News / Police send out urgent ‘phishing’ fraud warning
POLICE in Shetland are sending out an urgent warning after a number of islanders have fallen victim and lost money to criminals posing as representatives of respectable financial institutions.
Police say people should be on their guard against “phishing” attacks from fake emails or phone calls purporting to be from a bank or other financial organisation.
The caller or emailer may claim to require confirmation of some information or that there has been some kind of security breach.
Police are warning that by answering the caller’s questions or clicking on an email link taking you to a “cloned” site, people’s bank details are being accessed and used for criminal purposes.
A spokesman said: “You may find your bank account emptied, contracts set up in your name, or credit cards used to purchase goods.
“Reclaiming your financial security following one of these attacks can be a long, and sometimes costly process.
“Don’t reveal personal details in a phone call – no proper institution would ever cold call, let alone ask for personal details.
“Ask for a name and phone the customer service telephone number that appears on your original contracts/card.
“Never click on a link in an email that wants you to reveal personal information. Instead, open your browser and type in the link. If you become a victim, immediately inform your bank and credit card company.
“If something seems too good to be real, then it probably is. The chances are that all those ‘opportunities’ are all scams.”
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