Find out how MNers got on at Take Five’s fraud event. PLUS non-attendees chance to win £150 John Lewis voucher! NOW CLOSED

[EllieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the MNers who attended an exclusive event where they were given tips and advice for protecting themselves against financial scams and fraud, as well as enjoying special treats to ‘take five’ out of their busy lives.

Here’s what Take Five have to say: “Our research shows that many people do not feel confident that they could identify a fraudulent approach. Therefore the event will aim to empower and inspire parents to feel better prepared to ‘confidently challenge’ fraudsters, and recognise signs of fraud - remembering the mantra – My Money? My Info? I don’t think so.”

Attendees, please answer the questions below:

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?
• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?
• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?
• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Non-attendees - To be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £150 John Lewis voucher, please share on the thread how you 'take five' out of your busy lives to relax.

All attendees who post answers to the above questions below will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 John Lewis voucher.

If you weren’t able to attend, you can watch the talk on fraud here.

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

For me, the key message was the same as the event name ... 'Take Five'. If you're not sure about something, take the time to think it over. If you think you're on the receiving end of a scam, i.e. a call purporting to be from you bank and you're not sure, take a moment, tell them you'll call back and don't be 'British' about not wanting to offend.

The event gave me food for thought on what to look out for in future - I was well aware of phishing emails, but am now clued up on 'vishing' (voice phishing) and SMShing (fraud via text).

I learned that potential scammers will target anyone - you don't have to be young or naïve and there are quite sophisticated means of doing so - i.e. being able to change their telephone number so that what appears on your phone actually looks like the number for your bank.

It was great to be able to hear about ridiculously simple ways to protect yourself - such as there being less risk of using an in-branch ATM machine as they are less likely to have been tampered with.

In a nutshell, I would describe the event to a friend using the 'my money, my info' mantra. Be vigilant (hopefully not to the point of paranoia like my mother - although to be fair, she has not been scammed yet!) and if in doubt, take five. If your actual financial institution is trying to get hold of you, there will be no hurt feelings if you ask to verify their identity by calling them back on a number you know is correct!

1. The key message is definitely be aware, don't be pressured into anything, take your time. Take five is a really good name for this as it's easy to remember and to the point.

1. Yes definitely, I have already through junk emails seen how much more advanced and savvy fraudsters are, I often get copycat emails from PayPal and my bank asking for details and on one occasion was nearly caught out. Now I always check the email sender account and I never take calls unless I know the number. My opinion is, if the bank wants to get in contact with me they'll do more than just email and phone. If I get an urgent email asking me to ring them back I always ring the number on the website not in the email.

The double fraudster scam was particularly alarming for me as I could see myself getting caught out by this and also that they only need 3 pieces of information.

1. I have definitely learnt to stand my ground and that my bank would never ask for specific bank details. To never panic when I get any form of contact be it email or phone and to always be cautious.

1. Definitely more aware of the different and new scams. It's easy to sit back and think, "that will never happen to me" but after hearing another mumsnet talk about her mother, I've realised fraud doesn't just affect myself by also my family. I might think that I am invulnerable and "know what I am doing" but the rest of my family may be vulnerable and that affects me deeply. This event was not just about us but about spreading the information that we have learnt, so that our children and parents, those that are learning and those that live in a technology world they weren't born into may be safer.

1. As the campaign says, take five. Fraudsters are coming up with new campaigns every day, we won't be able to keep up with them. Never panic, never feel pressured, if uncertain ring them back, using the phone number on the website/back of card.

Thanks mumsnet for a nice evening

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

For me it was about trusting your instincts and taking time to really think things over it something seems a bit ‘off’.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes, definitely. I knew about certain types of scams but it definitely broadened my knowledge.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

I think the thing that will really stick with me is just how prevalent these scams are, the number of people there who had experienced them and the frequency of the attempts really shocked me.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, definitely.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Be vigilant, these scams are everywhere, and don’t be afraid to take time and research if something doesn’t seem quite right.

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
To 'Take Five' if we are ever unsure or if we think we could be laying ourselves open to fraud

Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?
I definitely learned something. I wasn't aware that fraudsters could change the number that they appeared to be calling from - or sending texts from! I thought it was quite scary that a fraudsters text could come through and sit as part of a thread of valid messages from a bank.

