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Watch out: Four common scams worming their way into your inbox

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Written by: YourMoney.com
17/03/2023
Fraudsters always try to keep on top of the current trends to try and trick you out of your hard-earned money. Here are four of the latest scams to watch out for.

Cifas, the fraud prevention service has yet again highlighted the latest fraud threats, as it warns Brits to be on guard of the ever-changing tactics that scammers use to gain access to your information and ultimately your money.

Here are three scams doing the rounds now:

1) Fake Disney Plus subscription emails

Cifas has received reports of phishing emails being sent to customers offering a 98% discount on subscriptions to the Disney+ service. The email contains a malicious link, and users are asked to create an account by entering their email address, password, gender and home address.

Anyone receiving this or a similar email should forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk or by selecting ‘Report spam’ on Gmail, ‘Report phishing’ on Hotmail or by forwarding emails to abuse@yahoo.com if using a Yahoo account.

2) Air Fryer phishing scams

Cifas is warning the public to be vigilant following reports of emails claiming to be from Argos stating that recipients will receive a Ninja Air Fryer if they complete a survey. There is a time limit on the offer, and the link within the email asks for personal and financial information.

3) HMRC warns of tax refund scam

HMRC has issued a warning following reports of fake emails offering ‘tax refunds’. Criminals purporting to be from HMRC have been sending emails claiming recipients are owed a refund and asking for financial details in order to process payment.

HMRC is reminding people that it will never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask them to disclose personal or payment information by email. Anyone receiving a suspicious email claiming to be from HMRC can forward it to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk and texts to 60599.

4) Diners warned of reservation fraud

Online reservation service OpenTable is urging restaurants and diners to be alert to fraudsters impersonating employees in order to steal credit card details from customers. Cifas understands that criminals have been contacting restaurants claiming to work for OpenTable to request their login details. Fraudsters then call diners to request they make a deposit to secure their booking, taking the banking details from unsuspecting diners in order to commit fraud.

Cifas is reminding people to question uninvited calls asking for personal or financial advice, and contact companies directly using a known email or phone number.

Also, never click on links in emails or texts or share financial or personal information. Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of fraud should tell their bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Amber Burridge, head of intelligence for Cifas, said: “Criminals are always on the lookout for new ways to steal information with which to commit further fraud.

“My advice is to stop and think carefully before responding to unsolicited calls, texts or emails, and never be afraid to challenge unsolicited requests for personal or financial information. Remember that just because someone appears to know your details, it doesn’t mean they’re genuine.”

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