How you can protect yourself from online & offline fraud?

• Watch out for scams: Phishing, Vishing, Cyberstalking, skimming, etc are some of the many scam perpetrators use to trick you into sharing your personal details. Watch out for these scams and don’t click on links, emails and attachments that look suspicious
• Update passwords regularly: Your username and password are the only elements stopping perpetrators from accessing your data. Make sure you update both regularly, once in two months at the very least. Use random passwords with use of letters, numbers and special characters. Don’t opt for the most common or relevant passwords as those are the easiest to crack.
• Use secure websites: Never click on any link embedded in an email; it’s safer to type the link into your browser. Read the URL carefully as most phishers set up identical websites for fraudulent activities. If you notice a spelling error in the URL or think a website looks unsafe, don’t take the risk. Stop all activities right there.
• Keep personal information safe: If you keep a copy of your information in your phone, always set up a PIN/Password to keep your phone locked. If you store the bank mailers containing your account information, keep it safe in a locker or someplace that is not easily accessible. 
• Avoid social engineering: Do not share valuable information on social media as most attackers use human interaction to gain information. Keep your details private and be wary of any connection/friend requests from people you don’t know. You can avoid being a victim of a social engineering attack by being suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, SMSs or emails from individuals asking about personal/internal information. Avoid sending sensitive information over the internet before checking the website’s security. It’s also advisable to install an anti-virus software that could protect your system from fraudulent activities.
• Secure your internet connection: It’s advisable to never use public networks to carry out banking and financial transactions. However, you must also ensure that your personal or home connection is completely secure. Set up a password so strangers don’t have access to your internet connection. 
• Shred documents before discarding: If you’re throwing away any documents that has personal information on it, ensure that you shred the document completely before discarding it. Perpetrators are known to use to mail theft to steal people’s identities
• Delete suspicious emails: Emails are one of the most used ways to access people’s private information. If you come across any emails in your inbox that look suspicious or has been sent by someone who isn’t on your contact list, delete the emails without opening them. If you do open them, be wary of clicking on any links or attachments as such files have malware and viruses designed to enter your system and scan for sensitive information.