Residents in Gedling borough are being warned of a potential rise in scams using phone calls, emails and texts following the TalkTalk data breach this week.
Financial Fraud Action UK is warning locals to be on the alert as fraudsters often use publicity around such events to play on the fears of their victims and also appear more genuine.
The scam involves criminals contacting potential victims and claiming to be from their bank or the police; they then inform them that their account has been affected by the data breach.
The fraudster will then go on to ask for personal or financial details from the victims and even request that money is transferred immediately to a “safe account” they provide details for.
Katy Worobec, from Financial Fraud UK, today reminded people that a bank or police will never make contact to ask for online banking passwords or to transfer money to another account for fraud reasons.
She said: “Criminals often seek to exploit data breaches, so it’s vital to be alert. Be extremely wary of any call, text or email that comes out of the blue, even if they state there has been fraud on your account.”
“Fraudsters may already have some information on you but don’t take this as confirmation that their approach is genuine.
She added: “Never give out personal information if you are at all suspicious. Instead contact your bank on a number that you know, waiting five minutes before you make the call.”
