Have you been getting strange texts claiming to be from a bank wanting to verify a payment, or from HMRC claiming you are eligible for a grant or about to be done for non-payment of tax? These are SCAMS.
Recently scamming has been on the increase and criminals have been using the COVID-19 crisis to further create havoc by preying on people’s concerns to extract money.
Text message or SMS phishing—also called “smishing”—occurs when scam artists use deceptive text messages to lure consumers into providing their personal or financial information.
These text fraudsters are highly organised, often have well set up website or telephone numbers purely for their scam. They just want your bank account number or personal details.
Never reply to one of these texts, click on a link or call the number.
None of these organisations will contact you in this way or ever ask you to verify your bank details with them or pay them over the phone.
There have also been recent scams about Council Tax, claiming to be contacting you from your local Council Tax department. Again, you will never be contacted this way.
You can report any attempt to steal your money or personal information to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 3040, or report it online at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk.
More information can also be found here:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/suspicious-email-actions
