If you receive a phone call, text or email asking you to hand over personal or financial information, you need to take a moment to reflect and step back from the situation.

Yes, even if they say they're the bank, police or another trusted organisation, you still need to take the time to stop and think about what's really going on.

Because, deep down, you probably already know the basic rules on how to beat financial fraud - you just need to take a deep breath and stay calm to remember them........

Computer Crime and Scams

General Advice

1) Never disclose security details such as your PIN or full banking password.

Banks and other trusted organisations will never ask you for these in an email, on the phone, by text or in writing. Before you share anything with anyone, stop. Then pause to consider what you are being asked for and question why they need it. Unless you're 100% sure who you are talking to, don't disclose any personal or financial details.

2) Don't assume an email or phone call is authentic.
Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother's maiden name), it doesn't mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust - fraudsters may try to trick you and gain your confidence by telling you that you've been a victim of fraud. Fraudsters often use this tactic to draw you into the conversation, to scare you into acting and revealing security details. Remember, fraudsters can also make any telephone number appear on your phone handset, so even if you recognise the number or it seems authentic, do not assume they are genuine.

3) Don't be rushed or pressured into making a decision.
Under no circumstances would a bank or organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot; they would never ask you to transfer money into another account for fraud reasons. Remember to stop and take time to carefully consider your actions. A bank or trusted organisation won't rush you or mind waiting if you want time to think.

4) Listen to your instincts.
If something feels wrong it is usually right to question it. Fraudsters may lull you into a false sense of security when you are out and about or rely on your defences being down when you are in the comfort of your own home. They may appear trustworthy, but they may not be who they claim to be.

5) Stay in control.
Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. It's easy to fell embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations. But it is okay to stop the discussion if you don't feel in control of it.

What to do if you think you're a victim.

If you think there has been fraud on your card or bank account - or if you suspect someone has attempted to compromise your financial details - report it immediately to your bank or other financial services provider and then contact:
Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at actionfraud.police.uk

 Computer Tech Support Scam

We received details recently from a resident in Suffolk who lost £3000 after being duped by bogus tech support callers.

Working from home on her work laptop, the victim allowed the scammer remote access which provided the scammer with access to her personal financial details.

This incident has not only highlighted the scam, but has also shown that the scam has wider implications. The victim's workplace now has to investigate as to whether the scammer was able to access any of the company's information.

How the Scam Works
The caller will tell you that your computer has been sending error messages or that it has a virus. They may mention problems with your internet connection or your phone line and say this has affected your computer's recent performance. They may claim that your broadband connection has been hacked.

The caller will request remote access to your computer to ‘find out what the problem is’.
The scammer may try to talk you into buying unnecessary software or a service to ‘fix’ the computer, or they may ask you for your personal details and your bank or credit card details. You shouldn't be asked to pay for viruses to be cleared from your computer, or to fix any issues over the phone.

More scammers are calling people trying to gain remote access to their computer to steal personal information. A common tool scammers use to log into your computer is 'TeamViewer'.

It is important to never check your account balance while a third party has remote access to your computer as it is possible they can see what is being displayed on your screen.

If you are called, don’t give them any details and hang up.

Report the call
To help tackle these calls report any such incidents to Action Fraud. If you can, supply the name of the company (or at least, who they claimed to be), plus – if possible – the phone number they called you from.

Action Fraud - Tel: 0300 123 2040

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

If you’ve been a victim
If you’re worried that you’ve granted access to your PC or given your bank details to an unsolicited caller, it’s important to take some key steps. Contact Action Fraud and seek a crime reference number to help you pursue any lost funds from your bank. Alert your bank to what has happened, and to be extra safe, run an up-to-date security scan.