POLICE have warned Brits over dangerous scam emails lurking your inbox.
These sinister missives can empty your bank in seconds – but money isn’t the only thing they take.
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Phishing emails involve criminals sending you messages pretending to be a business you know and trust, including in trusted email apps like Google Gmail or Microsoft Outlook.
In an official security memo, the City of London Police’s Action Fraud division revealed the danger signs of a scam email – and how to react when you get one.
Falling for a scam email can be a serious problem.
In some cases, it might see you inadvertently transferring cash to criminals – or handing over enough private info for crooks to defraud or extort you.
A scam email may also install dangerous malware on your machine, letting criminals spy on you or even hold your files to ransom.
Warning signs to look out for
There are plenty of warning signs that mean a scam email has turned up in your inbox.
For instance, the sender’s email might not match up to the official business’ email.
It might include a generic greeting like “Dear customer” rather than your name.
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Often scam emails will also try to rush you into acting with a sense of urgency.
“For example the threat that unless you act immediately your account may be closed,” Action Fraud warned.
You might also be asked to click a prominent link or to provide personal information.
This could include your “username, password or bank details”.
Often scam emails will contain spelling or grammar errors.
You’ll usually not be expecting an email from the company that papers to have sent the message, too.
If you see any of these signs – or even multiple – then you should proceed with extreme caution.
In some cases, it can take a single click for you to find your device compromised.
How to stay safe
According to Action Fraud, there are four key ways to stay safe from a scam email.
Firstly, you should avoid clicking any links in the email.
Second: don’t reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
Third, don’t supply any info to a website that opens if you did end up clicking a link.
And fourth, don’t open any attachments on the email.
Action Fraud added: “If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.”
