Martin Lewis issues ‘don’t ignore’ message warning as thousands risk losing cash – 3 signs you need to take action now
MARTIN Lewis has issued a scam warning to over 25,000 UK households.
It comes as the Metropolitan Police began contacting tens of thousands of individuals earlier this week.
Posting on X, the founder of MoneySavingExpert.com said: “If you got a text from the Met Police today or get a letter over next few days, DON’T ignore it (even if not in London).
“It’s likely a warning your data may’ve been harvested by fraudsters. Here’s how to check if the text/letter is genuine.”
You’ll know if you’ve been affected if you’ve received either a text, email or letter from the Met.
The personal data of the individuals affected may have been harvested by scammers using a tool to spoof the websites of legitimate companies.
This means thousands may have entered personal information on websites they thought were their bank, healthcare provider, or postal service.
Instead, these sites were a sophisticated dupe used by fraudsters to steal your data through what’s known as a phishing scam.
The tool used by these scammers to set up these fake websites had now been shut down thanks to an operation led by the Met Police.
What is phishing scam?
HERE's what you need to know:
- Phishing is a type of online fraud
- It’s typically an attempt to nab some of your data
- Phishing generally involves scammers posing as a trustworthy entity
- For instance, fraudsters could send you an email claiming to be your bank, asking for details
- Scammers can also set up fake websites that look like real ones, simply to hoodwink you
- Phishing can take place over email, social media, texts, phone calls and more
- The best defence against phishing is to be generally sceptical of weblinks and emails, especially if they are unsolicited
However, if you’ve been told you’ve been affected, we’ve explained exactly what it means for you.
How do I know the text, email or letter is genuine?
The MoneySavingExpert team has explained the four key points to consider to ensure that any correspondence you’ve had with the Met Police is legit.
If you’ve received a text or email, these will have only been sent between 4pm and 6pm on Wednesday, April 17.
He says that if you receive a text or email outside of this window claiming to be from the Met Police, it could be a scam and should be ignored.
Genuine text and emails from the Met will also not contain any links or attachments.
If you received a letter, these were posted with a first class stamp on Wednesday, April 17.
All legitimate correspondences will say which website scammed impersonated to get your details.
What should I do if I’ve been contacted?
If you’ve been contacted and told you’ve been affected the first thing you should do is change your password for all your online accounts.
This needs to include your email account, online banking and mobile network.
You’ll also need to log into your bank and check your statements to check for any suspicious activity.
If you do, that’s when you should report it, and we’ve explained how to do so below.
How to report scams
If you think you have been a victim of a scam, you should report it as soon as possible.
There is no guarantee you’ll get your money back, but banks will often compensate you if you can show you did not know the money would leave your account.
You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you notice a website that doesn’t look quite right, you can also report it to the National Cyber Security Centre by visiting www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/about-this-website/report-scam-website.
You should also contact your provider and report it to Action Fraud, which will give you a crime reference number.
You can do this online by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you’re in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland online by visiting www.consumeradvice.scot. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.
If you need further help, contact Citizens Advice Scams Action by visiting www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/get-help-with-online-scams or calling 0808 223 1133.