Warning: Potential Scam Email from Spanish Address Impersonating DPD Courier

Please be cautious if you receive an email with the subject line "Unsuccessful delivery - Let's reschedule your package" purportedly from a sender named "PKG-Support [10934] mariahortenciak6d@outlook.es." This email appears to be a scam attempt.

DPD scam email - click image to view enlarged

The email claims to be from DPD Courier and states that they attempted to deliver a package to your address but received no response. It further suggests that you can reschedule the delivery by clicking on a link provided.

However, it is important to exercise caution and not interact with any links or provide personal information in response to this email. Several red flags indicate that this email may be a scam:

1. Suspicious sender: The email is sent from an address that does not seem related to DPD or a legitimate courier service. The use of a personal Outlook email address raises doubts about the authenticity of the sender.

2. Generic salutation: The email begins with a generic salutation, lacking personalised information such as your name or specific details about the supposed delivery.

3. Urgency and pressure: The email attempts to create a sense of urgency by implying that the package delivery was missed and encourages you to reschedule immediately. Scammers often use urgency to prompt hasty actions without proper consideration.

4. Request for interaction: The email asks you to click on a link to reschedule the delivery. Clicking on such links can lead to malicious websites, phishing attempts, or the download of harmful software onto your device.

5. Poor grammar and wording: The email contains grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, which is often indicative of a scam email. Legitimate companies typically maintain professional language in their communications.

To protect yourself from potential scams like this, it is advisable not to click on any suspicious links, provide personal information, or engage with emails that raise doubts about their authenticity. If you have any concerns about a package delivery, it is recommended to directly contact the courier service using official contact information obtained from their official website or trusted sources.

Stay vigilant and always prioritise your online security.

If you have received an email which you’re not quite sure about, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Beware of ATM scammers while abroad

This summer, travellers are being warned about the danger posed by ATM scammers who aim to steal their bank details and personal data, with card skimming being a common tactic.

A recent study by NordVPN found data from more than six million payment cards for sale on the dark web, with 164,000 belonging to people from the UK.

Find out how card skimming works, the other tactics fraudsters use to steal your information and how to protect yourself from this scam.

Dodge ATM scams

Source: Which? (21 Jun 2023)

Sneaky scammers target O2 customers

Watch out for fraudulent phone calls targeting O2 customers with bogus discount offers. This 'vishing' scam involves criminals attempting to gain access to your account by promising a 50% discount on your mobile phone bill. If you accept the offer, you'll receive a text message containing a one-time passcode. And if you provide this to the scammer, they can change the password on your account.

Click here to learn more about how vishing scams works and what steps to take if you receive this call.

Vishing scams

Source: Which? (20 Jun 2023)

Scamwatch: fraudsters hack hotels to steal bank details

A reader contacted us after being targeted by scammers posing as her hotel. After making an online booking, she received an email that appeared to be from the hotel, stating that new security regulations required guests to consent to them holding their credit card information.

The email contained a link to confirm her details, which she clicked on and provided her information. Fortunately, she cancelled her credit card before any damage was done.

It can be hard to tell whether an email is genuine or not. If you've fallen victim to an email scam, follow the steps outlined in our story.

Next steps

Source: Which? (21 Jun 2023)

Urgent Warning: Beware of Phishing Email Offering Bogus Oral-B Toothbrush Prize

It has come to our attention that a highly deceptive phishing email is currently circulating, targeting individuals like yourself with promises of receiving a fantastic prize related to Boots Oral-B toothbrushes. We urge you to exercise extreme caution and take appropriate measures to protect your personal information and digital security.

Phishing emails are fraudulent attempts made by malicious individuals to trick unsuspecting recipients into revealing sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, or personal data. These scammers often impersonate well-known brands, such as Boots and Oral-B, to gain credibility and deceive innocent victims. Unfortunately, such scams have become increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for us to remain vigilant and proactive.

