Fraud does not always look like fraud. Sometimes it looks like an email from your bank. A text from your investment platform. A WhatsApp message from someone who knows your name.

The good news? Most scams are preventable if you know what to look for.

Here are 7 habits we recommend every investor build into their daily routine.

1. Pause before you click

   Any message creating urgency – “act now,” “your account will be suspended” etc is designed to stop you from thinking. Slow down and verify first.

2. Verify the sender, not just the name

   A display name can say anything. Always check the actual email address. United Capital will never contact you from a Gmail or Yahoo address.

3. Never share your OTP

   Not with us. Not with anyone. No legitimate financial institution will ever ask for your One-Time Password.

4. Use strong, unique passwods and turn on Multi-factor authentication

   One password for everything is one breach away from disaster. Use a different password for each financial platform and make them hard to guess. You can also use passphrases instead of words.

   Another hack is to add a second layer or even a third layer (where applicable) of protection to every account that offers it. It takes 10 seconds to set up and makes your account significantly harder to access without your permission.

5. Only use official channels

   If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from us, do not call the number in the message. Visit unitedcapitalplcgroup.com directly or contact our verified customer support channels.

6. Protect your devices

   That free Wi-Fi at the airport? It is not free. Someone else might be watching everything you do on it – including logging into your investment account.

   Never use public Wi-Fi for financial transactions. If you must, use a VPN. Keep your apps and operating system updated, those updates exist for a reason. Enable biometric authentication. Lock your screen. Encrypt your device.

   Your phone knows more about your finances than most people in your life. Treat it accordingly.

7. Report suspicious activities immediately.

   Spotted something suspicious? Escalate immediately. Reporting protects you and the next person in line.

At United Capital, your security is our responsibility too. If you ever receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from us, please contact us immediately at customerservice@unitedcapitalplcgroup.com or call 07000INVEST (07000468378)