Scams such as the Monzo text scam are a dishonest and unfair way to steal personal information and money. It can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are online or off.

Scammers often reel victims in with a problem or a prize. They might say you’re in trouble with the government, that you owe money, or that someone in your family needs help.

Do not give out your personal information

A scammer’s main goal is to steal your personal information. This includes your Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers and more. This information should not be shared with anyone who calls you or emails, especially if you don’t know them. Honest companies will never ask you for this information uninvited. Scammers use tricks like familiar terminology and brand recognition to make their requests appear legitimate. For example, a recent scam used fake messages that appeared to be from Netflix asking users to provide their credit card details. This tricked people who may have been fans of a brand into giving their data.

Once scammers have your information, they can use it to access your accounts or blackmail you. They can also sell your information on the Dark Web to other cybercriminals. It is therefore important to protect personal information and use strong, secure passwords.

Scammers can get your information through stolen phone numbers and mail. Scammers are increasingly intercepting your mail through hacking postal systems and redirecting them. On the Dark Web you can buy stolen phone numbers and sell them to other scammers. They can be obtained via phishing email or social media.

Scammers often try to rush their victims and push lots of emotional hot buttons, such as fear. They want you make a quick decision without consulting others or thinking about the matter. This pressure may lead to people making irrational and regrettable decisions. Take a pause if you feel pressured to act immediately.

Hacking into databases of reputable government agencies or companies is another way scammers can obtain your personal data. Then they can email or call you pretending to represent the company and ask for sensitive information. This can include your bank account or card information, the name of a spouse or child, and even medical information. This type of information should only be shared with trusted sources. You should also check the website and phone number of any business you are considering.

Don’t respond to requests

Scams occur when someone tries tricking you into giving out personal information or money. This can be done by mail, online or in person. Scams can happen to anyone. It is important to protect yourself as well as others.

Do not respond to requests from people you know, even if the request is coming from them. Criminals rely on people making quick decisions and putting their trust in the person who contacts them. You should not act on a request unless you have spoken to your family, friends or advisors first. Scammers are skilled at making their offers look legitimate, but if you ask for proof, they will often have to go to a lot of trouble.

Never share personal information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited, regardless of whether it is over the phone, in person, or on social media. This includes your name, address, bank account numbers, Social Security number, or other personal information. Scammers are able to use this information to steal your money or your identity.

Avoid sending money to anyone that asks you to do so using untraceable methods, such as wire transfers or pre-paid cards. Sending money through these channels is almost always a fraud, as the sender will not be able to collect on their promise of payment. Scammers also often send checks that are fake, so it is important to check the return address and the name on the check before depositing it into your bank account.

A way to protect yourself would be to have your mail delivered through a door-drop rather than to a mailbox. This will prevent criminals stealing your money or personal information by intercepting the mail. You should also check the privacy settings on your social media accounts and use a call blocking app on your mobile phone. You can use a search engine on the internet to verify the legitimacy a phone number or website.

Click on links only when necessary

Never click on links in an email, text or social media post unless you are sure where they will lead you. Even seemingly harmless links can download malware that compromises your computer, tablet or mobile device — or steals your personal information. It’s easy for people to click on a link that is a scam and not think twice. However, malicious attacks are getting more sophisticated.

A single click could lead you to a phishing website, where attackers will try to trick and trick you into downloading malware or providing confidential information. It could also redirect to a page which exploits vulnerabilities on your device or browser. Don’t forget that you could be taken to an advertising campaign that collects data about your online habits to target you with advertisements.

A popular phishing scam involves messages posing as Netflix, informing users that their account has been suspended and they must provide credit card information to resolve the problem. This ploy works by using familiar branding, and a sense that the victim is in a hurry. Unfortunately, many victims have their data stolen or devices infected with malware.

Don’t pay in a specific way

Scammers do everything possible to get you to make a quick decision. They may even press your emotional hot buttons. They want you so scared that you can’t think clearly and critically. It is important to be patient and ask yourself if a statement is true.

Don’t send money to someone via an untraceable means, such as a gift card or wire transfer. These methods cannot be tracked and there’s a good chance you’ll never see your money again. Always use a credit card or bank account to pay for things you know are legitimate, or better yet, just go buy the product yourself.

Another example would be when a scammer pretends that they are a company with which you do business. They may call you or send an email claiming that they need to verify personal information. This is a big red flag! Always check the company’s website and phone number on Google before giving out any of your personal information. Also, hover your mouse over links to verify their web address. Some scammers change the first or second letter of the web address in order to make it seem more legitimate.

There are many types of scams and new ones appear every day. But there are a few key warning signs to watch for:

1. They pressure you to act quickly.

2. They ask for a particular payment method.

3. They claim to represent a government agency with which you do business (such as the IRS or Medicare).

4. They claim to be a member of the emergency services.

5. They impersonate a family member or friend who is in danger and needs help.

6. They ask for money through a wire transfer or gift cards.

7. They pose as a loved-one you’ve met on the internet and ask for cash.

Scams are not limited to certain groups. However, some people have a higher risk of becoming a victim. Seniors, consumers with high debt levels, and those with limited English language skills are all at risk.