The Internet has generated a language of its own in many areas and within Online Fraud we see new words and terms which sometimes may be bewildering. Phishing, Whaling, Cat fishing, Gaslighting, the list of new terms increases.
This week we look at Phishing, but specifically Spear-Phishing. So, what is the difference?
Basically, Phishing is the all-embracing term that covers all those emails and texts sent out by Scammers in mass mailouts in the hope of catching unsuspecting victims who click on the links within, and end up being defrauded.
Whereas Spear-Phishing is targeted at individuals using specific personal information to make you think it is genuine, in an attempt to seize your personal details such as passwords or bank account details. They may even attempt to install malware on your devices, if you click on the links embedded in the message.
So how does it work?
• The emails look genuine and safe as they appear to come from a known contact or organisation, but very often contain harmful links which can install malware or ransomware on your device
• They may try and move you to a false website which appears to look like the genuine one for that organisation, thus getting you to enter sensitive personal data such as PIN’s and Passwords
• They may attempt to request access to your social media to glean even more personal information which they can then use to access other sources
• Because the content of the Spear-Phishing emails/texts look so genuine and personal, it may well make potential victims lower their guard and trust that message
How can you avoid being Spear-Phished?
• Take care in how you handle your social media accounts – be wary about how you share your social media and if the account is public, remember all that personal information can be seen by anyone and criminals can use that to personalise the messages they send to you
• Be wary about any data you may be asked to provide on unfamiliar websites, as it can be used to scam you
• Always use strong Antivirus software to protect you from scam emails and malware
• Take care not to reveal any personal information to cold callers on the phone
• And never be rushed into making any decisions or signing up to any offers – just take your time
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Please feel free to share this information with any family, friends, or neighbours that you think it may be able to assist.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Take Five to Stop Fraud STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam,
Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the scam caller’s phone number. Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.
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