Scams

The rise in coronavirus-themed scams was expected, but the numbers are surprising even the most experienced cybersecurity researchers.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2020/04/22/there-are-now-more-than-40000-high-risk-covid-19--threats-on-the-web/#57b2f3612722

A specialist police unit funded by the banking industry has executed warrants in London and across the country in a crackdown on criminals sending scam text messages and emails exploiting the coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.finextra.com/pressarticle/82214/banking-industry-funded-police-unit-cracks-down-on-covid-19-text-message-scams-in-london

More than 40 cases of cyber-crime have been reported to police across Northern Ireland in just three days – the majority to do with so-called ‘sextortion’ scams.

https://www.itv.com/news/utv/2020-04-19/cyber-criminals-behind-dozens-of-sextortion-scams/

West Midlands Police highlighted a probe by Action Fraud who received 30 reports about fake emails that purport to be from the supermarket giant offering free vouchers

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/fake-tesco-vouchers-warning-police-18105524?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharebar

The National Cyber Security Centre has launched a reporting service for scam emails as part of a campaign to help people protect themselves from cyber criminals exploiting the pandemic

https://www.computerweekly.com/news/252481850/NCSC-launches-coronavirus-cyber-security-campaign

Police have received a number of reports of members of the public across the country receiving scam emails recently.

https://www.derrynow.com/news/news/534263/psni-issue-a-warning-about-a-scam-in-which-fraudsters-threaten-to-put-people-s-private-footage-online.html#.Xp4OGZvcsHA.twitter

Nottinghamshire Police is aware of a link to a scam website using the name ‘Morrisons Super Market’ received through WhatsApp as a forwarded message.The WhatsApp scam has the following information: “Morrisons is giving away free groceries worth £250 to support the nation during Corona pandemic. Hurry up! Collect your FREE voucher.”

https://westbridgfordwire.com/morrisons-whatsapp-free-shopping-text-scam-could-let-fraudsters-into-your-bank-account/

South Yorkshire Police have urged the public to remain vigilant of the risks of rogue traders after a Sheffield pensioner was swindled out of £40,000.

https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/sheffield-pensioner-scammed-out-ps40000-rogue-traders-2541760

Be aware that some criminals are exploiting coronavirus to trick people into sharing personal or financial information via phishing emails and cold calls.

https://www.nationwide.co.uk/products/other/landing-page/fight-fraud

Don’t let a scammer enjoy your retirement – find out how pension scams work, how to avoid them and what to do if you suspect a scam.