Fraud aware
Online safety
Cyber security – How to spot a scam
You may have seen in the news that Marks and Spencer recently experienced a cyber-attack which caused a six week disruption to their services and customers. Cyber-attacks are unfortunately becoming more common, and we want to make sure you know how to spot a scam.
So, what is a cyber-attack?
A cyber-attack is a deliberate attempt by an organisation or person to steal or delete information from your devices such as smartphones, computers, laptops and tablets. The cyber-attacker will use tactics to trick an organisation or person into telling them their passwords, personal information and credit/debit card details.
Sometimes an attacker will persuade the victim to pay them money directly or online either over the phone, by email or on instant chat.
Who do cyber-attackers target?
Anyone can be a victim of a cyber-attack. Cyber-attackers will particularly target vulnerable or elderly people, so we encourage our residents to look out for anyone who may need extra help when spotting a scam.
How do I spot a cyber-attack?
There are a few ways an attacker can try and access your information. These are the most common methods:
- Your account or email address has been locked, which means the passwords may have been changed without your knowledge.
- You receive an email requesting sensitive information, such as your address, bank details or date of birth. The email may also ask you to visit a fake website. This is called a phishing email.
- You accidentally click on a fake website which could infect your device with a computer virus.
If you are ever unsure if someone from Wandle has contacted you, end the call or do not reply to the email. Call us on 0300 2000 120 and we will undertake the necessary security checks with you to confirm your identity.