Protect yourself
Three rules and a few habits. That’s most of it.
The three rules
Money + stranger online = stop.
Never send money, gift cards, crypto or codes to someone you only know online.1
Hang up and call back.
Use a number you find yourself: on your card, in your banking app, in your contacts.23
Rush + secret = scam.
“Act now” and “tell no one” are there to stop you thinking. Tell someone.45
Good habits
- Agree a family code word for emergencies.
- Turn on two-step verification for email, banking and social media.
- Keep social accounts private. Hide your friends list.
- Don’t move to another app just because a stranger asks.
- Don’t use links or numbers from unexpected messages.
- Talk about scams with family and friends. Scammers rely on silence.
Sources
- Official sourcePorter plainte pour une escroquerie aux sentiments (THESEE)
- Industry bodyStop, hang up, call 159
- Official sourceLa Banque de France met en garde face à l’arnaque téléphonique aux faux agents de la Banque de France
- Official sourceElder Fraud: avoiding scams and swindles (fear, hope and love tactics)
- News reportBritish engineering giant Arup revealed as $25 million deepfake scam victim