What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?
The staggering amount of fraud that there actually is.

Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?
Yes, most definitely.

Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?
I would tell them that if in doubt over a call / text from their bank they should 'Take Five' and that when shopping online, a credit card is safer than a debit card.

Thanks for an informative and pleasurable evening Mumsnet. I learned something and my nails are looking lovely as I type this!

The key message was to take time, to trust our gut reaction to take time out to make sure that we are postive and clear about the information we are receiving and take time time out to be postive that it is genuine.

From attending the event I feel more confident that I would be able to identify and be more awear of fraudsters and there actions.

I most learnt from the event that Fraudsters have no discrimanation in who they target and to take time to double check.

I feel that I have gained more knowlege in the way fraudsters operate and how to deal with any situations that arise.

In a nutshell I would tell people to be more vigelant and to take time out before responding to any matters regarding transactions and giving out any details over the phone. and to make sure to always verify and be certian of who they are talking to too.

It was a great informative evening. and nice to be pampered too.

That Fradsters do not discriminate in who they target and can happen to anyone.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

To be prepared to stop and think before handing over either personal or financial details if I'm not completely sure the person or company requesting them has a legitimate reason to do so.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Absolutely. While I think I knew most of it already, I didn't know the phone numbers could be so easily faked, and that was a helpful wake-up call.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

The technical capabilities of the scammers. The level of devious combined with the tech was higher than I think I suspected.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

To be cautious about who you give personal and financial information to. To be suspicious of emails purporting to be from banks etc requiring information and to always check the URL I'm about to click. And to remember that if something looks too good to be true, it probably is: look for reviews of websites online if you're unsure a vendor is legit, and step away from the deal if you're not sure.

And if your bank calls and ask for details, end the call, pick up your mobile or other completely different phone, and call the number on the back of your bank card, or your normal telephone banking number.

But yes, thanks very much for last night. Have already put this into practice after seeing an incredibly appealing FB and this morning, but which went through to a different site and some utterly improbable - but very cheap - prices for Singer sewing machines. I couldn't find any reviews of the site in question, and the price felt too good to be true, so I've decided not to buy. I'm not sure I'd have been so suspicious without last night's talk, and I'm pretty sure it stopped me becoming a victim of fraud as a result.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

Listen to your instincts and be aware of potential fraud.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes, there were some really interesting stories which showed the different techniques that might be used.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

That it's OK to be a bit suspicious and even put the phone down on a call that raises your suspicions. In fact it's fine to not even pick up the phone if you don't recognise the number.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, I learned different terms like smishing and vishing

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Don't click on email links from anyone you don't recognise, and for big transactions if you're transferring large sums, double check the account details by phone. Don't give personal details over the phone to anyone who claims to be your bank - they won't ask for it. Be careful when using shared wifi in public places, and don't log on to banking or financial websites except at home or in another trusted place.

Thanks for the opportunity to attend a very interesting evening and the treats and canapes were lovely.

I really enjoyed this evening - thank you Mumsnet for arranging it all.

I found it scary that fraudsters can spoof a number so a dodgy text message they send with dangerous links can appear to be from your own bank and even be in a string of real messages from the bank. Will be extra careful from now on!

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

Lots of useful tips, the main one being to literally take 5 before giving any details. We are often too polite and want to be helpful and feel pushed into giving information but really need to hold back a bit more.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes - I hope so!

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

How sophisticated scams and frauds are - that nobody is immune and there is no stereotypical victim.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Be very very very careful. Don't trust anyone, especially if they call/text/email you; take everything with a pinch of salt and check before giving away any personal information or financial information.

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

It was to stop and think before reacting if you receive an unsolicited call or text or email and not to be afraid to challenge anything that you are not immediately happy with.

Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes. It was reassuring in a way that I am already doing a lot of what was advised (e.g. hovering over the email address when I receive a genuine looking email from e.g. Paypal to check the URL, calling back numbers that I think might be dodgy etc). However, I also learnt about some tricks that were new to me e.g. the "double" fraud where you receive 2 phonecalls, one that you disbelieve and then a second one purporting to be from your bank, chasing up on the dodgy first call... I think this will make me more vigilant in the future.

What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

How clever the fraudsters are and how easy it is to be targeted and to fall for the tricks, no matter how wise we consider ourselves to be!

Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, definitely.

Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

"Take five" if you suspect a call or text or email is dodgy and check it out - properly - and then be aware of possible follow-up scams!

The key message was to take 5 (minutes/ seconds) to stop and think before proceeding to share information.

Yes -- I definitely learned about some scams I had not heard of before the event so will be able to identify them in the future.

The most important thing I learned was it is always possible to be scammed but if things seem odd I should take my time and not be pressured by the situation.

Yes I know more about scams and fraud in than i knew before the event.

I would tell a friend to take 5 to respond to dodgy emails, calls, text messages and remember -- the fraudsters are clever. If you are defrauded contact your financial intuition as quickly as possible to try and sort the situation out.

Thanks for hosting the event --- I found it informative.

- Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

That nobody is too clever to be defrauded, and the only way to sidestep attempts is to always take a step back, and think about what you are being asked, whenever money or personal data is involved.

- Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Absolutely. I was quite complacent before. I've never once refused to take a call from the bank checking anomalous expenses, for example, and apparently 95% of us are in that boat. It would never have occurred to me that someone calling with my name, the correct bank, and my address could be a fraudster - to me, fraud has been those emails telling me I've got to help some oligarch launder money in exchange for a hefty payment. In future I will always refuse to speak to anyone calling the house asking me to verify identity, and call them back using a legitimate number already in my possession. I had no idea how organised the criminals were, or how much data they would have on you before most approaches were made. Nor did I know that they could spoof texts to the degree they could insert a scam text into a legitimate thread on your phone from your actual bank. The level of professionalism and knowledge fraudsters can have was startling.

- What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

That you should never trust any approach from any organisation made directly to you, but always call them back.

- Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Exponentially more. Because I always spot the obvious frauds, and haven't ever had eg a card cloned, I felt reasonably confident. I now feel that was dangerous, and I was actually very lucky not to be scammed before now. I would unquestionably have fallen for some of the examples given.

- Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Become Mad-Eye Moody from Harry Potter - CONSTANT VIGILANCE!

Just kidding. I think... But what hit home most to me was that human beings instinctively trust others, and that's a good thing... but it lays us wide open to those who seek to exploit us. And as we don't spend our own lives dreaming up clever ways to steal from people, we can't always spot it when we are targeted. The only way to protect yourself is to have a blanket rule: check, check and check again, whenever handing over any data. That means online, on the phone, or in person. Make sure the website is legitimate; make sure you've called the bank yourself using your own numbers and not ones they/the message provide. Be suspicious! What's the worst that can happen? Someone may think you're a little rude. That's nothing compared to the risk of losing a very large amount of money, as well as the time and effort necessary to resolve the situation.

On a far less suspicious note... if anyone gets asked to a Mumsnet event, GO! The canapes were lovely, the wine was Berry Bros & Rudd, the manicures and massages were fab and the women doing them so, so lovely (one squeezed my mum in for an extra when she realised she wasn't well!) and the life drawing classes were a lovely extra. Though they were just hands and arms, with no naked Chris Hemsworth. You can't have everything in life, can you. I met some lovely, lovely Mumsnetters as well (apologies to the SENDCO who so patiently and kindly talked to me about educational provision... you were a total plus to my day!)

Thank you to those organising it, because it wasn't just useful info - it turned out to be a nice evening, too.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

To stop and take 5 - take a little time out to consider what you're doing - don't give away info, ring people back, preferably on a different phone and on a number you find yourself.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future? Yes ..I think so. I think I'm quite good at spotting fraud and being careful but realise I've become quite complacent and particularly if I'm in a rush or distracted it would be easy for me to just rush through a payment, for example, without checking properly first. Also I realise how things have changed and new frauds are now happening that I wasn't aware of. eg) fraudsters intercepting email or text threads part way through.
• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event? To just start again to be very aware.. refuse to give information over the phone without checking it out, ring back people, double check things even if they seem genuine.
• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event? Yes I thought the speakers were very good and gave good examples. I was shocked that someone could join an email thread asking money to be transferred to a different account to the one previously mentioned! I'm sure I wouldn't have suspected that before but hopefully I would now. Also the fact that fraudsters can choose the phone number that comes up when they call you.
• Following the event, how would you describe what. you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Anyone can be a victim of fraud. Take 5 and check out that callers or emails are genuine before giving out any personal information. Check the email address of suspicious emails as they will often look dodgy.

