As we move into a new year (and all the sales shopping this brings), it’s a good time to make sure we’re up to speed with ways to avoid the latest online scams. Just as we set new goals and plans, scammers are also adapting, finding new ways to steal money or personal information.
The tactics haven’t changed much
Many scams rely on the same ideas they always have, pretending to be someone trusted, creating urgency, and encouraging action. What has changed is how convincing these messages now look. Emails, texts and messages are designed to look like the versions you’d trust, making them harder to spot. It’s often the smallest details, such as a tiny spelling mistake, that gives the game away.
Check, then check again…
Requests that look routine, such as a message from a colleague asking for details, a payroll request, or even a system login, can be targets for scammers. They rely on habit and familiarity, knowing colleagues are busy and may click without thinking. Pausing to ask yourself “Am I expecting this message?” is one of the simplest ways to break that pattern.
Pressure is part of the trick
Urgency is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Messages claiming accounts will be locked, actions are needed immediately, or a colleague needs urgent help are designed to rush decisions. In some cases, emails have pretended to be from managers asking for quick help while they were “in a meeting”. The aim is always the same, to stop people from thinking, checking and asking questions.
Small clues still matter
Even the most convincing scams usually contain small signs. The sender’s address may be slightly wrong, a link may not lead where it should, or the request may feel unusual for that person or system. These small details are often easy to miss, but they are still one of the most reliable ways to spot a scam.
Speaking up stops the spread
Many scams are stopped early because someone raised a concern. Trusting our instincts and reporting something that doesn’t feel quite right helps protect patients, colleagues, and our systems.
If you receive an unexpected or unusual message, pause before clicking, take a moment to check the details, and if you’re not sure, report it.