I’m a cyber expert and here are THREE telltale signs you’re about to get scammed
A BRITISH scam-buster has highlighted the most common signs that you're caught in the crosshairs of an online fraudster.
Speaking to The Sun, James Walker revealed three giveaways that the WhatsApp message, email or online advert you're examining is phoney.
Interacting with them could grant crooks access to your bank account, says Walker, who is CEO of fraud-fighting group .
He's encouraging Brits to remain vigilant amid a soaring number of scam messages hitting inboxes across the country during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Scams are getting more sophisticated all the time," James told The Sun.
"In terms of reports to police, they are equivalent to all other crimes in the UK, but prosecutions remain in the single digits as it's hard to convict fraudsters."
Online scam attacks are typically carried out through unsolicited emails, text messages and phone calls. They're also executed through fake adverts on websites and on social media.
Typically, scams come in the form of so-called phishing attacks that lure victims to a website that appears to be operated by a trusted entity, such as a bank, social media platform or other service.
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The website, however, is phoney with fake content designed to persuade a victim to enter sensitive information, such as their online banking credentials.
Over the phone, phishing attackers will pose as an employee of a trusted entity and pressure targets into revealing their details.
James, whose company helps people to protect their online data, says that scams have a number of red flags to look out for.
"Be on the lookout for text messages that suddenly require you to pay for something," he said.
"This is especially true if you're asked to pay something you don’t recognise, such as a parcel you weren't expecting or Covid vaccine you didn't book."
Fraudsters typically like to instil a sense of urgency in their messages to get people to pay up before they realise they're being scammed – another telltale sign to look out for, James said.
His second tip concerns emails.
"If you get a suspicious email containing a link, before you click on it, hover over a link to see where it’s going to," he said.
If the sender claims to be from your bank, for instance, but the link isn't to your bank's website, then you know to be wary.
It's also worth looking for spelling mistakes in the email address to ascertain whether the sender is legitimate, James added.
His third tip covers adverts, be they on Facebook, Google or other website.
"If you’re clicking on a link to a suspicious website, look at the terms and conditions or privacy policy," James said.
"Retailers that aren't legitimate are often not based in the UK – or don't provide an address or contact details at all.
"They also frequently don't comply with UK consumer regulations, such as free returns within 14 days of purchase."
If you think you've fallen victim to a scam, you should contact your bank immediately to stop any outgoing payments.
You should also get your bank to look into a possible refund.
If you’ve handed over a password for an online account, phone up the organisation and get the account locked down. You may be able to get it reinstated at a later date.
In the UK, you can report a suspected scam email to the National Cyber Security Centre .
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