In a survey of 5,000 UK adults, those aged 18 to 24 were found to be the most likely to be the victim of an online scam, as over a quarter of this age group said that they have been caught out by an online scammer.
This was followed by those aged 25 to 34, with a quarter being scammed. One in ten of those aged 55 to 64 said they had been scammed online.
Read on as we explain how to spot the scam signs in these examples of real scams that are currently circulating.
The latest phishing scams
Aqua's survey found that one eight people reported receiving a scam email once a day and one in seven had scam emails a few times a week. Aqua found that receiving scam text messages was less common, with 4% receiving one daily and one in 10 receiving them a few times a week.
While classic scam signs such as poor spelling and grammar, are more obvious scam signs, scammers are constantly changing their tactics to catch victims out and using tools like artificial intelligence to improve the quality of their work.
Scam texts
In this example, a dodgy text claims to be from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) telling you that you’re eligible for a £300 ‘subsidy application’ for 2024 to 2025.
It's sent from a random mobile number, which is most likely spoofed and gives you a quick deadline to complete the application, both indications that it's a scam message.
The text also includes a link to ‘complete the application,’ which is also a feature of phishing messages as that is how scammers are planning to get your personal data.
Scam emails
In this example, a ‘missed delivery’ scam email claims to be from delivery company DHL and tells you that your ‘package has been suspended' due to ‘missing information.’
This message also gives you a deadline as well as a link to follow and is sent from an email address that has nothing to do with DHL. These all point to it being a scam message.
Scam calls
A scam call currently circulating is from an 0800 number and claims to be from the mobile network Three. It goes on to offer you fake deals under the guise of changing your contract to the network.
Some recipients claimed that the caller knew their name, which scammers can get their hands on through data breaches and previous phishing attempts.
The caller will most likely go on to ask for your personal and financial details, indicating that it’s a scam attempt.
How do people spot phishing scams?
Aqua's survey found that around six in 10 people check the email address it came from, more than half look for spelling and grammatical errors and almost half check if the message asks for personal details.
While classic scam signs such as poor spelling and grammar are useful to look out for, scammers are always evolving their tactics.
Spotting and reporting phishing scams
Some signs that a text, email or call may be a scam are:
Scam texts can be reported by forwarding them to 7726 and scam emails can be reported by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
On an iPhone, you can report scam calls by texting the word ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726. On an Android phone, text the word ‘call’ to 7726. You’ll then receive a message asking you for the scam number.
On WhatsApp, open the WhatsApp chat with the dodgy phone number and tap 'block.' You can report the contact by tapping 'report contact' and 'block'.
source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/phishing-smishing-and-vishing-could-you-spot-the-signs-of-these-common-scams-arLbW4E7vHMS