HAVE YOU BEEN TRICKED INTO CLICKING ON A SCAM EMAIL OR RECEIVED A SCAM TEXT?

You are not alone -  but don’t worry we have you covered!

Scam emails are getting clever, and they can catch anyone off guard. They often look like they are from banks, delivery companies, or even people you know.

Phishing scams are becoming more common, and unfortunately scammers are getting better at tricking people into sharing personal information, like passwords or bank details. These scams often come in the form of fake emails, messages or websites that seem real but are designed to steal your information.

While it’s important to stay cautious, there is no need to worry! In this blog, we will walk you through how to spot phishing attempts and simple steps you can take to protect yourself from these online tricks.

Keep reading to find out how to report scam emails and get scam text messages blocked.

What is ‘Phishing’?

Phishing is a type of scam where criminals try to trick you into sharing personal information like passwords, bank account details, or credit card numbers. They often pretend to be someone you trust, like your bank or a company you regularly shop with, by sending deceptive emails, messages, or even creating fake websites that look real.

The primary goal of phishing is to steal your information for harmful purposes, such as committing fraud or identity theft.

Why is ‘Phishing’ dangerous?

Phishing can be very dangerous because it takes advantage of your trust. If you fall for a phishing scam, it can lead to serious consequences like losing money from your bank account or having your personal information used to steal your identity.

Phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, making it harder to tell if a message is real or fake. They might pressure you to act quickly, tricking you into making decisions before you have a chance to think things through. That is why it’s important to be cautious and always stay informed.

How do you recognise ‘Phishing’ scams?

Here are some common signs that an email, message or website may be a phishing attempt:

• Suspicious email addresses: Often, phishing emails come from email addresses that look similar to real ones but with small changes e.g. a missing letter or extra number.

• Urgent or threatening language: Phishing messages often create a sense of urgency, claiming your account has been compromised or that you must act immediately to avoid problems.

• Unusual links: Phishing messages often include suspicious or mismatched links. If the website link looks odd or doesn't match the official website, it’s likely a phishing attempt.

• Requests for personal information: Phishing scams often ask for sensitive details like passwords or credit card numbers. Legitimate companies never request this information via email or text.

• Poor grammar or typos: Many phishing attempts contain grammatical errors or awkward phrasing that doesn’t seem quite right. Please be aware that this is not true of every phishing scam.

Here are some real-life examples of what a phishing scam may look like:

How can you protect yourself from ‘Phishing’?

Here are some simple and easy steps to help you protect yourself:

1. Be cautious of unsolicited requests: If you receive an unexpected message or phone call asking for personal information, be wary. Always double-check by contacting the organisation directly through their official contact details.

2. Don’t click on suspicious links: Always hover your mouse over links to see where they lead before clicking. If you’re unsure, type the website address into your browser yourself.

3. Verify the source: If you receive a message from a bank or other service, call them using a known phone number (from their website) to verify the message.

4. Use Anti-Phishing tools: Many email providers and web browsers have built-in tools that can help protect you from phishing scams. Make sure to update them regularly.

5. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Using 2FA can add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if a phishing attack compromises your password, 2FA makes it harder for the attacker to gain access.

6. Regularly update passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts, and update them regularly. Consider using a password manager to help manage your passwords securely.

7. Educate yourself and others: Phishing attacks are constantly evolving, so it’s important to stay informed and aware of the latest scams. Share your knowledge with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable. For example, you can sign up for the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) newsletter, which offers regular updates and advice on how to spot and protect yourself from phishing scams targeting UK residents. https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/advice-guidance/you-your-family

What to do if you have been ‘Phished’?

If you think you have fallen victim to a phishing scam, act quickly but carefully:

1. Change your passwords: Immediately change the password for any accounts you believe may have been compromised.

2. Notify the affected organisation or company : If the phishing attack involved a bank, online retailer, or another service, contact them to report the incident and protect your account.

3. Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual activity.

4. Don’t panic!  Don’t feel stupid – you are not alone this has happened to many many people.  Tell someone what has happened.

   
   
   
   

How to report ‘Phishing’?

Emails – Forward suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk – these will be checked by the National Cyber Security Centre

Text Messages – Forward to ‘7726’ this alerts the mobile provider to block the scammer’s number

Or Contact Action Fraud

🌐 www.actionfraud.police.uk📞 Or call 0300 123 2040

In summary,

Phishing is a serious cyber threat and can affect any of us. By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can help protect yourself from falling victim. Always be cautious when you receive unsolicited messages asking for sensitive information and take the time to verify their authenticity.

If you are ‘Phished’, make sure you change your passwords and contact the organisations. Don’t feel alone many people have been tricked by fraudsters. Tell someone what has happened.