AVON and Somerset Police are warning people about fraudulent text messages ordering them to pay a fictitious parking fine or sign up to claim a bogus new living allowance.
While both messages can look genuine, these are examples of ‘phishing’ when cyber criminals use fake information to lure people to click on links inside a scam email or text message to give away sensitive information.
Police are urging people not to click any links and to report the fraud.
In the case of the fraudulent parking penalty, a text encourages recipients to click on a link to pay, which takes them to a website that looks like an official government page. They are then asked to share their personal details to make a payment.
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Criminals are also sending texts messages that claim a new living allowance will be paid out, replacing the winter fuel allowance. Recipients are asked to update their details to claim the allowance - but the message is not genuine.
“If you receive text messages like these, it’s important not to click on the link, as criminals can steal your personal and financial data to commit identity fraud and take your money,” explains Claire Bounds, Fraud Protect Officer at Avon and Somerset Police.
“Even clicking the link and not entering any information could result in malware and computer viruses being downloaded onto your device.
“We advise that if people fear they're being offered a fraud or scam, to Take Five (minutes) and Tell Two (people), giving themselves time to think and discuss if this is genuine before taking action.
“If you become a victim of fraud, it’s important to report it. We can help – and by reporting you could protect many other people from being affected.”
Police say people can forward phishing texts to 7726. This enables their provider to investigate the origin of the text and act, if found to be malicious.
Police are also encouraging anyone who has been coerced into giving away money or information, to report this to their bank immediately (call 159 to be automatically connected to their fraud service) and to police via Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.