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

I really enjoyed the fact that the key message was, quite simply, to "take five" and pause for a moment to consider whether everything feels as it should when dealing with online or telephone based financial transactions. If it doesn't feel right, don't do it.

Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes, definitely. The event helped me understand how very prevalent fraud is, and how very clever fraudsters are, so I am now so much more aware than I was before!

What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

As above, the thing I learned the most was how clever and, I suppose, how technically advanced fraudsters are. The text message that one of the panelists sent to an audience member "from her bank" was incredibly powerful. I would have fallen for it! Now, I won't. I hope!

Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Absolutely. I also learned that people who don't know much about technology (like me!) are more at risk.

Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

I told a friend about it actually. I said the whole message was to try not to let panic about money make me rush into action, when it's better to stop, take five, and think about how best to deal with something. A text message from my bank, for example, asking to call them could wait five minutes for me to look online for their number with no repercussions, but responding right away could mean I am tasty frauster prey!

Thanks for the event- my make up looked great too ;-).

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
Just to pause for thought, not everyone is who they say they are.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Not to identify them, but certainly to be more aware and question more. Liked the simplicity of the advice to just hover over a link and see did the link look dubious. If it does, it may well be.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

That our own nature is to trust what falls in our inbox, especially if it appears to be from a brand we recognise. This is what fraudsters rely on.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event? A little, yes, but I'm a lot more aware.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend? That actually you can't be too careful, and that you should question all communications that ask for you make yourself vulnerable to a fraud, and that the harm that can come from not doing so can be devastating for people.

Thanks for my invite!

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

Check and verify if anyone asks you for personal details, including bank details, in the future

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

It will help. However fraudsters evolve and find new ways of targeting people.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

That gaining personal details is the aim, so that they build up a database of information on you.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

A little, but still feel vulnerable. Since the event I had a phone call from a smartly spoken, plausible, man who had my name, but then asked if I lived at 30 Wiltshire Avenue, and then went on to talk about appliance guarantees. Rather than correct him on my address I simply agreed, and then abruptly he put the phone down. I assume he was after the address that went with the phone number.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Check and verify if anyone asks you for personal details,

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

Think before you answer and give away your information. Most legitimate business would not ask you any personal question and password so it is a major red flag.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes definitely. Some of the frauds I have heard of at the event was completely new and I had no idea such scams existed. I am now well aware and cautious and won't give away any information easily.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

The variety of scams already happening. Some, I think I would have fallen for if I hadn't known. Now I do!

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes definitely.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Never give away any information to anyone. If in doubt call back looking up the real number of the bank or caller company. Never give away your password to anyone.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was? It was about taking time to respond to something even if you thought it was genuine, to avoid fraud. So when you get that call or text from your bank it’s taking time before you respond eg by providing details etc- Take 5 (minutes/seconds/days) just take time to respond.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future? Yes, it was very insightful and I was shocked at some of the real life stories shared.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event? That not everything is as it seems. Take care when giving out your details and be wry mindful of your location too.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event? I knew about it before and the event confirmed some of my suspicions. It was good to hear from leading experts and those in the banking sector too.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend? Always take time before you give out anything about yourself- it can wait!

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
To be aware of anything suspicious and trust your instincts, if you have any cause for concern, literally 'take five' to step back and assess the situation. If something is too good to be true it probably is and look out for scammers scare tactics.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes definitely, even though I am already cautious about the issues, I still learnt new things to make sure I am even more clued up.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

More insight into the tactics used by scammers and scams such as smishing.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes definitely.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Be aware of the types of scams out there, and that they are constantly trying to be more convincing. Never give out any personal & financial details over the phone/email no matter how much you think it may be a genuine. Always take time out to think, step away from the situation, even contact a trusted source, before doing anything else.

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
A very simple one - 'Take Five' means take a little time to stop and think 'is this legit?' when it comes to anything that involves your money or personal data.

- Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?
Perhaps not to identify them as such, but to be more aware that ANY communication could be fraudulent. You often simply cannot tell, so awareness is key. Don't click, don't give away details over the phone without thinking, but call a recognised number to check the communication came from the correct source.

