e-mail scams to be aware of
There are two main e-mail scams in use and Card Watch has produced some tips to help you be aware of such scams.
Spoof websites
Typically an e-mail claiming to be from a bank or other well-known company that trades on the Internet will inform you of a problem with your account, that charges will be made to your credit card or even that someone wants to send you money! These spam e-mails are sent out randomly and may look very convincing, and include the real logo and details of the organisation being imitated.
The e-mail will request that you follow the link to the bank or organisation’s website, where you will be asked to provide a range of information such as your credit card number, PIN, passwords or personal information such as your mother’s maiden name.
Clicking on the link, however, will actually take you to a spoof website operated by fraudsters who will use any information you provide for their own fraudulent use.
Fund transfer scams
Fraudsters have recently started to send out spam e-mails and to post fake job adverts on recruitment websites that offer low-risk money-making opportunities if you are willing to act as their agent in the UK.
The fraudsters pose as legitimate companies setting up operations in the UK. If you decide to take up the offer you are asked to provide your bank account details to receive payments, and then to send the money overseas, less a certain commission that you can keep. The fraudster often seeks individuals with accounts at specific banks, or encourages you to open new bank accounts to participate in this scam.
Stay on your guard
Fraudsters will make great efforts to create realistic websites by copying logos and putting in links to the genuine website. Although the spoof e-mails and website may appear very convincing, you should always be wary of unsolicited e-mails that try to worry you with security scares or offer the opportunity to make some easy money.
If you receive any e-mails claiming to be from a bank or other well-known company, stop and think whether they would really write to you in this manner. The e-mails will often contain spelling or grammatical errors, or unusual words or phrases. There may also be signs that the website is not genuine, such as a different or disguised web address, new browser windows where you can’t see the address, or no use of a padlock to show a secure session.
Examples of e-mail scams include an e-mail that details one of the following scenarios:
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“Security update: Our new security system will help you to avoid fraudulent transactions and to keep your investments safe. Due to a technical update we recommend you reactivate your account.”
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“Your Visa account: Your VISA debit account has been inactive for more than three months. In order to confirm your membership with us and avoid account cancellation we will transfer a random amount between 0.25 GBP and 0.99 GBP into your debit card.”
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“Job in UK: The company deals with many overseas partners, but for the time being we have office only in Russia and the USA. At the moment we receive a lot of orders from the United Kingdom, So we are looking for agents… Our clients stipulate that they pay for our services only in UK banks such as… “
