Be Aware of Spoofing Scams

Be Aware of Spoofing Scams

Warning: Be Aware of Spoofing Scams

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in the way they try to steal money and personal information. One of the latest methods being used is known as spoofing, where scammers make it appear that they are contacting you from a trusted organisation such as your bank, Amazon, or another well-known company.

How the Scam Works

A scammer may call you claiming to be from your bank and tell you that there is suspicious activity on your account. Their aim is to gain your trust and keep you on the phone.

To convince you they are genuine, they may:

Send a text message that appears in the same message thread as genuine messages from your bank.

Send emails that use official logos, colours, and branding like those used by legitimate companies.

Ask you to move your money to a “safe account” or another bank account.

Encourage you to create a new email address, claiming it is temporary and needed for security purposes.

Use information they may already know about you to make the call sound convincing.

Scammers are highly skilled at creating a sense of urgency and may use specific language designed to make you act quickly without thinking.

Protect Yourself

If you receive a call claiming to be from your bank or another organisation:

Never move money to another account at someone else's request.

Never give out passwords, PINs, or security codes.

Hang up the call if you are unsure who you are speaking to.

Contact your bank directly using a trusted phone number from their official website or the back of your bank card.

Visit your local branch if you are concerned about activity on your account.

Regularly update your passwords and ensure they are strong and unique.

Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Online Shopping Scams

If you shop online with Amazon or other retailers, be aware that scammers may send text messages or emails using company logos and branding that appear genuine.

If you receive a message about an order, delivery, refund, or account issue:

Do not click on links if you have any doubts.

Contact the company using their official customer service channels to verify the message.

If You Become a Victim

If you believe you have been targeted by a spoofing scam or have shared information with a fraudster:

Report the incident to Action Fraud or your local cybercrime reporting service.

Contact your local police if appropriate.

Change any passwords that may have been compromised.

Notify your bank and any other financial institutions connected to your accounts.

Monitor your accounts closely for any suspicious transactions.

Remember

Scammers are becoming smarter, so we all need to be more vigilant. By taking a moment to verify calls, texts, and emails before acting, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim and help protect your personal information and hard-earned money.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
David Morrow
(Metropolitan Police, PCSO, Totteridge and Woodside)