Today, we’ve got a story that highlights the importance of being cautious with phone calls and emails related to your bank. A local business recently fell victim to a scam and lost £1 million. Let’s break it down.
The Story:
An employee at a local business received a call from a UK number on Friday. The caller claimed to be from the international fraud department of their bank. They said there were fraudulent transactions on the account and requested to use a remote access tool to stop them. By Monday, the business discovered that numerous unauthorized transactions had occurred, totaling over £1 million.
Types of Scam:
- Impersonation Scam: The scammer pretended to be a trusted bank employee to gain access to sensitive information.
- Remote Access Scam: They convinced the employee to use a remote access tool, allowing them to control the computer and steal information.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Verify Calls: Always verify the identity of the caller by hanging up and calling your bank directly using the number from your card or the official website.
- Never Share Personal Information: Banks will never ask for your passwords, PINs, or remote access to your computer.
- Be Skeptical of Remote Access Requests: Do not allow anyone to control your computer remotely unless you are sure of their identity and legitimacy.
Regulator-Validated Practices:
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious call or notice unauthorized transactions, report it immediately to your bank and the police.
- Stay Updated: Follow guidelines and updates from your bank and financial institutions to stay aware of new scam tactics.
Personal Touch: Imagine getting a call and being told there’s an issue with your bank account, only to find out later it was all a scam. It’s not just a financial loss; it’s a betrayal of trust. Let’s learn from this and stay vigilant. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and verify the information.
Stay sharp, Scamstallers, and let’s protect ourselves from these crafty scammers! To read more, find original article here