Protect yourself
The tools that actually reduce scam risk
Most protection is free: habits and settings. Some paid tools add a useful layer. Here's what each one does, and doesn't do.
The three free habits that stop most scams
- Never share one-time codes or passwords with anyone.
- Don't use links or numbers from unexpected messages. Go to the official app or website yourself.
- When money is involved, pause and verify on a known number.
Tools worth having
Password manager
Creates and remembers a different strong password for every site. It also won't fill in your password on a fake look-alike site, which is a quiet but powerful phishing warning.
Two-step verification (free)
Turn it on for email, WhatsApp, banking and social media. It's the single best defence against account takeover, and it costs nothing.
Identity theft protection & credit monitoring
Alerts you if your details appear in data breaches or someone applies for credit in your name. Most useful after a breach or if you've shared ID documents.
Personal data removal services
Ask data brokers to delete your phone number, address and other details. Less public data means fewer, and less convincing, scam messages.
Security software and scam-call filtering
Blocks known malicious websites and apps. Many phones also offer built-in spam call and text filtering. Turn it on.
VPN
Encrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi. Useful for privacy, but be clear: a VPN does not stop scam texts, calls or fake websites.
When we recommend a paid product we may earn a commission. It never changes our advice, and free options come first. Affiliate disclosure.