Here at Cover4Insurance, we care about keeping you safe and secure online.
Phishing.
When scammers pose as a trusted source, via fake emails, and request personal information, banking details or install harmful software on your device.
Smishing.
Similar to Phishing but using fake text messages instead of emails. They will sometimes include a link to a fake version of a website and ask for personal information to be entered.
Vishing.
When scammers call you in person or via a recording and pretend to be a trusted source to trick you into giving personal information.
1) It has a suspicious greeting.
Look out for emails that address you by your email address e.g. ‘Dear firstname.lastname@hotmail.co.uk' or 'Dear Sir/Madam'.
2) It contains poor spelling.
Phishing and Smishing are often easy to identify by the use of poor spelling and grammar. If it doesn't read well, be suspicious.
3) It has unusual sender details.
Always check the sender's name matches the email address, and isn't an unusual spelling or format. If the email address ID isn't fully visible tap the sender name to expand.
4) Account warnings or odd prizes.
Watch out for unexpected verification emails due to a 'blocked account' or too-good-to-be-true prizes e.g. "You've won £50Million!".
Read How to protect yourself from a scam
You can report incidents to Action Fraud , the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.
Report online by clicking here
You can call them on 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm. If you are calling from abroad please call +44 300 123 2040.
Visit Action Fraud.