October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year our campaign centres around four essential habits for staying safe online:
- Spotting and reporting scams
- Using strong passwords and password managers
- Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Keeping software up to date
Let’s start with the first habit: recognising and reporting scams. It’s simple, but powerful.
Why Scam Awareness Is Crucial
Scams are no longer just dodgy emails with poor grammar. They’ve evolved. Today’s cyber criminals use artificial intelligence to clone voices, impersonate colleagues or family members, and create fake videos that look disturbingly real.
According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, nearly half of people worldwide face scam attempts every week. In the UK and beyond, professionals are increasingly targeted because of the sensitive data they handle.
Whether it’s a fake invoice, a spoofed email from a supplier, or a voice message that sounds like your manager, the goal is always the same - to trick you into handing over money or confidential information.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
Even though scams are getting smarter, the warning signs haven’t changed much. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Urgency and pressure: Messages that demand immediate action or threaten consequences.
- Requests for sensitive information: No legitimate organisation will ask for passwords, bank details, or personal IDs via email or text.
- Suspicious links or attachments: Hover over links before clicking. If the URL looks odd or unexpected, don’t touch it.
- Too-good-to-be-true offers: Free cash, mystery prizes, or guaranteed returns? Classic bait.
Scams You’re Likely to Encounter
Here are some of the most common scams doing the rounds today:
- Phishing and smishing: Emails or texts pretending to be from banks, delivery services, or government bodies.
- QR code scams: Fraudulent codes placed in public areas that redirect to fake websites.
- Social media impersonation: Fake profiles posing as friends, colleagues, or even clients.
- Tech support scams: Pop-ups or calls claiming your system is infected, urging you to give remote access or payment.
For care providers, this might look like a fake email from a regulator or a spoofed message from a resident’s family. For M&E professionals, it could be a bogus invoice or a fake job request from a known contractor.
What Should You Do If You Suspect a Scam?
Spotting a scam is only half the job. Reporting it is just as important, and it helps protect others.
Here’s where to report suspicious activity:
- Your bank or card provider: For anything involving money or suspicious charges.
- Your mobile provider: Most carriers have ways to report scam texts and robocalls.
- Your IT or security team: At work, flag suspicious emails or messages immediately.
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Your colleagues and family: Share what you’ve seen so others don’t fall for it.
- Local law enforcement: Especially for identity theft or scams targeting vulnerable individuals.
Why Reporting Matters
Every report helps build a stronger defence. When you flag a phishing email or a dodgy text, you’re not just protecting yourself, you’re helping your entire network stay safe. Scams thrive when people stay silent. Speaking up breaks the cycle.
Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
Cyber criminals are constantly refining their tactics, and AI is making their tricks more convincing than ever. But the fundamentals haven’t changed:
- Be cautious with sensitive requests.
- Verify unexpected messages, even if they seem to come from someone you trust.
- Report anything suspicious, quickly.
For decision makers, scam awareness isn’t just a tech issue. It’s a business-critical habit. Protecting your data, your team, and your clients starts with staying alert.
Final Thought
Cyber Security Awareness Month is a great reminder that staying safe online doesn’t have to be complicated. Recognise scams early, report them quickly, and you’ll help keep your business and your community secure.
Want help building a scam-proof strategy for your business? Get in touch. We’re here to support you.
