Isle of Wight council’s Trading Standards have some more scams to share with you.
Energy Bill Support Scheme
Emails are being received claiming to be from the Government. They have the Government logo and a crown on them in an attempt to make them look authentic.
They state that you are eligible for a discount under the Energy Bill Support Scheme and ask you to click on a link to provide details to receive the discount. Along with your name, phone number and address they ask for your date of birth along with your bank details to receive the discount.
This is a SCAM. Do not click on the link and definitely do not provide any details. Scammers are relying on our increased vulnerability due to the current cost of living crisis.
Bank fraud department
Residents report receiving calls alleging to be the fraud department of their bank. They are claiming that payments have been taken for online sales. They will try to get you to download an app onto your device that will give them remote access.
This is a SCAM. Once you have given them the access, they will be able to glean information about you and potentially take all of your money. (This type of scam was investigated in last week’s episode of Scam Interceptors on BBC1.
By using ethical hackers, they were able to intercept the scam and prevent the victim from losing their money). If you receive a phone call claiming to be your bank and trying to get you to give them access to your device hang up immediately, close your device down and contact your bank on the number on the back of your card or by calling 159 and selecting your bank. NEVER give anyone remote access to your device.
Computer hardware
We have had a report form a resident saying that she is getting constant phone calls from somebody saying that her computer isn’t working properly.
They are offering to fix it – they will then try to gain remote access to your device in an attempt to defraud you. Luckily this lady recognised this as a scam. However, they continued to harass her throughout they day becoming rude and aggressive. If you don’t recognise the number calling you DON’T answer the phone or look into some form of call blocking
Security tricks
Be wary of any pop ups or emails claiming that your device security has expired and asking you to click on a link to renew it.
If you aren’t sure when it expires free security is available from a selection of companies online, or you can purchase this from trusted traders.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: firmbee com under CC BY 2.0
