How to Spot Scams

Our inboxes and text messages are constantly buzzing, and with the rise of broadband scams, it's become more important than ever to be savvy when it comes to spotting fraudulent messages. Scammers use various methods, including texts, emails and WhatsApp messages, in order to trick people into sharing personal details or making payments. There are new scams appearing all the time, so we're going to break down some telltale signs you should look out for in emails and text messages.

Broadband-related scams are becoming increasingly common as fraudsters take advantage of people’s reliance on internet services. With more households and businesses depending on broadband for work, communication, and entertainment, scammers are finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and recognise the warning signs of broadband scams to avoid falling victim.

Emails

Things to look out for:

  • They don’t use your name 
  • Messages have spelling or grammar mistakes 
  • They attempt to worry or rush you to take action (time limit) 
  • They want you to click on a link 
  • Sent from an unofficial or suspicious email address

Texts (Whatsapp)

In addition to the email warning signs, question how they could have got your number? If the message doesn’t make sense, it’s probably a scam. A common theme among scammers is including a suspicious link in their message. It’s crucial that these links aren’t clicked on as they are not secure and may allow access to your personal details through your device. 

Things to look out for:

  • They won’t accept a real call/video call 
  • They won’t use your name 
  • They won’t use their name 
  • They will be very vague on details 
  • Do not click on any links

Too good to be true?

When receiving suspicious, spam messages, ask yourself; Do you know the sender? Why would a personal account be sending on behalf of a company?

If in doubt, question them, don’t click on any links you weren’t expecting. If it’s a company you deal with already (bank, supermarket etc.) log into your account to check if it’s a genuine message from them.

Cosmic Digital Skills Logo

Cosmic Digital Solutions

Cosmic are the digital solutions people facilitating digital success for all, in a uniquely crafted and inspiring way. They have a range of fully-funded digital skills and transformation programmes across the South West. Take a look at what’s available –

Workplace Digital Skills – equipping the workforce of SME’s in Devon & Somerset with essential digital skills necessary for success.

Digital Leadership for SME’s - Preparing managers & leaders with the skills to plan and drive digital transformation across their organisation. Open to SME’s in Devon & Somerset.

Prosper Business Support – Free business support for pre-start and trading businesses in Mid Devon, East Devon and Exeter, aiming to assist businesses in enhancing productivity, achieving net zero goals, entering new markets and developing new products.

Pathway to Net Zero - Free support for Plymouth-based businesses to adopt more environmentally conscious processes and move towards becoming net zero.

Future Farming Resilience – Fully funded digital and technology support for farmers and land managers within the South West region. Improving digital skills to enable them to have the confidence and ability to navigate the Agricultural Transition.

 

Stay Vigilant and Further Educate with Wildanet

At Wildanet, we want to empower our customers to be confident with their broadband provider. In order to further educate our customers we have developed our customer hub. Here we answer our most common questions and include helpful guides and policies. If you have any other questions, please get in touch today!

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