Much more than just a recommendation...

Posted on: 28th July 2021

Featured Image

Don't fall victim to scammers - how to spot fake messages

Cyber fraud is a growing problem that we’re all well aware of. Scam emails and texts are increasingly common with more and more of us being targeted by fraudsters. The Covid 19 pandemic has seen an increase in these types of cyber crimes, last month the BBC reported that £34.5 million had been stolen in pandemic scams with more than 6000 cases of covid-related fraud and cyber crime being recorded throughout the pandemic.

Scam Texts Covid
 
Two recent scams reported in the media are the Amazon Parcel Delivery and Royal Mail Parcel returned to depot. Typical of phishing scams, the email or text has a link which takes you to a scam site where you are asked for personal details and/or payment. Many people have been caught out by these scams because at first glance they do appear to be from the companies they’re claiming to be. Across social media people are sharing their stories of how they have fallen victim to scams such as the ‘missed delivery’ text.


What To Do If You Are a Victim of Cyber Fraud

If you receive a suspicious text or email:
  • Do not click the link unless you are sure of the origin of the text
  • Check Royal Mail for recent scams here
  • Royal Mail will always leave a card if you miss an attempted delivery
  • Report suspicious messages to Action Fraud
  • Which have some great tips for spotting scam texts and emails
 
What to do if you fall victim to a phishing scam:
  • Contact your bank as soon as you realise
  • Get your devices checked over by a professional
  • Safe Local Trades member File Genie can identify viruses and malware and get your devices cleaned, safe and up and running for you
 
Keep your devices safe:
  • Make sure you install and update anti virus software - don’t forget your smartphone and tablets!
  • Make sure your antivirus is turned on - sounds obvious but it’s easily forgotten about
  • Ensure your operating system is up to date
  • Suspicious email or text? Forward any scam texts to 7726 and forward any scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk - then delete. 
 
For more information about how you can protect your computers and devices and keep them running smoothly, contact Safe Local Trades member File Genie.

More about Safe Local Trades

Safe Local Trades enquiries@safelocaltrades.com 0800 014 1832 Allia Future Business Centre, Peterborough United Football Club, Peterborough, Cambs, PE2 8AN https://www.safelocaltrades.com/images/scaffolding/header-logo.png