How to protect yourself from falling for a scam
This week I was clearing my emails when an urgent message from PayPal arrived saying someone was trying to access my account.
Funnily enough, a fraudster had attempted to get into my bank account a few days before, so I clicked on the link and checked it looked legitimate (which it did).
I entered in my email address and password and clicked… and realised I’d made a basic error.
Looking at the website, it exactly mirrored PayPal down to the design, layout and fields you fill in.
But it was a con. I knew I’d made a mistake straight away (and failed to follow my own advice!) .
In my defence, I was busy and tired and not paying attention. But in one click, I’d compromised many online accounts.
I spent a very sweary three hours going through my online accounts changing all my passwords – just in case. That will teach me. The point is, anyone can fall for a well-crafted scam.
Here’s a reminder of the top text and email scams doing the rounds.
Texts from banks, credit card companies or online payment services
More than anything, fraudsters will target wherever you keep your cash. In the run up to Christmas, we’re already seeing a new wave of texts and emails that look like they are from your bank, credit card provider or online payment service.
The latest scams ask you to confirm if you’ve authorised a payment. This is because psychologically, the fear of being defrauded means you’re more likely to react and click on the link in the heat of the moment.
But don’t be fooled. I’ve spoken to every financial organisation in the UK and not one of them will ask you to click on a link in a text or email – though they may ask you to get in touch with them through their official website.
Messages from a delivery company
Scams are often seasonal and fraudsters know that at this time of year we are ordering more things online – particularly given the warnings about shopping early for Christmas.
A text or email reminder that you’ve missed a delivery seems legitimate on first glance. But stop and think first if you’re still waiting for a parcel. Most courier firms will try a redelivery and yes, those annoying cards are still the way most businesses inform us that they’ve ‘attempted to deliver’.
This scam works by getting you to ‘log on’ – only the information you type in is then used to create fake online identities or break into your accounts.
Texts, emails or calls from the DVLA, HMRC or other ‘official’ organisations
Fraudsters watch the news and exploit problems to their advantage.
Over the last year, the DVLA has struggled to process driving licence renewals or requests leading to significant backlogs. If you need to renew your passport, then the current advice is to do this at least nine months before the official expiry date too, increasing demand.
Tax issues are a concern for most of us. Even if you don’t have an application in for a licence or passport – or a tax issue – a message from an official organisation can often tempt people into clicking on links to fake sites. Be wary of any messages that come through by call, email or text.
Worried you’ve been scammed?
If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your bank or card provider immediately and explain what you think has happened.
They will be able to check accounts and block transactions you think may be about to occur.
It’s also worth contacting the police and reporting the scam to Action Fraud, particularly if money has been taken from an account.
Find out more about all the scams doing the rounds at news.resolver.co.uk/scams-theold-and-new-tricks-to-lookfor-now/
If you need help with scams or fraud for free, go to resolver.co.uk