CYBER SECURITY TOPICS FOR TRAINING AND AWARENESS - SCAMS & PHISHING MESSAGES
Suspicious Messages
- You may have recently received a text sent by 'GOVUK' claiming that you are entitled to a tax rebate, allowing you to click a link to proceed...
- You may have received an email from 'HMRC' asking you to confirm your personal details to release your tax rebate...
- You may have received a text from 'Apple' regarding your account...
- HMRC never send notifications of a tax rebate or ask you to disclose personal or payment information by email or text message.
- Always be sceptical when receiving invoices/emails about purchases you haven’t made.
What can I do if I receive an email at home?
- You can do a self-check by using the following website: www.virustotal.com
- You can check the security of a link before opening it: hover over the link and see if the link is directing to a genuine URL.
What can I do if I receive a text?
- If you are not expecting the text message, you don't know the sender or if the message is asking you to do something (e.g. click on a link), its best to research the sender and see what you can find.
Be Vigilant
These phishing attempts can look genuine, however, be vigilant:
- Look out for spelling mistakes.
- Were you expecting to receive that message?
- Has anyone else also received this message?
- Does it sound too good to be true?
- Do your research... see if there is any advice or guidance on this type of scam message.