Warning over ‘huge increase’ in scam emails in Sussex and Surrey

Neighbourhood Watch Sussex and Surrey reports ‘a huge increase’ in fraudulent emails.

A spokesman said: “Email has always been the most commonplace method used by online fraudsters to trick innocent people out of their money, their identity - or both.

“It still is. And currently, they’re exploiting the coronavirus pandemic with persuasive messages ranging from vaccines and cures to tax refunds and fake charity appeals.

“Fraudsters send emails containing links which seem authentic, but actually lead to websites designed to capture your confidential details.”

Neighbourhood Watch offers the following advice: “If you receive an email you haven’t requested or it seems suspicious in any way, make sure it’s actually from the person or organisation who claims to have sent it.

“Do this by calling the actual person or organisation on a number you know to be the right one.

“Don’t click on links in emails from unknown sources, or if it seems strange that the email would come from that source.

“Never open attachments from unknown sources.

“Check for poor design, grammar and spelling, and whether the email addresses you by your name.

“However, even if an email passes these tests, it may still be from a fraudster.

“Don’t make purchases, payments or charity donations in response to spurious emails.

“Beware of emails which suggest that you need to transfer money, provide personal details or perform some other critical action urgently to ‘resolve a problem’. Banks, government departments, the police and other trusted organisations would never communicate with you in this way.

“Don’t reply to an email which you suspect is fraudulent, and don’t forward it unless you’re reporting it.

“Don’t click on ‘remove’ or reply to unwanted email – this simply tells senders that your account is live, and may result in you getting a flood of unwanted scam or spam emails.”

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