Martin Lewis’ MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) has issued a stern warning to its users not to ignore a text message sent out on Wednesday, as it could indicate they are at risk of falling victim to scams.
The Metropolitan Police have reached out to thousands of individuals across the UK whose personal data may have been compromised by fraudsters. The MET revealed that an online platform named “Labhost”, established in 2021, was utilised by over 2,000 criminals to generate a variety of phishing websites masquerading as trusted organisations and businesses, including banks, healthcare providers, postal services and more.
These counterfeit websites were then used by criminals to extract personal information and private data from unsuspecting individuals worldwide. In the UK alone, approximately 70,000 people were duped by these scams, resulting in their card numbers, pins, and passwords being stolen.
This service has since been shut down following a joint law enforcement operation spearheaded by the Met.
On Thursday, April 18, the MET police contacted 25,000 individuals via text and email, alerting them that their personal data may have been harvested by scammers. These individuals will also receive a follow-up letter in the coming days, reports the Mirror.
MSE has urged those who receive one of these letters to take heed and “do not ignore”.
If you’ve received a suspicious message, don’t fret. Martin Lewis’ team has provided guidance on how to distinguish genuine communications.
Primarily, the messages were only sent on Wednesday 17th, between 16:00 and 18:00. Any message received outside this timeframe can be safely disregarded.
The communication should specify which website was falsely represented by fraudsters to obtain your data. Absence of this information in the message warrants dismissal.
Furthermore, legitimate messages from the Met Police will not include links or attachments. Be wary if you notice any.
Should you have received a message, the MSE team advises changing your online passwords for sensitive accounts like email, online banking, and mobile phone ones. Also, check your bank and credit card accounts for unusual activity.
It’s worthwhile to scrutinize credit reports as scams could apply for credit using stolen details.
Moreover, MSE implores Brits to “be extremely suspicious” of calls claiming they’re from trusted organisations such as banks. They warned: “Scammers often use information gathered from phishing websites to gain your trust in follow-up phone calls and they can fake the caller ID to make it seem like the real thing.”
The team at Money Saving Expert (MSE) has emphasised that legitimate service providers, banks and the police will never call asking for money transfers, personal financial details or remote control of your computer. Martin Lewis’ MSE advises that if you feel suspicious or pressured in any way, simply hang up the phone.
For additional guidance and support regarding these messages, the Met Police have set up a dedicated phone line on 0207 230 8603. This line will be operational from 8am to 8pm daily until Sunday 21 April.
Alternatively, you can email CyberProtect at the Met at cyberprotect@met. police.uk.
If you believe a scammer has accessed your bank details, contact your bank immediately. You can dial the 159 hotline, which will connect you directly to your bank.
Any passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed without delay.
Ensure you report any scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or via the Action Fraud website. If you’re based in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website.
Scams can also be reported to Police Scotland on 101.
The Government advises that suspicious emails can be forwarded to [email protected] for investigation by its National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Potential scam texts can be forwarded free of charge to 7726 – this will report the message to your mobile phone provider.
