Dear Carl and Reece
I saw your recent column in ‘Your Postcode’ about staying safe online. Do you have any more tips?
Ray
Thanks Ray. We're glad you're finding the information useful. One of the key signs to look out for is the URL of a website (its web address). If this doesn't end with a familiar domain name extension such as .com, .org and .net, steer clear. Stay away if the URL is incomplete (no trailing slash at the end).
Beware of strange characters such as “%” or “?”. Another red flag is when a website is spelt incorrectly.
Check that a site has a valid SSL certificate. You'll be able to identify this as a padlock in the address bar at the top of the screen. Proceed with caution if there isn't a padlock icon, as the website may not be secure.
Protect your device from viruses by installing antivirus software such as Norton Antivirus Plus.
Free-gift QR code scam
If you receive a call offering you a free gift QR code for a big name retailer, say no! Con artists are hoping to steal people's data by directing them to a fake website through these codes. Always contact the company in question to verify if a deal is genuine.
One-time password (OTP) bot scam
Online bank customers will be well aware of the two-step authentication process that financial institutions require them to go through to reach their accounts. For those not in the know, a person has to input a text code into a bank's system before they can gain access to their money. Scammers are now attempting to acquire these precious details by posing as online bots that entice individuals into sharing these codes with them. NEVER share this code.
Contact Carl and Reece by emailing:
Carl@hewittmatthews.co.uk
Reece@hewittmatthews.co.uk