14th January 2020
Mobile Fraud And Security
Here at Cover4Insurance, we care about keeping you safe and secure online.
Common types of online and mobile fraud:
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.
How can you spot it is a scam?
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!".
How to help protect yourself.
- Keep your personal information safe - be sure you know who you are communicating with before providing any personal information.
- Only enter personal information on websites you trust and if it has https:// and a secure lock icon in the browser's address bar. You will see this on our website at the checkout stage.
- Make sure you've downloaded the latest software update by checking your device settings.
- Report and delete all suspicious messages – be wary of opening, clicking or downloading anything you're not sure of.
Read How to protect yourself from a scam
How to report it.
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.
