Bromley trading standards is asking residents to be vigilant to increasingly sophisticated scams trying to convince people that they are from well known organisations.
These scams are all variations on a theme; the same frauds being committed in different ways.
Ultimately, the fraudsters want your personal information or money.
One example related to a missed delivery email in the name of 'Royal Mail'. The email included a fake tracking number and 'redelivery' link which takes you to a page where your personal information is requested in order to arrange a redelivery.
A second example entailed a conversation via call and text purportedly from 'O2'. The scam involved requesting a 'code' which alluded to a discount for a new phone. In reality, it is a password reset code which allows the fraudster to access your account.
Protect yourself – when you get contacted unexpectedly and in any way suspiciously:
- Do not click on links in emails or text messages
- If you get a call, hang up immediately
Take Five – Stop – Challenge – Protect
Visit the National Cyber Security Centre's website for advice on dealing with cyber fraud and to report phishing scams.
Fake 'missed parcel' messages: advice on avoiding banking malware – NCSC.GOV.UK
Report a scam phone call – NCSC.GOV.UK
Report and assistance
Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.
If you have given your bank details, contact your bank as soon as possible. Call 159. 159 — Stop Scams UK.
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk if you’ve lost money.
Report suspicious emails by forwarding to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Report suspicious text messages by forwarding to 7726.
Report a scam website – NCSC.GOV.UK.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133.
Bromley trading standards
To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.
Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.