Phishing Emails

You may get an email from someone claiming to be from an organisation. Such as a bank, HMRC, favourite supermarket, a well known and trusted organisation. The email will look official, often includes an official looking signature. This is a phishing email scam.

They claim to be your bank. The email will state that there has been a problem with your account. The email will have a fake website linked, which looks genuine. It will then ask you to enter your bank account details and password. The scammer will then use your bank details and password to steal your money.

They may claim to be from the HMRC and are due a tax return. The email will have a fake website linked. Asking for your bank details and password. The scammer will then use those details to steal your money.

In addition, sometimes the scammer will ask you to call a premium rate number. Meaning, on top of stealing your money, you will get a large phone bill. 

Another common type of phishing scam is the voucher scam. Also known as the gift card scam. The scammer will claim that you won a cash voucher at a supermarket chain. The voucher can be of any value, it is usually around £500. The email will have a fake website linked. The website will ask for bank details and passwords. The scammer will use those details to steal your money. Sometimes, they may advise to call a premium rate number to claim the voucher. The vouncher will not exist and you are get a large phone bill.

Organisations such as banks or the HMRC will never ask for bank details. If you have any concerns about your bank account having problems. You can check by going on to their official website (or on their app).

Report any HMRC scams to [email protected]. You can forward the scam email or send a picture of the email. Make sure you tell them the scammers email address.

You can also report any phishing scams to Action Fraud. Make sure to tell your bank know if any money has been stolen.