Stay scam-savvy in 2026: Tips to protect your practice and your peace of mind

The new year is here – but so are the scammers. While you’re busy resetting goals and getting back to business, fraudsters are counting on post-holiday distractions to slip through the cracks. 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. 

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. 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. 

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.
   
   
5. Encourage safe escalation
   If someone feels uncertain, they should feel comfortable raising it. Speaking up early can prevent larger problems.
   
   

Staying scam aware is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself, your team and your practice. The Grow Community is here to help you stay one step ahead - today and all year round.

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