🛡️ Don't Get Caught Out Online: Stop, Challenge, Protect

Criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but you don't need to know every scam to stay safe. Whenever you're online, using social media, or checking messages, remember these three simple steps:

🛑 STOP
Received an unexpected request for money, personal information, or account details? Pause and think. Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly.

🤔 CHALLENGE
Could it be fake? Never click links in unexpected emails or text messages. If someone claiming to be your bank, the police, or another organisation contacts you unexpectedly, verify their identity using trusted contact details you have found yourself.

🔒 PROTECT
If something doesn't feel right, stop communicating immediately. If you've shared personal or financial information, contact your bank straight away and report the incident.

5 Quick Rules to Follow

📱 The "Out of the Blue" Rule - Treat unexpected messages asking for money or information as suspicious until proven otherwise.

🔑 Keep Security Details Private - Banks, technology companies and the police should never ask you to disclose your full PIN or password.

🏦 There Is No Such Thing as a "Safe Account" - Criminals often tell victims to move money to a "safe account". Genuine organisations will not ask you to do this.

🔗 Verify Directly - Do not use phone numbers, email addresses or links provided in a suspicious message. Use official websites or trusted apps instead.

🔐 Turn On Two-Step Verification (2SV) - Add an extra layer of protection to your important accounts, especially your email account.

If You Receive a Suspicious Message

📧 Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and then delete them.

📱 Forward suspicious text messages free of charge to 7726 (spells "SPAM" on your keypad) and then delete them.

If you are the victim of Fraud or Cybercrime

🌐 Report online here: UK's Home for Reporting Cyber Crime & Fraud - Report Fraud

📞 Or call: 0300 123 2040

📞 To quickly contact your bank dial 159

👥 Please share this advice with friends, family, and colleagues to help keep Devon & Cornwall safe online.