🚨 ScamWatch

Been scammed? Contact us for assistance.

Staying aware is the best way to protect yourself. Below is a summary of the most common scams currently affecting individuals and businesses, along with simple ways to stay safe.

🧾 “Boss” / Gift Card Scam (Targeting Finance Staff)

Scammers impersonate senior staff (e.g. a director or CEO) to trick employees into sending money or buying gift cards.

How it works:

• You receive an email appearing to be from “the boss”

• It creates urgency (e.g. “I’m in a meeting, need this done quickly”)

• You’re asked to purchase gift cards or transfer money

Why it works:

• Targets staff who handle payments or finances

• Uses authority and urgency to bypass checks

Protect yourself:

• Always verify unusual requests directly (e.g. call the person)

• Be cautious of urgent payment requests

• Follow internal approval processes

🧵 Fake Email Thread Scam

Scammers create convincing email chains to make their request appear legitimate.

How it works:

• You receive an email that appears to include a previous conversation

• It may look like it’s from colleagues or managers

• The message asks you to take action involving money, payments, or gift cards

Why it’s dangerous:

• The fake “thread” adds credibility

• It lowers suspicion and encourages quick action

Protect yourself:

• Don’t rely on email appearance alone

• Verify requests with colleagues via another method

• Be cautious of unexpected financial requests

📱 WhatsApp “Account Takeover” Scam

Scammers attempt to gain access to your WhatsApp account by tricking you into sharing a 6-digit verification code.

How it works:

• You receive a message from a trusted contact (whose account may already be hacked)

• They ask for a code or claim one was sent to you by mistake

• WhatsApp sends you a legitimate login code

• If you share it, scammers take control of your account instantly

Why it’s dangerous:

• They can impersonate you and scam your contacts

• They may lock you out of your own account

Protect yourself:

• Never share your verification code with anyone

• Enable Two-Step Verification in WhatsApp

• Be cautious of urgent or unusual messages—even from friends

📅 Calendar Invite Scam

Scammers send emails with a malicious .ics calendar file that adds fake security alerts or warnings to your calendar.

How it works:

• You receive a calendar invite with alarming messages (e.g. “Security Breach Detected”)

• Events appear in your calendar automatically

• They include links or phone numbers leading to scam websites or fake support

Important:

• Opening the file alone does not install malware

• Risk only occurs if you click links or share information

Protect yourself:

• Delete the calendar events

• Remove unknown calendar subscriptions

• Delete the email and mark it as spam

• Run a virus scan if you’re unsure

🔳 QR Code Scams

Malicious QR codes can direct you to harmful websites or trigger unwanted actions.

How it works:

• QR codes are placed in public spaces or sent via messages

• Scanning them redirects you to fake websites or hidden subscriptions

Protect yourself:

• Only scan QR codes from trusted sources

• Avoid entering personal or payment details after scanning

• Be cautious of codes in unexpected places

❤️ Romance Scams

Scammers build emotional relationships online to gain trust and eventually request money.

How it works:

• Fraudsters create fake profiles on dating apps or social media

• They form a relationship and gain your trust

• They ask for money due to emergencies or travel issues

Warning signs:

• They avoid meeting in person

• They request money or gifts

• Their stories feel inconsistent

Protect yourself:

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person

• Be cautious with online relationships that escalate quickly

📞 Phone Scams

Fraudsters call pretending to be from trusted organisations (banks, HMRC, tech support, etc.).

How it works:

• You receive an unexpected call claiming urgency

• They request personal or financial information

• They may pressure you to act quickly

Protect yourself:

• Never share sensitive information over the phone

• Hang up if unsure

• Call back using official contact details from a trusted source

📧 Email (Phishing) Scams

Fake emails are designed to steal your login details or personal information.

How it works:

• Emails appear to come from legitimate companies

• They ask you to click a link or open an attachment

• You’re prompted to enter your email password or details

Protect yourself:

• Never enter login details from email links

• Check the sender’s email address carefully

• Report suspicious emails as phishing

🛒 Facebook & Marketplace Scams

Scammers use platforms like Facebook Marketplace to lure victims with fake deals.

How it works:

• High-value items (e.g. bikes, furniture) are listed at very low prices

• Sellers may request deposits or payment upfront

• Items often don’t exist

Also watch for:

• Messages from unknown people

• Messages from friends that seem unusual (their account may be hacked)

Protect yourself:

• If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is

• Avoid paying upfront for items you haven’t seen

• Verify suspicious messages through another contact method

🌐 General Online Scams

Scammers may also target you through fake websites, ads, or social media.

Common tactics include:

• Fake websites mimicking real companies

• “Too good to be true” offers

• Urgent warnings or scare tactics

Protect yourself:

• Always double-check website URLs

• Avoid clicking suspicious links

• Keep your devices and software updated

🛡️ Stay Safe Online

• Think before you click

• Verify before you trust

• Never share sensitive information unless you’re certain

📩 Need Help or Not Sure?

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check.

👉 Contact us for assistance — we’re here to help.