Whilst this is primarily aimed at those who are less familiar with the Internet, it comes as a timely reminder in the rush of Christmas when it may be easier to drop our guard. So, it is also a refresher to all of us who use the Internet daily, and may be vulnerable to Online Fraudsters and Cyber Crime.

1. Choose, use and protect your passwords carefully, and use a different one for every online account in case one or more get hacked.
2. Use 3-word passwords for better security, and 2 Factor Authentication on key accounts (also known as 2FA, 2 Step verification – 2SV or Multi-Factor Authentication – MFA)
3. Look after your mobile devices. Don’t leave them unattended in public places, and protect them with a PIN, Fingerprint or passcode.
4. Ensure you always have internet security software loaded on computers and a similar app on your mobile devices, and that this is kept updated and switched on. Remember that smartphones and tablets can get compromised as much as computers.
5. Always download software, operating system and app updates when prompted, as these frequently contain security fixes and improvements. If possible, set them to update automatically.
6. You mustn’t assume that Wi-Fi hotspots in places like cafes, bars and hotel rooms are secure, so never use them when you’re doing anything confidential online, like online banking. Instead, use 3G or 4G or if it’s for work, a VPN (virtual private network).
7. Never reveal too much personal or financial information in emails, on social networking and dating sites and in person. You never know who might see it, or use it.
8. Always consider that online or on the phone, people aren’t always who they claim to be. Fake emails, texts and phone calls are a favourite way for fraudsters to approach their victims.
9. Don’t click on links in emails, posts, tweets or texts – and don’t open attachments – if the source isn’t 100% known and trustworthy, or it seems strange that you’d be receiving them.
10. Never pay for anything by direct bank transfer – including goods, services, tickets, travel and holidays – unless it’s to someone you know personally and is reputable. It is safer to use a Credit Card for payments as you are protected by section 75 under the Consumer Credit Act for payments of £100 to £30,000

Take your time and think twice, because everything may not be as it seems.Remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.