Urgent: UK Home Office Scam Alert!

UK Home Office Scam Alert!

Beware of Phishing Attempt Targeting Winter Heating Subsidies

This is to warn everyone about a concerning phishing scam that's currently circulating. A text message is being sent to UK residents claiming to be from the UK Home Office, informing them about a reduction in winter heating subsidies and offering a living expenses subsidy.

Here's what you need to know:

• This is a scam. The UK Home Office would never send sensitive information or request personal details via text message.
• The message contains a link ([invalid URL removed] (see screenshot above). Clicking on this link will likely lead to a malicious website designed to steal your personal information.

If you receive this message, do not click on the link and delete it immediately.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of unsolicited texts and emails. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify the sender's identity. If you're unsure, contact the organization directly using a phone number or email address that you know is legitimate.
• Never share personal information like your bank details, passwords, or social security number over the phone or online unless you're absolutely sure you're dealing with a trusted source.

Please spread the word about this scam to help protect others from falling victim. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the UK Home Office directly.

Official site is https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

#UKHomeOfficeScam #PhishingAlert #StaySafeOnline

For more resources on staying safe online, visit the Stop Think Connect campaign website: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Virustotal flags the link as phishing

'A scammer impersonated my solicitor'

A couple who were in the process of buying a house were duped out of thousands of pounds by a convincing scam that involved impersonating their solicitor.

An email, which came from their solicitor's address, asked them to transfer their house deposit. After they realised they'd been scammed, they reported it to their bank, which refused to fully reimburse them. Find out what happened when our scam expert stepped in to help.

How to get your money back

Source: Which? (15 Oct 2024)

Watch out for 'the British Lung Foundation' cold calls

Companies calling themselves ‘UK Energy Hub’ and ‘UK Eco Home Services’ are reportedly pressuring homeowners over the phone to upgrade their loft insulation.

The scammers claim that their insulation products are endorsed by ‘the British Lung Foundation charity’, to add credibility to the con. But the British Lung Foundation no longer exists.

See how the scam works

Source: Which? (16 Oct 2024)

Fraud victims who pay the 'wrong' way could be left with nothing

Fraud victims face wildly different outcomes depending on how they transferred their money to criminals, leaving many victims with nowhere to turn.

People who pay a scammer by anything other than UK transfers using Faster Payments and CHAPS (Clearing House Automated Payment System) may have no protection whatsoever under the new fraud reimbursement rules introduced on 7 October.

What the new rules mean

Source: Which? (16 Oct 2024)

Millions Lost to Social Media Hacks: Protect Yourself Now!

Have you ever gotten a message from a friend asking for a strange code? Or maybe a tempting offer that seems too good to be true? These could be signs your social media accounts are at risk!

Action Fraud, the UK's national cybercrime reporting service, is raising the alarm. Over 33,600 people fell victim to social media and email hacks in the past year, resulting in a staggering £1.4 million loss. It's the most common cybercrime reported, and it's crucial we take action to protect ourselves.

How are Hackers Winning?

These cybercriminals use a few sneaky tactics:

    On-Platform Chain Hacking: Hackers take over an account and impersonate the owner. They trick friends into revealing verification codes, then use them to access the real account. Often, victims think they're just helping a friend, but they're unknowingly giving away their own security.
    Leaked Passwords and Phishing: Hackers exploit data breaches and phishing scams. They use stolen passwords or information you unknowingly reveal to access your accounts.

Simple Steps, Big Security Boost

The good news: you can easily prevent these attacks! Here's how:

    Unique, Strong Passwords: Create unique passwords for every email and social media account. Forget birthdays or pet names - combine three random words to make them memorable and uncrackable.
    2-Step Verification (2SV) is Your Friend: Turn on 2SV! This adds an extra layer of security, requiring a code sent to your phone when logging in from a new device. It's like having a double lock on your accounts!

Think You've Been Hacked? Here's What to Do:

    Report It: If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, report fraud or cybercrime to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, report to Police Scotland on 101.
    Forward Suspicious Emails: Help stop future attacks by forwarding suspicious emails to SERS at report@phishing.gov.uk.

Stay Safe & Stay Informed

Don't wait until it's too late! By following these simple steps and staying informed, you can keep your online accounts secure and protect yourself from cybercriminals.

For more resources on staying safe online, visit the Stop Think Connect campaign website: https://stopthinkfraud.campaign.gov.uk

Source: Action Fraud (01-10-2024)

How to spot parking fine scams

Scammers are continuing to impersonate the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) with fake parking fine claims and ‘final warning’ messages.

But the good news is, these scams are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Find out how to tell real parking fine notices from the fakes.

Steer clear of parking fine scams

Source: Which? (08 Oct 2024)

Stay ahead of extortion scammers

An extortion scam email that’s been circulated repeatedly now includes a worrying number of personal details about its targets. It could even contain images of your house.

But don't be alarmed – it's knowing how to react to these messages that will keep you and your data safe. So find out what you can do if you’re targeted by a scam email like this.

Be prepared and stay safe

Source: Which? (09 Oct 2024)