There are certain points in the year when it’s beneficial to have a reset, whether that be fitness, diet or even money management. And, the first quarter of any new year is exactly one of those points in the calendar.
Not too early yet not too late either, integrating small habits into daily routines during Q1 can produce big shifts in mindset and actions to enable the rest of the year to run like clockwork.
With technology growing ever more sophisticated, being aware of scams should be on your radar for 2025 according to Alex Somervell, a scam expert. A close relative of Alex’s was scammed and since set up a free scam checker for consumers. Alex says: “Scammers are often more sophisticated than many of us and prey on people of all ages, often reeling them in to giving away private data linked to bank accounts via sensitively written letters, texts and emails. This year, we’re urging everyone to become more scam savvy on all the platforms they use, from email and Facebook to suspect calls and text messages.
“Life is often very busy for many of us and at times it’s easy to click on something that could potentially be harmful without giving it a second thought. This year, make it a priority to have your own personal scam checker, which can be a member of your family or friend, or use AskSilver for for free.”
Top 5 Tips to Stay Scam Safe in 2025
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Stay Alert to Unsolicited Contact
Be cautious of unexpected calls, emails, or messages asking for personal information, even if they appear legitimate. Scammers often impersonate trusted organisations with accurate logos and businesses addresses. Always verify the source before engaging and give your provider a call to double check. For example, if it’s someone messaging you saying it’s a relative ask them about a couple of specific memories that only they would know.
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Protect Your Personal Information
Avoid sharing sensitive details such as passwords, bank account numbers, or PINs over the phone or on platforms like Facebook unless you’ve independently verified the recipient’s authenticity. Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.
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Double-Check Before You Click
Think twice before clicking on links or downloading attachments, especially in emails or texts from unknown senders. Scammers often use phishing tactics to lure victims into sharing information or infecting their devices with malware. If you suspect an email isn’t legitimate, send it to Ask Silver for verification and you’ll get an answer in seconds.
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Stay Informed About Current Scams
Regularly educate yourself on the latest scams and tactics used by fraudsters. Follow trusted sources like government websites or consumer protection organisations to stay updated.
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Trust Your Instincts
If something feels too good to be true or makes you uncomfortable, it’s likely a scam. Take your time to research and verify any offers, requests, or warnings before acting. Legitimate organisations won’t pressure you to make hasty decisions.
Being vigilant and informed is your best defence against scams in 2025. Stay safe, stay informed and use AskSilver for help.
Ask Silver is an AI-powered Scam Checker that consumers can use to check if something is a scam or not. It is available for free inside WhatsApp, just like any other contact of yours that you can message. You simply send through a screenshot of anything you want to check, and you can even report scams to the authorities with one tap at the end of the check.
