Richard Schueler’s Advice to keep you Safe from Scam

1. Richard Schueler’s Guide to keep you Safe from Scam Scams can come in several forms, but they are all designed to get hold of your money. They do this by getting you to disclose your personal details, stealing your information, or even tricking you into handing over the cash willingly. It is important to know how to recognize a scam so you can guard yourself against fraudsters. Ways to recognize a scam Email address - If you get an email, enlarge the pane at the top of the message and see who it has come from, it can say it is from TV Licensing but if you click or hover over the name it may reveal something different. If it is a scam, the email address the message has come from may not match up with the sender’s name, have random numbers, misspellings, or be from one of your contacts that have been hacked. Unsolicited or unexpected contact - If you have received any contact, but especially a phone call, out of the blue, it is best to stay away from it. There has been a ban on cold calling about pensions for the last few years now. This means you must not be contacted by any company about your pension unless you have asked them to. Text messages – Modern scammers can make their numbers appear like the one you believe, like your banks. The scam text message may even appear in the same conversation as legal texts you have had before. This is known as ‘number spoofing. Quick decisions. If you are pushed into making a decision instantly, be suspicious. Scammers do not want you to have time to think about it. Any legal company that calls you would not mind if you hang up and call them back later. Use the phone number you get on letters from the company or on the back of your card. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. This is something you usually find with pension or investment scams, where the fraudster ensures you huge returns but tells you it is low risk. Richard Schuelersays that scammers are getting increasingly sophisticated in their attempts to get your money or personal details. Be alert and guard yourself against being scammed by following these tips. Know who you are dealing with. If you have only ever met an individual online or are unsure of the legality of a business, take some time to do a

2. bit more research. Do a Google image search on photos or search the internet for others who might have had dealings with them. If an email or message comes from a friend and it seems unusual or out of character for them, get in touch with your friend directly to check that it was really them that sent it. Do not reply to phone calls about your computer asking for remote access; hang up, even if they mention a renowned company. Scammers will frequently ask you to switch on your computer to fix an issue or set up a free upgrade, which is actually a virus that will offer them your passwords and personal details. Do not open pop-up windows, suspicious texts, or click on links or attachments in emails – delete them: If hesitant, confirm the individuality of the contact through an independent source such as a phone book or online search. Do not use the contact details provided in the message sent to you. Keep your computers and mobile devices secure. Always use password protection, do not share access with others, and update backup content and security software. Protect your Wi-Fi network with a password and avoid using public computers or Wi-Fi hotspots to access online banking or offer personal information. Richard James Schueler says that it is important to review your privacy and security settings on social media. If you use social networking sites, be careful who you connect with and learn how to use your privacy and security settings to make sure you stay safe. If you have recognized doubtful behaviour, clicked on spam, or have been scammed online, take steps to secure your account and be sure to report it.