Staying in Touch and Safe Online When You Work Abroad

Your phone will be your link to family, your bank and your support. It can also be where scams reach you. A few habits make a big difference.

Staying in touch

• Agree with your family how often you will call or message, and what to do if they do not hear from you.
• Share your address, your employer's name and a contact number with someone you trust.
• Keep your embassy's number and your specialist's contact in your phone.
• Apps that work over Wi-Fi are cheap, but check that you have access in your housing.

Protect your phone and accounts

• Use a screen lock.
• Use a different, strong password for your email and your bank, and do not share them.
• Turn on two-step verification for email and any money apps.
• Keep your phone's software up to date.
• Do not share one-time codes with anyone, even someone who says they are from a bank or an employer.

Common scams

• A message that says you have won a prize or a visa.
• A call or message from "your bank" asking for your PIN or a code.
• A job offer that asks for money first.
• A message that looks like it is from your employer or recruiter but comes from a new number, asking you to pay or confirm details.
• Stop, and check using a number you already know is real. Do not click links in messages you did not expect.

Protect your documents and photos

• Do not post pictures of your passport, visa, contract or payslip on social media.
• Send documents only to people you have checked, and only when needed.
• Be careful about what you share about your location and your housing.

Money apps and remittances

• Use official apps or registered providers, and check the amount that will arrive before you send.
• Keep receipts and the transfer reference.
• Do not send money to a person you have not verified.
• Check the account name before you send.

Social media

• Be careful about public posts that describe your employer or complaints in detail. Keep your complaints in writing to the right authority. See our guide on writing a complaint.
• Be wary of private messages from strangers offering jobs, loans or help.

If something goes wrong

• If an account is hacked, change your passwords and tell your bank.
• If you have been scammed, keep screenshots, report it to the platform and to the local police, and tell your embassy if it involves your documents.
• If someone threatens you, keep the messages and contact the local emergency number and your embassy.

This guide gives general information.