think – Decide every single time. You’re in control. So, always do all you can to stop the criminal from making you just another victim.
More scenarios for you to play or share
Just like scams, our scenarios will constantly evolve and update. Follow us on social media to keep up to date with newly released scenarios.
Want to learn more about other scams?
After a scam, what next?
What we think you could consider … if you’re the victim of a scam or fraud.
