Warning of con over private school fees
AWARNING has been sent out after a Halton resident received a scam email from a con artist claiming to be a payment confirmation for their child’s school fees.
A Halton Council spokesman said that the recipient knew that it was a scam because she does not have any children at private school.
On this occasion the scammers have decided to say that the payment confirmation relates to school fees.
However, the spokesman added the same techniques are used claiming that the confirmation is about payments to other organisations.
Halton Borough Council’s executive board member for Trading Standards Cllr Dave Cargill said: “Scammers will send thousands of emails at a time and they only need a relatively small number of people to respond to make it worth their while.
“The chances are that some people who receive this email will have a child at private school and may click on the link without reading the email properly.
“It’s likely that the link contains ransomware or spyware that will be downloaded to your computer to either freeze your computer – you’ll be asked to pay a ransom to have the malware removed – or steal your personal information.”
Residents who receive any email with a payment confirmation attached are advised to read it very carefully.
Those who are unsure about a payment they have made are advised to ● check their bank statement before opening the email.
The council spokesman added: “If you receive this email delete it without opening and without clicking on any links.”
Residents who have been caught out by a scam can contact specialist officers who are already working with people in Halton who have lost thousands of pounds to scams by calling 0151 511 8785 or 0151 511 8775.
Those who need advice on anything else can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline or 0345 404 0506.