Everyday habits to help you stay Scam Safe

Scams often strike when you least expect them. A phone call at dinner, a text saying your account is locked, or an email claiming you’ve won a prize. It can feel overwhelming, especially when the message sounds convincing.

The good news? Just like locking your front door or checking the smoke alarm, you can build simple habits that help protect your money and identity. Once these routines become second nature, staying scam‑safe is much easier.

Daily habits that protect you

• Pause before you act 

Scammers want you to feel rushed. They might say your account will be frozen or a loved one is in trouble. Take a breath. If it feels urgent or alarming, that’s a red flag. 

• Hang up and call back 

If someone calls claiming to be from your bank, internet provider, or the tax office, don’t trust the number on your screen. Politely hang up and call back using a trusted number you know is legitimate – like the one on the back of your bank card. 

• Think twice before clicking 

Links in texts and emails are a common trap. Instead of clicking, go straight to the official website or app. If the message is genuine, you’ll see the same alert there. 

• Use strong, simple passwords 

Consider a passphrase. It’s similar to a password, but instead of creating a string of letters, numbers and symbols, use words that tell a story. For example: MyP3tGo@tL0v3sC@. It tells a silly story that’s easy to remember, while increasing the unpredictability of your password and making it difficult to guess. Find out more here.  

Weekly or monthly habits

• Check your statements  

Scan your bank and credit card statements for small, unusual charges. Catching these early can prevent bigger losses.

• Update your devices  

Updates often include security fixes. Set your phone, tablet, and computer to update automatically. 

• Shred before you bin  

Old bills and statements can be gold for scammers. Shred or tear them up before throwing them away.

• Talk about it  

If you get a suspicious message, share it with family or friends. Talking about scams removes stigma and helps others stay alert.

• Practice your online skills 

Visit Be Connected to access a free online course that teaches you how to perform common banking tasks securely from home.

What to do if you slip up

Even the most careful person can be caught off guard. If you click a link, share details or transfer money: 

• Call your bank immediately. Acting fast can stop or reverse a transaction. 

• Change your passwords. Start with email and banking logins. 

• Report the scam. ScamWatch and IDCARE can guide you and provide support.

Building scam‑safe routines

The beauty of habits is that once they’re part of your routine, you hardly think about them. Just as brushing your teeth prevents decay, scam‑proof habits help protect your money. You don’t need to do everything at once.

Start with one small change this week, like pausing before acting on a text message. Over time, these steps add up to powerful protection.

Staying scam‑savvy isn’t about being suspicious of everything. It’s about giving yourself time, space and the right tools to make confident choices. Remember to Stop, Check, and Reject.