News

DON’T TAKE THE BAIT
– ACTION FRAUD IS URGING THE PUBLIC TO KEEP ON REPORTING PHISHING EMAILS

Over 32 million phishing emails have been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service and more than a third of those were reported in the last year. Reporting of phishing emails has reached an all time high with a 44% increase year on year.
From that 329,000 website addresses have been removed by the National Cyber Security Centre and Action Fraud are urging the public to keep on reporting suspicious emails and texts.

What is Phishing?
This is when criminals use scam emails, texts, QR codes or even phone calls to trick victims into revealing personal and financial details.

How can you protect yourself?
• If in doubt about any message received contact the genuine organisation via the details on their website or relevant paperwork, but avoid clicking on links or using the contact details in the message
• If an email does not feel right, then forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk even if you are not all that certain if it is a scam
• Always report suspicious text messages free of charge to 7726 then the provider can find out where it came from and block the sender
• You can also report scam phone calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the Scammer’s phone number
• If you have lost money, or given away financial information, after a scam, tell your bank straightaway and report it to Action Fraud

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take Five to Stop Fraud

STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you’ve fallen for a scam,
report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.