In the webinar you can learn how to protect yourself and elderly people often most at risk from the most common online scams that can be especially rife around the festive season. But anyone can become a victim of digital scams. They are a growing problem in the UK and criminals are using social media, email, and messaging services to target their victims. Worrying about falling victim to online criminals can, understandably, make some people reluctant to engage in the online world. Recent research from BT Group* highlighted that some older internet users may be less familiar with the online world than others, so this webinar aims to provide valuable tips to vulnerable groups who may not be as online savvy as others. The benefits of getting online can really make a positive difference to everyone's lives, so stay safe by learning about the common tactics that are used to attempt to fool us all. What you'll learn: In this free webinar, speakers from Greater Manchester Police and AbilityNet will share their expertise to help you: Learn about common online scams to be aware of, particularly over the festive period Arm yourself with background knowledge about what to avoid Find out about some of the warning signs Find out more at: www.abilitynet.org.uk/ScamsWebinar

1. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
How to avoid the 12 scams of Christmas
Hollie Bowker, Greater Manchester Police
Alex Barker, AbilityNet
Lucy Walsh, AbilityNet
Annie Mannion, AbilityNet (host)
Tuesday 12 December 2023

2. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Welcome
• Live captions during the online event – toggle on/off
• Additional captions available via streamtext.net/player?event=AbilityNet
• Slides, a transcript and recording will be made available:
www.abilitynet.org.uk/ScamsWebinar
• Please use the Q&A window to ask questions
• Chat function is disabled
• Feedback form to ask any follow up questions post-event

3. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Who are we?
AbilityNet supports people of any
age, living with any disability or
impairment to use technology to
achieve their goals at home, at
work and in education.

4. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Today's speakers
• Hollie Bowker, Cyber Prevent Officer, Greater Manchester Police
• Lucy Walsh, BT Digital Skills trainer (Cardiff), AbilityNet
• Alex Barker, Disability Consultant, AbilityNet

5. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Poll 1:
Have you ever been scammed?
• Yes
• No
• Not sure
• Not applicable

6. 6
The wonderful digital world

7. 7
What is a scam?
A ‘scam’ is a trick, a ruse, a
swindle, a racket. Its nearest
synonym is Fraud’

8. 8
Scam 1- Delivery scams
Tips: Check the sender email or telephone
Go back to your original order and track the delivery from there

9. 9
Scam 2 - Fake e-card scams
 Check who the sender is.
 Check who the card is sent to, does it
mention your name?
 Don’t just assume that because the
card has a logo, that it is legitimate.
 Don’t download any .EXE files.
 Hover on the links to see full details.

10. 10
Scam 3 – Finance scams
Tip:
Use anti-virus software and keep software and Apps up to date.
Signs to look out for:
• A generic greeting.
• Says your account is on hold
because of a billing problem.
• Invites you to click on a link to
update or verify something.

11. 11
Scam 4 – Family impersonation scam
Tips:
• Call the original number you have saved for that
person.
• Does the wording sound like your family member?
• Ask a question that only your family member could
answer.
Family brings a sense of urgency
STOP and THINK

12. 12
Scam 5 - Tech support scams
Don’t panic!
Hang up.
If you want to check - find the
company’s official website and
look for its customer support
phone number.
Don’t allow remote access.

13. 13
Scam 6 - Romance scams
Source: Romance scams in 2023 + online dating statistics - Norton

14. 14
Scam 7- Pet scams
Meet your new best friend. Pedigree schnauzer puppies available now.
Males and females available. Cost £750 Call 07936 34xxxx. Deposit of
£375 (bank transfer only) will secure your doggy friend.
Tips:
• Research, research, research
• Review the sellers’ reviews and history
• Use recommendations from trusted friends and family
• Ask to see the animal in person/video call before any
payments
• A dog is for life, not just for Christmas!
• Be wary of stock images used

15. 15
Scam 8 - Energy scams
Think:
• Does it seem too good to be true?
• Is this a real energy company? double-check/research
• Are you being pressured to transfer money quickly?
• Are you being asked to pay in an unusual way? E.g.
iTunes vouchers or a transfer service
• Are you being asked to give away personal information
such as passwords, PINs or other verification codes?

16. 16
Scam 9 – Fake websites
• Is it a paid search engine ad?
• Check the web address
• Read the homepage to double-check the site
• Https vs http
• Look for the padlock
Tips:
• Research your online retailer
• Use a credit card
• Only complete mandatory details * (or use PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Keep your accounts secure – strong, different passwords

17. 17
Scam 10 - Fake rewards and prizes
Tips: Challenge what you see. Is it too good to be true? Can you find the same
information in more than one place or from a trusted source?

18. 18
Scam 11 – Fake endorsements
“Sadly, the scams are not
going to disappear
overnight, and I would urge
everyone to be vigilant and
always check for official
website addresses and
verified social media
accounts.” Sir Richard
Branson, Virgin Group
Founder

19. 19
Scam 12 - Car parking scams
Tip: Download the parking App
directly through your App store or
Pay store.

