Scams spike during the festive rush. Everyone is juggling patients, presents, end of year deadlines and a social calendar that looks like a game of Tetris. According to Credabl’s Compliance Officer and Head of Risk, Ron Jiang, who brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services and banking, that distraction is exactly what fraudsters rely on. Their goal is simple. Catch you off guard, create urgency and get you to act before you think.
Below is a practical guide to staying scam aware at home and in business, along with an added layer of defence in understanding how Credabl quietly runs an internal protection line on your behalf.
Five personal tips to stay scam safe
Fraudsters are organised and skilled, which means awareness is your best protection.
- Pause before you act
If a message creates pressure or anxiety, stop. Urgency is designed to make you react before thinking. Any request asking for immediate payment, password resets or account changes deserves caution.
- Validate the source
Check the real email address, not just the name. If something looks unusual, contact the sender through details you already trust. Ron often receives emails that appear legitimate but are not. A quick call is enough to confirm.
- Do not click first, think first
Unexpected attachments, reset links or invoice files are common tools used by scammers. If the message is unusual, verify it directly with the source before opening anything.
- Be cautious when sharing other people’s information
Fraudsters often ask for someone else’s contact details. It feels harmless but can give them the final piece of information they need. Always validate before sharing.
- Trust your instincts
If something feels off, it usually is. When someone calls claiming to be from a bank or government agency, ask for their details and call back using an official number. Scammers rarely continue once you start verifying.
Five business tips to protect your practice
Medical, dental and veterinary practices are increasingly targeted because they handle money, data and multiple suppliers.
- Check supplier bank details carefully
Fraudsters sometimes hack supplier emails and send invoices with altered bank details. Cross check against your previous records and call the supplier if information has changed.
- Use call back procedures for financial changes
If anyone asks to change direct debits or bank accounts, never rely on email alone. A simple call back protects you from expensive mistakes.
- Educate your team
Staff often spot inconsistencies first, such as changed email signatures or unusual attachments. Encourage them to question anything that feels out of character.
- Be conscious of internal risks
Fraud inside organisations does happen, which is why layered approvals and restricted access matter. Controls protect your business as much as your clients.
- Encourage safe escalation
If someone feels uncertain, they should feel comfortable raising it. Speaking up early can prevent larger problems.
How Credabl protects you behind the scenes
While you are keeping an eye on your inbox, Credabl is running layered controls to protect your information and money. Ron and the Risk Team monitor patterns, check supplier details, verify identity information and investigate anything that feels off, often catching attempted fraud before it reaches a client. For Credabl, vigilance is standard, not seasonal.
In closing, pause, validate and be cautious before clicking. These simple steps go a long way in helping you move through the silly season with confidence.