Common Scams Section

[Gibbo2286]

I got a very well done one telling me that my Santander Bank account had been hacked and to log in and change the security details, very convincing. but I don't have a Santander account.
Wouldn't be surprised if the unwary were caught out.

[Paul-R]

I got a very well done one telling me that my Santander Bank account had been hacked and to log in and change the security details, very convincing. but I don't have a Santander account.

I do have a Santander account and now I'm worried. Do you still have this email to send to me as I'd like to make sure I'm OK.










In case a casual reader doesn't realise...

[Gibbo2286]

I just forward these to the relevant bank's phishing reporting address then delete them, in this case phishing@santander.co.uk .

[mickthemaverick]

Methinks you didn't read all of Paul's post Gibbo!

[Gibbo2286]

I did Mick but thought the added info was worth posting.

[GiveMeABreak]

Well a strange thing happened 10 minutes ago. There I was answering some FCF posts when my mobile pinged up a note to say Apple Pay has removed my Debenhams Card and can't be used. The first thing that went through my mind was have I got a balance and forgot a payment - but haven't used this card for months.

So I go to my online account and attempt to log in. You have to enter a user name, then a password and then a security code. When I got to the security code, they then send a OTP One Time Passcode to my mobile. I entered the code in and it refused it, so tried 2 more times and it failed saying this account was not eligible for online account management

So the help suggested trying the App, which I did - same thing, entered the OTP and threatened to lock me out after it failed three more times.

So gave up and rang the buggers up this time. I used the automated system to enter card number and other details, and got the automated services menu. As I suspected, I had a zero balance, so that was a relief. Got through to an operator and of course they're all working from home, so this adds an air of suspicion as you can hear dogs and kids in the background and also there is echoing all the time from their microphone setup.

After going through some security and 2 other departments, I was handed over to the fraud department.

After confirming another load of security, she asked me if I had tried contacting them from a particular telephone number, to which I said no, I don't recognise that number. Great she said, we have had somebody repeatedly trying to call us to get information on your account and our system has picked it up and blocked all card services as a precaution. Hence why I couldn't log in to anything!

So I said as I haven't used this card for months, I was a bit concerned and had there been an internal security breach? She said not and this was a precaution, so could I destroy my card and they would issue a new one straight away.

So slightly relieved I duly shredded the card and thanked her.

So at least the system works and I can only guess the scammers are now focussing on the financial card issuers too to see what they can extract from them! So I've nothing to report on what is going on, but if you suddenly find a similar thing happening, hopefully it is just your card issuer being cautious...

[myglaren]

Reassuring that they picked up on the suspicious activity quickly.

Santander did the same for me a few years ago.

[Gibbo2286]

Three times today I'm told my Macafee anti virus needs renewing, never had it so I guess this is another scam doing the rounds.

[myglaren]

Same here a few weeks ago, on five different email accounts.
Never had it either and of course it won't work with Linux anyway.

[mickthemaverick]

Just had a scam email purporting to be from Paypal. It was asking to click the link to go and confirm personal account details to ensure a smooth transition to the new security legislation due to start on 1st September!! A trifle late methinks, it was of course deleted immediately!

[myglaren]

Haven't used PayPal in yonks. eBay uses my debit card now.

[Gibbo2286]

Recently almost every day phone calls from "Good morning, how are you, I'm your local energy adviser." etc.
They always get cut short, I suppose the intent is to get one of their reps across your doorstep to flog you something you don't need for an extortionate price if you're gullible enough.

[myglaren]

Pleased I chucked my phones out.
As I only make calls on the mobile when it is unavoidable* I have never had a spam/scam call.

*Only one this year so far, to call for a fire engine.

[mickthemaverick]

I had a very well constructed and authentic looking email today. Claiming to be from Amazon and saying they had noticed my card on the account was out of date and could I please amend it as soon as possible to ensure smooth shopping!! The big alarm bell was the sentence "You can use the link below to check the details on your account!"
What is slightly intrigueing is that I had a new card issued just two weeks ago and I have already updated my Amazon and Ebay accounts with the details, but was I targeted because of that or was it a random coincidence? Needless to say it has been reported for phishing and deleted from my system!!

[Gibbo2286]

Anyone had one of these?