Spring 2023: Fraud Awareness

Spring 2023: Fraud Awareness

Here are some of the latest scams that we have been made aware of:

Facebook advertisements
Fraudsters are using Facebook to advertise fake websites selling ‘too good to be true’ offers. The website will prompt you to input your card details along with a one-time-passcode in order to complete the transaction which fraudsters will then use to register for Apple/Google Pay using the stolen details.

Anti-virus pop-ups
False anti-virus pop-ups, particularly purporting to be McAfee, are being used by fraudsters as a means to obtain card details or download malware onto devices. If you click the options in a fake pop-up or alert, the security of your device may be compromised.

Gift card scams
These scams usually start when someone asks you to purchase gift cards, and this can take place over a number of platforms including phone, email and social media. Fraudsters may impersonate a friend or colleague with the aim of attaining the redemption code/PIN. Once they have that number, they can redeem the card for its total value.

Compromised emails
Anyone who hacks your email account gains access to your contact list, which they can use for phishing attempts to carry out further fraud. From the content of your emails, they will have a good idea of which websites you have accounts with, including financial and banking sites. Once they know who you bank with, they will use your email account to send emails containing spoofed or modified invoices to redirect your funds to their own account. They can use your email to reset other account passwords, gain access to credit information, or even delete accounts. The information they uncover helps them to steal money or obtain personal data, which they can sell on the dark web.

Fake holiday websites
Come summertime, fraudsters will promote fake holiday websites to steal personal information including passport and card details. Perpetrators will convince victims further by sending fake reference and booking emails; you may not realise you have been scammed until you are unable to board the flight. The fake websites are very convincing – they sometimes fabricate ATOL (Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing) protection numbers, something all credible holiday vendors use.

Tips to help you stay safe:

• Never share your one-time-passcode with anyone
• All legitimate ads on Facebook will be marked with the word “Sponsored”
• If you have even the slightest doubt about the legitimacy of an advert or pop-up, do not click on it because simply visiting a malicious web page could result in malware being downloaded onto your device
• Complete regular anti-virus software checks across all your devices
• Use strong and unique passwords for all your different logins
• Set up 2 factor authentication, where available
• Always verify payment detail changes received via email using another trusted means, such as a verified phone number
• Ensure you log out after using any public device e.g. airport computers
• Protect your well-earned holiday using the atol.org website to check your trip is financially protected by ATOL

Remember that criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations, and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.

If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or have received a similar suspicious call, please block your card immediately using the Weatherbys Card App, or call us on +44 (0) 1933 543 600 and report it to Action Fraud on +44 (0) 300 123 2040.