Debenhams customers have been put on alert about a scam e-mail which could leave users at risk of having sensitive information stolen. Customers are being targeted by scammers who are sending out an authentic looking e-mail as part of an elaborate phishing con. A phishing scam is designed to trick unsuspecting people into handing over personal information or downloading malware onto their computer.

Action Fraud UK described the fake Debenhams e-receipt as the most convincing phishing email they’ve ever seen. A spokesperson said ‘Fraudsters have created an exact replica of a real e-receipt , but you’ll notice they’re sent from personal email addresses and not Debenhams.

Action Fraud have issued advice to people to help them spot phishing scams –

  • their spelling, grammar, graphic design or image quality is poor quality
  • they may use odd ‘spe11ings’ or ‘cApiTals’ in the email subject to fool your spam filter
  • if they know your email address but not your name, it’ll begin with something like ‘To our valued customer’, or ‘Dear…..’ followed by your email address
  • The website or email address doesn’t look right, authentic website addresses are usually short and don’t use irrelevant words or phrases
  • Businesses and organisations don’t use web-based addresses such as Gmail or Yahoo
  • Money’s been taken from your account, or there are withdrawals or purchases on your bank statement that you don’t remember making

 

Chamber News (22nd January 18)