Urgent Warning Issued for Winter Fuel Payment Scam
Criminals are using a new, sophisticated method to gain access to individuals’ bank accounts and drain their funds. The Cyber Defence Alliance, UK Finance, and Cifas have joined forces to alert consumers about a mobile phone scam that is linked to international crime groups. Fraudsters are luring people with fake offers on social media and sending out texts with malicious links that prompt recipients to click. These messages often masquerade as offers to help reduce winter heating bills or notifications about undelivered parcels. However, the real intent behind these messages is for individuals to unknowingly disclose their bank’s one-time passcode, enabling scammers to link the victim’s card details to a digital wallet they control.
Once a victim falls for the scam by clicking on a bogus advert or text message, they are directed to a website where they are asked to input their card details. Subsequently, a request for a one-time passcode appears on the screen, with the fraudsters claiming it has just been sent. In reality, the passcode is from the victim’s bank, which the scammers have obtained to open a new digital wallet. Victims may enter the passcode under the impression that they are purchasing goods or services, unaware that they are actually authenticating the digital wallet. Those who believe they will receive assistance with their fuel bills end up handing over personal information, leading to criminals making online and in-store purchases using the victim’s card details.
Dianne Doodnath, from UK Finance, emphasised the need for consumers to be vigilant against potential fraud threats, urging them to avoid sharing personal and financial information or sharing one-time passcodes in response to unexpected requests. If individuals suspect they have been targeted by scammers, they are advised to contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud. Garry Lilburn, of Cyber Defence Alliance, highlighted that international crime groups orchestrate these scams to sell compromised card details, facilitating illicit transactions. He stressed the importance of consumers being wary of offers that seem too good to be true and refrain from providing card details.
Mike Haley, the chief executive of Cifas, warned that scammers continuously evolve their tactics to exploit consumers’ trust and access their bank accounts. He urged people to exercise caution with any unsolicited communications and refrain from acting hastily. The Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign encourages individuals to pause and question the authenticity of requests, seeking a second opinion from trusted sources before taking action. Report suspect text messages by forwarding them to 7726, and utilise the 159 service offered by many banks for convenient contact. By raising awareness about this scam and promoting vigilance among consumers, authorities aim to prevent further financial losses due to fraudulent activities.
As incidences of online scams continue to rise, it is crucial for individuals to remain informed and cautious when responding to unsolicited messages or offers. The collaboration between governmental bodies, financial institutions, and cybersecurity experts serves as a vital line of defence against fraudulent activities targeting unsuspecting individuals. By staying alert, questioning suspicious communications, and seeking reliable advice, consumers can protect themselves from falling victim to scams and safeguard their personal and financial information from cybercriminals. Remember to verify the authenticity of any requests for sensitive information and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities promptly.