Monday 11 November 2024

Phishing Alert: Beware of Fake Home Office Heating Subsidy Text

A new phishing scam is targeting UK residents with a fake text message claiming to be from the Home Office.

The fraudulent message urges recipients to fill out their personal information by a specific date to receive a heating subsidy. It includes a malicious link that, if clicked, can lead to identity theft or other cybercrimes.

Here's what the fake text message looks like:

fake text message

How to Identify the Scam:

  • Suspicious Sender: The sender of the message is not in your contact list.
  • Urgent Tone: The message creates a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
  • Malicious Link: The included link leads to a fake website designed to steal your personal information.

What to Do if You Receive This Message:

  1. Do Not Click the Link: Avoid clicking on any links or attachments in the message.
  2. Report the Scam: Forward the message to 7726, the free SMS number to report spam.
  3. Be Wary of Similar Messages: Be cautious of any unsolicited messages asking for personal information, especially those related to government benefits or subsidies.

How to Protect Yourself from Phishing Attacks:

  • Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Messages: Always be cautious of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls.
  • Verify the Sender: Double-check the sender's email address or phone number to ensure it's legitimate.
  • Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Never click on links or attachments in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
  • Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Use two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
  • Keep Your Software Updated: Keep your operating system and software up-to-date with the latest security patches. 

By staying informed and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to phishing scams.

Virustotal flags it as Malicious and Phishing

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


 

Thursday 7 November 2024

Celebrity scams you're most likely to see

Fraudsters continue to use stolen photos and AI-generated videos of celebrities to scam victims out of thousands of pounds.

From Martin Lewis to Elon Musk, find out which famous faces you're most likely to see in scam ads and how AI is making it hard to tell genuine celeb endorsements from fakes.

Common celebrity scams

Source: Which? (05 Nov 2024)

£15,500 lost to Revolut scam

A convincing impersonation scam resulted in one victim losing £15,500 from her Revolut account earlier this year.

The scammer claimed the victim's Natwest account had been 'compromised' and instructed her to move money to her Revolut account – a worryingly common scam tactic. But we're even more concerned about how infrequently Revolut refunds customers.

See how this scam works

Source: Which? (07 Nov 2024)

How to spot AI scams

An AI scam uses artificial intelligence to trick you into parting with your money. Deepfake videos, where a person has been digitally altered to appear as a different person, and voice cloning are just two ways AI can be used by fraudsters.

Essentially, AI makes scams more convincing and harder to spot, so make sure you're familiar with these new methods and stay one step ahead of the scammers.

Avoid this new tactic

Source: Which? (05 Nov 2024)

A scamwatch success story

Two weeks ago we told you about a nasty Facebook Marketplace scam that left the victim £7,000 out of pocket. After Monzo refused to reimburse her, our expert stepped in to help appeal the decision.

We're pleased to say the ombudsman agreed that she wasn't at fault and she will get a full reimbursement. If you have a scams or consumer rights problem that we may be able to help you with, please contact yourstory@which.co.uk.

Source: Which? (05 Nov 2024)

Monday 4 November 2024

Bexley Crime stats ward summary Oct 2024


Wednesday 30 October 2024

Brrrr! Don't Fall for This Winter Heating Scam Text

With the chilly weather creeping in, it's tempting to believe any offer of help with heating costs. But watch out! Scammers are on the prowl with a phishing text pretending to be the "Winter Heating Subsidy Office."

Here's why you should DELETE this text immediately:

  • Urgency and Scarcity: The text creates a sense of urgency by claiming limited spots for the subsidy. This is a classic tactic to pressure you into clicking the link without thinking twice.
  • Suspicious Link: TinyURL links often hide the actual destination website. Don't click on it!
  • Vague Language: The text uses phrases like "if you need to" and "you have obtained the qualification to apply" without mentioning any specific criteria.
  • Government Impersonation: The text mentions "parliament" and "UK Government" to sound official. Remember, legitimate government agencies wouldn't contact you through unsolicited texts with shortened links.

Here's what to do instead:

  • Report the Text: Forward the scam text to 7726 (reporting number for spam texts in the UK) to help block similar messages in the future.
  • Check Official Websites: If you're unsure about your eligibility for winter heating assistance schemes, head to the official government website (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/cost-of-living-payment) or contact your local council directly.
  • Stay Alert: Scammers are constantly changing their tactics. Be wary of any text or email offering unexpected financial benefits, especially if it involves clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.

Spread the Word: Share this information with friends and family, especially those who might be more vulnerable to these scams. Together, we can keep everyone warm and scam-free this winter!

Phishing Alert: Beware of Fake Home Office Heating Subsidy Text

A new phishing scam is targeting UK residents with a fake text message claiming to be from the Home Office. The fraudulent message urges rec...