Ways to stay aware of online scams

Have you received a call from a fake HMRC bot to inform about you having a new tax refund or to ask for information? This is one example of current scams, and it can happen to anyone via email, phone, text or social media. We all know that scammers are getting more and more sophisticated in the way they are approaching victims, so you need to be aware.

According to public data, three out of four people in the UK have been targeted by it, so we want you to know a few ways to try and stay safe.

1. If you are contacted out of nowhere to request your personal or financial details, do not share your information and contact the official numbers to help you. Scammers can fake numbers, emails, or any other way of contact.
2. HMRC, official organisations or any other business will never ask to transfer money to another account.
3. Do not open random links sent to you over any form of communication as they are used to register every key you type in your phone or PC to steal your passwords and sensible information.
4. Your bank or other organisations will never ask for your passwords, PINs, codes, or security information as they already have it. If you are unsure, you can always contact them directly.

There is no shame if you have been a victim of online scams, it can happen to anyone so be careful of suspicious numbers contacting you. You can always call back the official numbers to verify transactions and information.

To discuss tax and other ways to support your business, get in touch with your local AIMS Accountant.