Beware Phone & SMS scams

We have been receiving a high volume of calls with concerns over phone and SMS scams. As a result we thought we would do a little update on this topic as it is related to cyber-crime.

Don’t be fooled by scam SMS messages

You may have received an unexpected text message from someone you don’t know. Or possibly someone pretending to be from a company that you may recognise.
The message will imply that:

• You have won a competition
• Have a special offer
• Been sent a photo
• Your account is about to be blocked

All of the messages above are designed to get you to reply or click a link. This will then involve various types of attack or attempts to retrieve personal information from you. So here are some do’s and dont’s.

Don’t:

• Reply to any SMS message (unless it’s a reply to a text you sent originally)
• Click on any links within an SMS message
• Forward the message to anyone else

Do:

• Ignore it
• Delete it
• Spread the word and protect others
• Inform PC Comms Helpdesk if you are concerned

So why SMS me?

The fraudsters are after your money! Even texting STOP to an unsolicited SMS could incur charges. It also lets them know your number is live which makes it worth £’s and will inevitably encourage even more spam.

Telephone Scams!

We have had reports of users receiving phone calls from scammers pretending to be Microsoft. Microsoft don’t call end users directly! If you receive such a call be as polite as you wish and hang-up.

Other scams include fake calls purporting to be your bank, asking you to confirm your confidential bank details, such as your password, account number, or pin. Your bank will never ask you such questions.

If you are ever unsure about any call you receive, hang up the call and call them back on a number you know to be legitimate, if they are who they say they are they won’t mind that you are being cautious.

If you think you have already been a victim we recommend you contact Action Fraud.

For further advice or support please contact us.