How to Protect Yourself

Protecting yourself from fraud begins with building strong habits. These practices reduce your chances of becoming a victim—no matter whether scammers contact you by phone, SMS, or email.

1. Strengthen Your Digital Security

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Activate MFA on:

• Banking apps
• Email accounts
• Social media
• Online shopping accounts

Even if someone gets your password, they cannot log in without your second authentication step.

Keep Your Devices Updated

Install security updates on:

• Phones
• Computers
• Apps

Updates patch vulnerabilities scammers often exploit.

Enable Spam and Scam Filters

Most email services and phone carriers offer:

• Spam detection
• Fraud warnings
• Call screening

Activate these features to block many scam attempts before they reach you.

2. Avoid Sharing Personal Information

Never share sensitive details through phone, SMS, or email:

• Passwords
• PIN codes
• Verification codes
• Full credit card numbers
• Photos of ID or bank cards

Legitimate companies will never ask for this information unexpectedly.

3. Verify Messages Through Official Channels

If a company contacts you:

• Do not click links inside the message.
• Instead, open the app or website manually.
• Or call the company using a verified number (from their official site).

This removes the scammer’s ability to trick you with fake links or fake phone numbers.

4. Protect Your Phone Number and Email

Scammers often collect numbers from:

• Online forms
• Data leaks
• Social media

Limit where you share your number or email and avoid posting them publicly.

5. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels weird, rushed, or too good to be true:

• Pause
• Verify
• Do not act until you’re sure

Your intuition is often the first and best line of defense.