How to stay safe online

KEEP YOUR BUSINESS SAFE AND SECURE

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Introduction 1. What to watch out for 2. How to stay safe 3. If you are scammed

Introduction to 'How to stay safe online'

Fraudsters often use emails and texts to try to scam organisations. Their goal is to steal details and money. Real companies will never message telling you to move money or asking for your details. Keeping up to date and knowing what to do can help you to avoid this type of scam.

In this lesson, we’ll help you to spot possible scams. You’ll also find out what to do if you do experience one.

What you'll learn

  • The different types of scams.
  • What to look out for.
  • How to keep yourself and your business safe.

How long it takes

4 minutes

Chapter 1 - What to watch out for

What to watch out for

Chapter 1

How long it takes

2 minutes

Impersonation scams

This is when someone pretends to be from your business or charity, to steal money. They do this by asking you to make an urgent payment for them. If a message asks for an urgent payment, always speak to the sender in person to make sure it’s real. Use a number you trust and not one from a message.

Remember – always double check the sender is real.

 

Malware (viruses)

Fraudsters can hide a ‘virus’ in a message attachment or link. This can then infect your device. A virus slows your device, and the fraudsters use it to steal your details and money.

 

Here are two of the main types to watch out for:

Spyware

Fraudsters use technology to steal your details or money by spying on your device.

Ransomware

Fraudsters block files and / or stop your device from working properly. Then they ask for money to get your device working again.

Spyware

Some types of spyware will take your device over; others will monitor your movements. It can often come from following links or opening attachments that you weren’t expecting. Even if you pay, you might not get access to your computer back. Only follow a link or download a file if you know and trust the sender or website you’re on.

 

Ransomware

Here, the fraudsters want to make money by interfering with your device in some way, then asking for payment to fix the issue.

Remember

Always check the website or email is real before you follow any links or download anything.

Links to fake sites

Some scam messages use a link that takes you to a fake site. The site will then try to steal your details. Only follow a link if you know and trust the sender. If the website you’re using looks odd in any way, don’t log on or enter any details or passwords. It could be a fake site, or your device may have a virus.

Remember – think before you follow that link. If in doubt, move away from sites you don’t trust or are unsure of.

Introduction - How to stay safe online
Chapter 2 - How to stay safe

How to stay safe

Chapter 2

How long it takes

1 minute

Top tips to stay safe online

Not sure if a message or website is a scam? Here are a few things to look out for:

The sender's email address

'Spoof' emails look real, but the email address is odd or not what you're expecting. Check too for spelling mistakes, for example: ‘Lloids’ instead of ‘Lloyds'.

Messages out of the blue

Even if you know the sender, be careful with a message that you didn’t expect. If in doubt, check. Call them on a number you trust.

Links or attachments

Only select these if you’re sure it’s safe. Ask yourself: ‘do I know where this link will take me?’

Requests for details

Real companies or people will never message you to move money, or for banking or personal details.

Double check the sender

An urgent request to make a payment or change payment details may be a scam. Always check it’s real - speak to them in person, or call them on a number you trust.

Anti-virus software

Always use this to protect your devices. Make sure you update it regularly, too.

Chapter 1 - What to watch out for
Chapter 3 - If you are scammed

If you are scammed

Chapter 3

How long it takes

1 minute

What to do if you're scammed

The first thing to do is report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk. In Scotland, you can contact Police Scotland on 101. Once you’ve done that, you should try to take steps to stop further damage. If the fraud affects your bank account, you should contact your bank straight away.

Related learning links

How to recognise email scams

View lesson

How to recognise scam phone calls

View lesson

Take 5 to stop fraud

Go to Take 5 to stop fraud Opens in a new tab

Protect yourself from fraud

Go to lloydsbank.com Opens in a new tab
Chapter 2 - How to stay safe

Want to learn more?

There are many more lessons to help you keep your business safe and secure.

Go to this topic Keep your business safe and secure

 

Lloyds Bank Academy is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Lloyds Bank does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 15th May 2025.

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