PHISHING SCAMS
Phishing is a cybercrime where attackers send fake messages, emails or texts appearing legitimate, tricking victims into divulging sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers or personal details. These messages often create a sense of urgency. If you suspect you’ve fallen victim, immediately change compromised passwords, monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, report the incident to your bank or relevant institution and run antivirus scans.
PHONE SCAMS (VISHING)
Phone scams involve fraudsters calling, claiming to represent legitimate organizations like banks, tech companies or government agencies. They often create false urgency to trick victims into divulging sensitive information, authorizing transactions or installing malicious software. If targeted, remain calm, don’t provide personal data and hang up. Verify the caller’s authenticity by contacting the organization directly. If you’ve already fallen victim, report the incident to the relevant institution, monitor accounts for suspicious activity and consider reporting to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).
ONLINE SHOPPING SCAMS
Online shopping scams involve fraudulent websites, ads or social media posts offering products at unusually low prices, aiming to trick buyers into revealing sensitive information, paying for undelivered goods or downloading malware. If targeted, don’t provide payment details. Verify the seller’s authenticity by checking reviews and URLs. If you’ve already fallen victim, contact your bank to cancel transactions, report the incident to Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and monitor accounts for suspicious activity.
PARCEL DELIVERY SCAMS
Parcel delivery scams involve fraudsters sending fake texts, emails or calls claiming a parcel delivery issue. They demand personal details or payment for fake delivery fees, often posing as courier services like Royal Mail or DHL. To avoid falling victim:
What to Do:
– Verify the message by contacting the courier directly.
– Never provide sensitive information or payment details.
– Be cautious of grammatical errors and urgent deadlines.
– Report suspicious messages to the courier service and Action Fraud (0300 123 2040).
– Consider registering for the Royal Mail’s “Approved Sender” service for added security.
INVESTMENT SCAMS
Investment scams involve fraudsters promoting unusually high-return investment opportunities, often with fake credentials and convincing marketing materials. They aim to persuade victims into transferring funds or sharing sensitive financial information. If targeted, be cautious of unsolicited offers and unrealistic returns. Verify the investment firm’s legitimacy with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or Financial Ombudsman Service. If you’ve already fallen victim, report the incident to the FCA (0800 111 6768) and Action Fraud (0300 123 2040), and contact your bank to freeze assets.
ROMANCE SCAMS
Romance scams involve fraudsters posing as potential partners on dating sites, social media or chat apps, building fake relationships to gain trust. They then request money, gifts or intimate photos, often fabricating emergencies or hardships. If targeted, be cautious of flattering messages, evasive answers and requests for financial help. Verify profiles and research photos online. If you’ve already sent money or sensitive content, stop communication, report the profile and contact Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) and your bank.