The Government has issued advice and guidance on how to protect yourself and your business from fraud and cyber crime.

How can you protect yourself?

Stop

Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

Challenge

Consider if it could be fake - it is okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

The police, or your bank, will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account - they will also never ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN.

Do not click on links or attachments in unexpected or suspicious texts or emails.

Confirm requests are genuine by using a known number or email address to contact organisations directly.

Protect

Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

To keep yourself secure online, ensure you are using the latest software, apps and operating systems on your phones, tablets and laptops - update these regularly or set your devices to automatically update so you do not have to worry.

Visit Take Five for more advice on how to protect yourself from fraud and Cyber Aware for advice on how to keep yourself secure online.

How can you protect your business?

The guidance suggests:

Stop

If you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change supplier bank details, or

provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think.

Challenge

It could be a fake - verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company on a known phone number or in person first.

Protect

Contact your business’s bank immediately if you think you have been scammed and report it to Action Fraud.

Looking for more information?

The National Cyber Security Centre also has advice on how to keep your business secure online.