Stay Safe Online  – Avoiding Email Scams

Scam Emails

Which? Warn that, every day, millions of people receive suspicious emails – from fake PayPal invoices to phoney McAfee emails claiming that their internet protection is about to end. Scammers often use emails that try to get you to click on malicious links which will then provide them with personal details.

It can be difficult to distinguish between genuine emails and those created by fraudsters.  Note the email addresses in the two scam emails below:

A genuine email is not going to be sent from a hotmail address – but sometimes fraudsters can be very clever – if in doubt – never click on links until you have checked directly with the organisation concerned.

Scam Phone Calls

Phone calls can be fake as well – two Revolut account customers contacted Which? after being scammed by fraudsters who pretended to be calling from Revolut’s fraud team.  The fraudsters had passed a series of security checks, including the ‘selfie security check’.  If in doubt, end the call and contact the organisation independently.

Scam Ads

Fake ads on social media are becoming more convincing.  Which? Helped a victim recover £3000 for a car that was never delivered.  They had responded to an Instagram ad impersonating a legitimate company, having stolen the company’s name, number and other details from Companies House.  Watch out for fraudulent investment ads on Facebook and Instagram claiming recommendations from well-known investors like Cathie Wood, founder of the American investment management firm ARK Invest.

Witnessing someone endure the aftermath of a scam is very upsetting and, sadly, millions of people suffer this experience every year. Friends and family can play a crucial role in helping victims recover with non-judgmental emotional support and financial advice.

If you have been affected by a scam – help is out there – Victim Support has a free confidential helpline 0808 168 9111 and so does Mind 0300 123 3393.

Report any scams to  www.actionfraud.police.uk

Sign up for Which? Scam alerts:

https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-alert-service/

Find details of recent scams here: www.actionfraud.police.uk

and on our Facebook page: Rainford-it-stay safe online

Published in the May edition of the Whitchurch Gossip
and the May edition of Oswestry Life