- What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?
I'd like to think I was pretty savvy and have kept myself safe from scammers, but I think I learnt that even the most suspicious folk can still be fooled! For instance, I had no idea before the event that 'legitimate' phone numbers can be made to appear on a phone screen by callers & little nuggets like that will help me in future.

- Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?
Yes - and it's reinforced the need to stay vigilant - and informed.

- Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?
That even the most savvy can still be scammed! The key learning message of the event was a very simple one - never, ever assume that email, text or phonecall really is from your bank, PayPal, eBay etc and ALWAYS take a moment before clicking, responding or giving details over the phone. And don't be shy about saying you'll call back and putting the phone down!

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
Take five seconds/minutes? to think about what you are doing/saying and who to where your money and personal info is concerned

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future? Yes, I feel less naive now

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

That calls and texts can appear to come from a legitimate source even when they are fraudulent

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, definitely

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Take nothing and no one at face value, be always on your guard and verify callers by calling back using a number that you have personally located eg company website, statement or on your card

Thanks for organising the event. My nails still look great btw!!

Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?
To literally take a few minutes out before responding to requests for personal data.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

I hope so - although I think it made me realise that I too could be taken in by some of the more clever ploys. As the fraudsters finess their skills it means unless I stay vigilant it could happen at some point.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

To call your bank back at their main number rather than give any details away on the phone.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, there are many more ways of fraud than the blatantly dodgy emails I delete!

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

I would tell them that fraudsters target all types of people - not just the elderly or vulnerable - and are after any type of personal as well as financial data. They can even send messages that come up on your phone with the banks name, as if they are sent from your bank! If you get a call asking for any details, then tell them you’ll call them back. Always speak to your bank on their main number and never feel pressurised into giving out personal information.

Thanks for a really enjoyable evening - felt very pampered, and will be directing my teen to the Take 5 website.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

To take a breath, think it through and then decide what to do. Ask for details and phone the person back to check if they are who they say they are

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

It has certainly made me more alert to the possibility of Fraud but everyone is vulnerable

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

To check and check again

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, I think I have a more overall awareness

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend? Be alert, be aware, don’t be too busy to check

The panel were great - The ex police officer was really helpful
Thank you

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was? Stop and think.
• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future? Yes definately. I was so naive before- I had heard of a few scams but the different ways and sophistication of them was an eye opener.
• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event? Stop and think
• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event? Yes!
• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend? Stop & think... take time, don't rush.

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

To take five minutes when giving out personal details such as bank details and personal info. Go with gut feelings, don't be bullied and pressurised into doing things. Be suspicious and don't be afraid to end the call for example.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

Yes I do, bevause the info was upto date. The criminals are becoming more and more devious, like being able to change their number so it looks like a local number or for example your bank or internet provider.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

Don't trust anyone who contacts you about issues with any account you hold. Don't call into the trap of believing who the caller says they are.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes I never knew they could stay on the line after you've hung up! I also think it's important to keep to date as the scammers change tactic all the time. It's also good to hear from the industry experts.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

Be savvy, take five to have a think about who this person is who has contacted you. Nothing major will happen in the five minutes you take think about what this person is telling you. The old saying also still rings true 'if it seems to good to be true'..

Last week I have attended this event. And what an eye opener it was!

• Can you tell us what the key message for Take Five was?

The key message for me is not to be given into pressuring and give away my personal info. As the event title suggest, to take five minutes and think, to go with gut instinct and if it feels wrong it may be is wrong.

• Do you think having attended the event would help you identify fraud and scams in the future?

I would like to think so, I am now aware that this is an organised crime and a very big business. Hence, not giving into text messages that appear to be within the genuine text messages, or that even phone calls can be disguised like coming from real bank.

• What would you say you learnt the most about at the event?

I learnt to take everything with a pinch of salt, not to trust easily to phishing mails, phone calls or text messages. To take time think and then contact the bank for example from the other number, rather the one scammers called.

• Would you say that you know more about fraud and scams since attending the event?

Yes, definately.

• Following the event, how would you describe what you’ve learnt - in a nutshell - to a friend who didn’t attend?

I would always say to be aware of the magnitude of the financial scams, to not trust even the messages that appear within genuine messages, as they have means to do that, not to use the same phone number they called to, not to give away our personal info easily.