Here are some key indicators to help you identify the phishing email:

• Sender's Email Address: Pay close attention to the sender's email address. Genuine communications from reputable organisations will typically come from official domain addresses. Be cautious if the email comes from suspicious or unrelated domains.
• Poor Grammar and Spelling: Phishing emails often contain grammatical errors, typos, or awkward language usage. Legitimate communications from reputable companies generally maintain a high standard of writing.
• Urgency and Unrealistic Claims: Phishing emails commonly use urgency and irresistible offers to pressure recipients into taking immediate action. Be skeptical if the email insists on an urgent response or promises an excessively valuable reward.
• Request for Personal Information: Legitimate companies rarely ask for sensitive personal information via email. Be cautious if the email requests your social security number, credit card details, or passwords.

To safeguard yourself from falling victim to phishing attempts:

1. Do not click on any links or download attachments from suspicious emails.
2. Avoid providing personal information or financial details via email or unfamiliar websites.
3. Verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting the company directly through official channels.
4. Keep your devices, operating systems, and antivirus software up to date.
5. Educate yourself and stay informed about common phishing techniques and trends.

Please share this warning with your friends, family, and colleagues to ensure their awareness and protection against this fraudulent scheme. By remaining vigilant and collectively fighting against such cyber threats, we can help create a safer online environment for everyone.

Remember, your online safety is of utmost importance. Stay cautious, stay informed, and together, we can outsmart these cybercriminals.

getsafeonline check on url not safe

Virustotal check reveals phishing url

Reported the phishing email to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Safeguarding Week 2023 - Scams Awareness

The aim of the session is to raise awareness of scam mail and telephone calls, helping attendees to identify the different types of mail and telephone scams through increased awareness whilst looking at some frequently seen examples.

Attendees will also be given a greater awareness of how to protect themselves and where to report scams.

The aims of the session

• To understand the meaning of scams and their terms.
• Understand what scams are and how to recognise them.
• How to identify scam mail.
• How to identify scam telephone calls
• Common types of phone scams
• How we can protect ourselves
• Where to go for help
• How to report a scam

Around 40 minutes of easy conversation accompanying a PowerPoint slide show.

This session is open to both professionals within safeguarding and the wider public and communities.

Date: Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00 - 10:45 BST

Location: online

Source: Book a FREE slot at eventbrite

Building Trust and Inclusion: The Met Introduces Full-Time LGBT+ Liaison Officers

The Metropolitan Police (Met) in London is taking significant steps to restore trust and improve its relationship with the LGBT+ community. Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has committed to addressing the findings of Baroness Casey's report and has introduced full-time LGBT+ liaison officers who will focus on working with LGBT+ individuals and organisations in the city.

The establishment of LGBT+ Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) is part of the Met's efforts to enhance neighbourhood policing in London and build stronger bonds of trust with the LGBT+ community. These dedicated officers, developed in collaboration with community members and the LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group, will serve as a single point of contact for LGBT+ individuals throughout the city, aiming to rebuild trust.

The introduction of full-time LGBT+ CLOs comes in response to incidents and investigations that have eroded trust within the community. By providing support, advice, and a direct line of communication, these officers will work alongside their voluntary colleagues to address LGBT+ issues and promote a safer and more inclusive environment.

PC Sam Varnham, the CLO for Harrow, Barnet, and Brent, expressed the importance of creating a world where everyone can feel safe and accepted for who they are. The Met's commitment to change is further emphasised by Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who acknowledged the systems and processes that led to bias and discrimination and expressed his determination to build a new Met that all Londoners can be proud of.

The decision to reinstate dedicated LGBT+ liaison officers was welcomed by activist Peter Tatchell, who believes it will strengthen collaboration between the police and local LGBT+ communities, ultimately leading to a decrease in hate crimes and better protection for LGBT+ individuals.

Commander Colin Wingrove, head of Community Engagement, highlighted London's diverse nature and the significance of every LGBT+ person feeling safe and confident in their local police service. The Met has been actively listening to community groups and partners to improve engagement and better serve the LGBT+ community in London.

Overall, the Met's restoration of full-time LGBT+ liaison officers demonstrates a commitment to rebuilding trust, addressing past failings, and ensuring the safety and well-being of London's LGBT+ community.

Source: Met News (12 June 2023)