Virgin Media warns customers of four dangerous scam tricks putting users at risk – how to spot the red flags

SURFING the web has never been so confusing - can you trust that link a pal just sent you? Or the website URL in an email you have received?

It feels like scammers are lurking around every corner, just waiting for us to trip up.

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Fortunately, Virgin Media has issued fresh advice to Wi-Fi customers to help us avoid falling victim to internet-based scams.

Cyber crooks will often create copycats of legitimate services to harvest victims' personal information or financial details.

Malicious clones of WhatsApp or cybersecurity platform McAfee can crop up from time to time.

But fraudsters may also try to mimic the broadband company with fake links to dodgy websites.

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According to Gareth Lister, Virgin Media's connectivity chief, there are four signs to spot a dodgy site masquerading as Virgin Media:

1. “Lookalike” characters from non-Latin character sets, for example virginmediạ.com
2. Typos that evade a quick glance, i.e. Sales.virgenmedia.com
3. Links with lots of extra info at the end such as Virginmedia.com.brlb.ru  
4. Different top level domain “.xyz” is not the same as “.com” i.e. virginmedia.xyz”

"Be extra vigilant before clicking links in emails and check URLs you connect to," said Lister.

"This will help ensure it is taking you to a legitimate source."

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He added: "If you spot any of the warning signs... report the email and don’t click on any links."

Lister also urged customers against using unknown guest Wi-Fi networks, such as those in libraries or train stations.

In September, 19 train stations including London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street all had their Wi-Fi services suspended after the public network was hacked to spread a terror message.

"Just as you would with personal interactions, apply the principle of ‘stranger danger’ when thinking about who and what you connect your phone to," explained Lister, even if it is tempting to connect.

"Connecting to unfamiliar networks can leave users vulnerable to cyberattacks."

Instead, aim to use secure networks like your home or hotel - or use your mobile data.

This can be expensive while travelling abroad.

However, Virgin Media O2 offers EU roaming at no extra cost even after Brexit.