Our cyber security apprentice, Zakk Cordingley, delivered a talk to customers at our St Mary’s Retirement Housing in Leeds about how to stay safe online.
Scammers are becoming increasingly clever in their tactics and are targeting the most vulnerable people in our communities, which is why we want to raise as much awareness as we can.
We sat down and had a chat with Zakk to see how his first session went and to find out what’s next.
Q: Why did you decide to visit customers to teach them about online safety?
A: The opportunity cropped up and it was one I couldn’t turn down! I believe it’s important to educate our customers and the business on the importance of protecting themselves and their information online. A lot of people aren’t aware of the potential dangers that come with using the internet, leaving them vulnerable to online threats.
I felt it was important that I delivered the session in person as it allowed me to give them personalised guidance on how to stay safe on the web, answer any burning questions, and tailor my advice to their specific needs and worries.
Q: How did your first session go and what sort of feedback did you get?
A: My first session went extremely well! I was chuffed to get matched with lots of questions and people also spoke about their personal experiences with scams.
The feedback I received was very positive including comments about my confidence! One person said they found the session very useful, and they left the room with a much better understanding of what to look out for.
Q: How important do you think it is that customers take scam awareness seriously?
A: It’s extremely important. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are constantly finding new ways to trick unsuspecting people into handing over their personal information, money, or sensitive data.
Falling victim to a scam can have devastating consequences, both financially and emotionally. Scams can cause individuals to lose their life savings, ruin their credit score, or even lead to identity theft. It is crucial for customers to be aware of the warning signs of a scam, such as phishing emails or phone calls, requests for personal information, or promises of quick and easy money.
Taking scam awareness seriously means being vigilant and sceptical of any suspicious activity online or offline. It also means taking proactive steps to protect yourself, such as keeping passwords secure, regularly monitoring bank accounts and credit reports, and reporting any suspected scams. By taking scam awareness seriously, customers can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to fraudulent activity and help create a safer online environment for everyone.
Q: Whilst you’re on the subject then – please can you give us 3 top tips for staying safe online?
A:
- Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication especially on apps such as your bank or social media accounts.
- Keep your software up to date.
- Be cautious of phishing scams. These are typically carried down over email, instant messaging, or texts. The message will often contain a link to a fake website that’s designed to look like a legit one. The fake website will ask the user to enter their personal or financial information, which is then sold by cybercriminals.
Remember – if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is!
Q: Really handy tips – thank you! Are you planning on holding more sessions like this for other customers in the future?
A: I am, yes! After a successful first launch, the plan is to hold monthly sessions for customers. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and new online safety challenges are emerging all the time. By staying up to date with the latest trends and threats, I can give customers the most relevant and effective information to protect themselves and their data.
If you or someone close to you thinks they’ve been scammed, it’s important to report this information as soon as possible to Action Fraud.