Protect yourself from online scams: essential tips

Recently we have seen an increase in online scams targeting islanders. Last week we saw false Jersey Evening Post headlines. This week we have seen cryptocurrency scams with fake reviews impersonating the Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq and late ITV journalist Gary Burgess.

Online scams are becoming more sophisticated, and scammers are getting smarter. They know that if something appears local or mentions people we know, we are more likely to click the link. The well-resourced organised crime groups behind these scams often use artificial intelligence to make the scams more convincing. Unfortunately, these scams are now a fact of life and are becoming more advanced all the time.

While we do work with our partners to try to take these scams down, it’s not always possible. However, the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself.

This advice is designed for individuals and families. It outlines the steps you can take to spot a cyber scam, and how you can protect yourself.

For more guidance, you can visit our Information pages. You can also book a free cyber advice session with our team by completing this form. If you are experiencing a cyber security incident, you can report it to us by:

How to spot a scam

Be on the lookout for these common signs of scams:

• Fake reviews. Scammers often use fake reviews to make their offers look more legitimate.
• Misleading sign-up processes. Be on the lookout for unclear or deceptive sign-up procedures.
• High-pressure sales tactics. Be wary of offers that pressure you into making quick decisions.
• Clickbait headlines. Scams will often use headlines designed to grab your attention and make you click.
• Sense of urgency. Offers that are time-limited or create a sense of urgency are common scam tactics.
• No trading history. If a company has no trading history or a poor reputation, be cautious.
• No local entity. If the business isn’t locally-recognised or registered, it’s a red flag.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself from online scams:

• Use reputable local businesses. Stick with companies you know and trust. If you don’t recognise a company, try to search for independent reviews.
• Verify who you’re dealing with. Scammers often avoid revealing their true identities or details about their operations. Check website terms and conditions and privacy policies – these should clearly state the name of the legal entity you’re dealing with.
• Check for registration. In the case of companies providing some kind of financial service, you should check that the company is registered with the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC).
• Research independently. Instead of clicking on links from online ads or SMS messages, look up the company online yourself via a search engine. This will give you access to unbiased information and reviews.

Remember, if you find a cyber scam that you think might pose a serious risk to you or others, you can report it to JCSC using our contact details. If you have been a victim of fraud, you should report it to the States of Jersey Police by calling +44 (00) 1534 612 612.

The bottom line

Always remember, if something seems to good to be true, it probably is.