Fraud is an ever-growing threat in today’s digital world, affecting businesses, consumers, and financial systems globally. From identity theft to payment fraud, consumers and companies are equally at risk and stay vigilant taking precautions to prevent fraud from happening.
Our team at Hughes are dedicated to protecting our customers from fraud and have cyber security and prevention strategies in place to safeguard against fraud. However it is also important that customers take measures to protect themselves from falling victim to fraud.
Here are some top tips to protect yourself from fraud:
· Verify sources: Always double-check the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments. If you receive a cold call and you are unsure about the legitimacy of the call, hang up and phone the company yourself. If you are ever concerned about a call from Hughes Insurance, please call us and we will be happy to verify.
· Secure your accounts: Use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA). Never write down a password or share it with another person.
· Be cautious with personal info: Never share sensitive details over email, text, or social media unless you're sure it's legitimate.
· Beware of unsolicited offers: Be cautious of phone calls, emails, or messages from unsolicited sources offering cheaper insurance or asking for personal information. Fraudsters often use these tactics to steal your information.
· Verify communications: Be cautious about unsolicited emails, phone calls, or text messages, especially if they request sensitive information like passwords or account numbers. Always verify the legitimacy of the communication by contacting the company or person directly using official contact details, not those provided in the message.
· Read your policy carefully: Ensure that you fully understand the terms of your insurance policy, including exclusions, coverage limits, and claim procedures. This knowledge helps protect you from fraudsters who may attempt to deceive you with inaccurate information about your policy or extract additional details through guesswork.
· Shred sensitive documents: Shred documents containing personal information, such as bank statements, tax forms, and credit card offers, to prevent identity theft.
· Report suspicious activity: If something feels off, trust your instincts and report it immediately.
By staying vigilant and implementing these fraud prevention measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.
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