Scam alert texts and phone number cloning for COVID tests
TIAA Anti-Crime Specialists have been alerted to a new scam.
The victim reported receiving a text requesting payment for COVID tests, given the recent news that free COVID tests are coming to an end, the victim clicked on the link in the text.
The victim then received a phone call purporting to be from their bank advising of suspected fraud and that they needed to protect their accounts. The caller advised the victim to check the number that they were calling from against the bank website to prove that it was genuine.
The victim did check and it was the same number that was calling them. However the caller, who was a fraudster had cloned the bank telephone number when making the call.
The victim then became suspicious and later reported the incident to the bank who advised that this was a known scam.
How to protect yourself from Fraud
Stop and think before replying to any text or email and never give out personal or financial information about yourself on the phone, unless you are absolutely sure the source is genuine. Be aware that fraudsters can clone genuine phone numbers and appear very convincing. To check if a call is genuine, hang up and contact you bank by dialling 159 or using the contact number on the back of your bank card.
If you have fallen victim to fraud or cyber-crime you should report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123
2040 or visit: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime
For further fraud prevention advice and assistance contact your Anti-Crime Specialist or Contact Us for more information on the services we offer.