Counter Fraud Team alert: attempted fraud incident

A fraudster has contacted a school offering to gift a Baby Grand Piano.  The school accepted the offer and were then told they would need to contact the delivery company, who were storing the piano, to arrange delivery.

The school contacted the delivery company and received a delivery quote, however they noticed that the email address seemed odd.

A quick internet search revealed that the email address has been used in a number of scams, the school then blocked the fraudster emails involved.

The name Janice Lawson was used in this fraud attempt and has been reported in other attempts online.

The scam was reported to KCC Counter Fraud Team at internal.audit@kent.gov.uk) and to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Actions

Ensure you don’t share your passwords, do not use an easily guessed password as fraudsters will do open-source checks to find out information such as social media.

Whenever you get an email asking for any bank account payment details to be changed, be that staff, contractors, suppliers always check with the contact details you already have with that person or company.

If you notice that a received invoice is different or the payment details are not the same as those on record, check again with the sender that the information is correct.

A phone call is best as if the subjects email or online accounts have been targeted the fraudster may be monitoring them.

Also use a phone number you already on record have not one that is contained within the email requesting the change, the fraudster will control any phone number they email to you.

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, businesses and the police. They spend hours researching your business for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment.

Remember

Stop: If you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change supplier bank details or provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think.

Challenge: Could it be fake? Verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company or individual on a known phone number or in person first.

Protect: Contact your business’ bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Advice can be found on the Take Five website:

• Take Five - general advice
• Take Five - business advice