20. 20
Stay safer

21. 21
Prevention
• Anti-virus
• Passwords
• Checkawebsite site
• https://haveibeenpwned.com/
• Padlocks on browsers
• Personal information stays personal

22. Cyber crime: Protect and
Prevent

23. PREPARE
Ensure the necessary capabilities exist to tackle and respond to cybercrime.
PROTECT
Reduce the vulnerability amongst our communities from the threat of cybercrime.
PREVENT
Prevent people from becoming involved in cybercrime.
PURSUE
Relentless disruption and prosecution of those committing cybercrime.
UK Cyber Policing

24. Passwords
Password:
*********
*
First things first:
 Do not disclose passwords to anyone else.
(Especially younger children in the family).
 Don’t use anything personal in your passwords!
(Pets/Children's names/football teams/memorable dates etc.)
 Ensure that all your accounts have different passwords
(work and personal) – ESPECIALLY EMAIL!

25. So how do we make STRONG passwords?
Three Random Words
PenAppleFish
The magic number is…
12
We advise: Three Random Words
 Ensure that all of your accounts are protected with a LONG and STRONG password

26. Updates
Software and app updates contain vital security
updates to help protect your devices from cyber
criminals.
Cyber criminals use weaknesses in software and
apps to attack your devices and steal your data.
Software and app updates are designed to fix
these weaknesses and installing them as soon as
possible will keep your devices secure.

27. Photo: Freepik
Password:
*********
*
2-step verification (2SV), which is also known as two-factor
authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA), helps
to keep cyber criminals out of your accounts, even if they know
your passwords.
When you set up 2-step verification, you’ll be sent a PIN or code,
often by SMS or email. You then need to enter this PIN to prove
that it's really you (since it’s presumed only you - and not the
cybercriminal) can access your phone or email.
2 Step Verification

28. Photo: Freepik

29. Photo: Freepik
SEND EMAIL TOTO;
report@phishing.gov.uk
REPORT VIA TEXT:
7726
Phishing

30. How many letter Fs on this page?
OFFICIAL .
SENSITIVE
FINISHED FILES ARE THE RESULT
OF YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC STUDY
COMBINED WITH THE
EXPERIENCE OF YEARS

31. PHISHING LEGITIMATE
Mousing over the link or using a long press will show you that it goes
to the insecure imitation domain “drive—google.com”.
Let's start with this Google Doc
email.
Be sure to check out the sender
details first.
Then check the link URLs by hovering
or using long presses, and to explore
the email addresses.

33. 1.Create a
separate
password for
your email
2. Create a strong password
using three random words
For example,
“HippoPizzaR0cket1!”
3. Save your passwords
Use a password manager,
browser or other secure
method
4. Turn on two-
step
verification (2SV)
5. Update your
devices
6.Turn on
backup

34. All information within this presentation
is up to date as of 12 December 2023.
For further updates beyond December 2023
please refer to The National Cyber
Security Centre at NCSC.GOV.UK

35. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Poll 2:
Do you now feel better informed to identify
potential scams?
• Yes
• No, I’m still not confident
• I'm not sure
• Not applicable

36. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Open Q&A
Please use the Q&A window, not the chat window
Slides, transcripts and a recording of this online event will be made available

37. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Free IT Support at Home and online
• Factsheets, webinars available: abilitynet.org.uk
• Helpline: 0300 180 0028 – 9am to 5pm,
Monday to Friday
• Free tech support for disabled and older people:
www.abilitynet.org.uk/at-home
• 350+ tech volunteers who can solve IT issues either
remotely or in person
• Want to volunteer? /volunteer

38. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
BT Digital Skills
Get free digital skills training to support older people (65+ years) in London,
Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff and surrounding areas.
www.abilitynet.org.uk/BTDigitalSkills
• group sessions or one-to-one sessions in a communal space or at home
• factsheet and Jargon Buster supplied
• selection of topics covered including: staying safer online, using social
media, watching TV online, access Public Services e.g. Gov.UK. making a
video call, and banking and shopping online

39. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Accessibility and inclusion training courses
Save 10% on 2023 training courses: discount code AbilityNetWebinar10
Book now: www.abilitynet.org.uk/training
• FREE: How to build a disability inclusive workplace: 18 January 2024
• How to create accessible documents and presentations: 25 January 2024
• Accessible social media: 01 February 2024
We also have options for staff training via eLearning to complete online any
time /eLearning

40. How to avoid the 12 Scams of Christmas – December 2023
Keep in touch
• AbilityNet newsletter: abilitynet.org.uk/newsletter
• Accessibility services: abilitynet.org.uk/accessibility
• Free webinars: abilitynet.org.uk/webinars
Have a great 2024!