#3 Steps to Protect

19 October 2023

This week we are sending out a message with a difference. Whilst this new campaign is
aimed at school communities, along with a competition for students with a great prize to be
won, we really need the support of grandparents, parents and teachers alike to get young
people involved.
Over half of all crime is now online fraud and its growing. It is the most likely crime students
and local communities alike will suffer. It is having a devastating impact on victims and
wider society with links to terrorism and organised crime.
However, unlike most crime there are some simple measures people can take to stop all but
the most sophisticated attacks. In collaboration with the University of Worcester we have
launched a new campaign called #3StepsToProtect. We want to encourage people to take
three simple steps to protect themselves from fraud and online harm.
We recognise that for certain sections of the community, such as the elderly, some might
struggle to follow the technical steps they need to take. We want to ask your students to
help their grandparents and elderly neighbours follow #3StepsToProtect.
Worcester University have helped us create a very short video that sets out what the 3
steps are and encourages younger people to help protect their elderly relatives. By
promoting the #3StepsToProtect campaign, we hope to empower young people to play an
essential role in safeguarding their loved ones. Please encourage young people to get
involved in this campaign.
 
The #3StepsToProtect campaign focuses on three key steps that can significantly enhance
online security:
 STRONG PASSWORDS – Encourage your loved ones to create strong, unique passwords
for their online accounts. We recommend 3 random words along with number and special
characters to increase complexity.
 TWO STEP VERIFICATION (2SV) – Help your relatives enable two-step verification for their
accounts wherever possible., this adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form
of authentication, such as a code sent to a mobile device.

 STOP AND THINK – Teach your elderly family members to pause and carefully consider
any requests for personal information or financial transaction s they receive online.
Encourage them to verify the legitimacy of such requests before taking any actions.
 
You can watch the video here: https://youtu.be/9W1GIGr_3MU
 
                                                                Take Five to Stop Fraud 
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information
could keep you safe. 
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals
will try to rush or panic you. 
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it
to Action Fraud
ALWAYS REMEMBER:

• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number 
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests

* Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams

If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via
actionfraud.police.uk
Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action
and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.
Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk
 Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or
neighbours.