Summer brings the joy of holidays, better weather (albeit too hot for most) and a general slowdown for a lot of people.
It means that we get out and about discovering new places, treating the kids, going to the pub or doing whatever you do to relax and have a good time.
This year has been slightly different because of the social/economic situation most of us are feeling the effects of.
Post pandemic, cost of living, extreme weather to name but a few of things that we are all concerned about.
Being worried about something – whether it be finances, health or the environment leaves us vulnerable to those that seek to take advantage of what is already a bad situation and as I have mentioned in previous posts, fraudsters, scammers and social engineers will be feeding off of these vulnerabilities.
The fraudsters are also clever enough to change their tactics to suit a target-rich environment quickly.
I have noticed an increase in the volume of messaging apps, texts and emails – invariably due to the above factors which are all attempting to get us to do the wrong thing by using phishing techniques.
Some of them are still quite rudimentary and reflect back to the time when you won the Nigerian Lottery or some rich uncle had died leaving you their fortune – and for $100 admin fee you can get access to it. But others are more realistic and use ‘simple sophistication’.
Here is a recent message I received on Facebook – which was a comment to a picture I posted recommending a café in France. (It’s been translated into English using the built-in translator but you will get the gist!)
My immediate reaction was that it was quite amusing and not particularly sophisticated. Obviously the sender has no idea who I am or what I look like. This is probably because I don’t use my actual picture as my profile – so although I may look like a beautiful woman to some people it would probably be only at some distance, with one eye closed on a very foggy day.
Needless to say I wasn’t tempted to send a friend request.
Even though I agree that I am indeed the Chief of Angels!
This was all the result of a review I left on Facebook about a nice little place whilst having a beer and ice cream on holiday. (You CAN have both as you are on holiday!)
A more ‘serious’ attempt came recently via SMS:
This type of ‘Friend in Need’ message does appear to represent a trend being seen using tactics similar to the one above or going further by requesting money to be transferred in order to get a friend or close relative out of trouble. I have also seen reports where these messages are very personal and identify friends or family members by name making them appear very realistic.
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/alert/friendinneed
Another alarming trend is the increase in ‘mandate fraud’ types of attacks which may attract victims with promises of cheaper energy bills, rebates or better payment options. Let’s face it – we would all be interested in that.
Ofgem has some cracking advice and guidance and reporting tools on their site:
Avoid and report energy scams | Ofgem
So what should we do about it?
Number one – continue to have fun and enjoy your time in Sun. Check in to lovely places to make your friends jealous, leave reviews of bars you visit, take photos of your breakfast and post them across all social media platforms. Don’t let the scammers win or put you off having a great time.
However, reflect on your social media profile. How many E-Friends do you need? Do a check when responding to comments and especially third-party posts. Facebook and Instagram are notorious for this.
Don’t post anything that might be too personal about you, your friends and family. And don’t respond to people you don’t know. After all you wouldn’t engage with the Nutter on the Bus!? Would you? #JasperCarrott
Jasper Carrott – Nutter on the bus – Bing video
Use the built in reporting and blocking tools in the applications. These DO make a difference. Don’t respond even if you think it is amusing to do so.
Report to Action Fraud and use their website as a great source of advice and information:
https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Another great guide and resource is at ‘Take 5 – Stop Fraud’:
https://www.takefive-stopfraud.org.uk/
And if you are able – spread the word! Friends, family and work colleagues all need to be aware.
Awareness is a key asset in the fight against fraud.
Take 5 and Prosper!
