How to Prevent Online Phishing..

Watch out for hoaxes, phishing and scams.


Online hoaxes are getting more sophisticated, making it tough to know whether an email, SMS or website is real. It’s important you learn how to spot the fakes so you stay safer online.


Hoax websites.

Hoax websites often look like the real thing.

When logging in to banking, shopping or email sites, always look for “https” at the beginning of the URL – the “s” stands for secure
Check for the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar..

Make sure the URL is genuine. Phishers often create fake websites with URLs similar to the real one
Enter site URLs straight into your browser’s address bar. Don’t rely on links in emails as they could be fake..


Phishing emails.

The people behind phishing emails are experts in manipulation. Look out for:

Generic greetings, like “Dear user”
False links. Hover over a link or tap and hold it on a mobile device to see its destination

Wrong, out of date or out of place logos or design
Upsetting or urgent statements demanding you react immediately
Bad spelling and grammar
Requests for financial or personal information..




Scams.

Scammers try to trick you into giving them money. Look out for:

Offers to pay more than usual for an item

Requests to use a buyer’s shipping company
Amazing, too good to be true offers

The promise of money in return for a favour
A promise to donate to charity if you contact them

Notifications of lottery wins
Unsolicited job offers

Also beware of unexpected emails, Facebook or other online messages from a friend asking for money. Their account may have been hacked.