£769k Lost To Email Scams In July

Local individuals and businesses were swindled out of over £769,000 in email hacking scams last month, police have revealed.

Reported scams in recent weeks include losses ranging from £20-£400,000, using a variety of fraudulent techniques known as mandate frauds, where emails have been compromised or spoofed to fool vicims.

In one incident on the 01 July, email accounts of a large organisation were compromised, resulted in €470,000 euros being transferred to three separate bank accounts. Police enquiries are continuing.

Meanwhile, the most recent loss saw a local business transfer £50,000 to scammers. The company was under the impression the money would go to a supplier, however the bank details had been amended by scammers after they hacked the supplier's business accounts.

Chief Superintendent Simon Walls said a common element shared by many of the recent cases is that the scammers only aim is to take money, and the fraudsters will go to great lengths to trick people.

"This is a huge amount of money that has been lost, and the impacts are undoubtedly significant," he commented. "I can't stress enough to businesses and individuals alike never to disclose personal or banking details to anyone over the phone no matter how convincing it seems to you."

In another incident on 11 July, a healthcare provider was contacted with a request to change bank account details and payments made accordingly. As a result, £140,000 was paid into a fraudulent account.

A charitable organisation also fell victim to mandate scammers on 16 July. Emails were intercepted and €59,000 was paid into what was believed to be a legitimate account. It was, in fact, paid to scammers.

On 18 July, it was reported a man who had dealings with an online investment company was advised to make payments to a different bank account number. While bank details were different, the company name was the same. The man was duped into transferring £20,000.

In the wake of such significant financial loses, CS Walls issued the following advice: "Before making payments, double check that the accounts to which the payments are being made are the correct accounts. Never disclose account details to any unauthorised person or allow anyone access to them via your computer."

Anyone concerned by unsolicited calls, emails or letters is advised to report it to Action Fraud via their website. Advice can also be requested by calling 0300 123 2040 or the police non-emergency line on 101.

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(JG/CM)