Counter Fraud Team alert: "irregular activity on the account"

A fraudster has contacted a school through an automated call from a local area code (01634 331805).

The message was that "there had been irregular activity on the account, a payment of £300 to Amazon and an international money transfer for £1,100.  To stop further fraudulent activity press 1 to stop these transactions or 2 to speak to an operator."

Fortunately, the Finance Officer who answered the call had the foresight to end the call and contact their bank for advice and they confirmed it was a scam.

When reporting this internally, the Finance Officer mentioned that while they have received a number of phishing emails in the past, this was the first time they had received an attempt by phone.

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