Phishing attacks – who is most at risk?
COVID-19 and the rising cost of living
Fraudsters are always adapting their phishing attacks, and recent emerging trends have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic and rising cost of living.
In the latest year, 4.8% of all fraud was perceived to be coronavirus-related, rising to 6.3% of all cyber fraud. In one campaign, victims received text messages apparently from the NHS claiming they had been in close contact with someone who had the Omicron variant.
The message provides a link to a website claiming to be hosted by the NHS where they can book a test, prompting them to provide personal information and pay a delivery fee.
Phishing attacks have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic
Download this image Phishing attacks have exploited the COVID-19 pandemic
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) at City of London Police, the national policing lead on fraud, has also identified new trends, as phishing attacks target those in a difficult financial situation.
They include the promise of energy and council tax rebates or encouraging people to apply for a “cost of living payment”, mimicking genuine government support packages.
Of those who replied to or clicked on a link in a phishing message, more than a third (35%) said they did so for financial or material gain, and 30% to pay an invoice or bill, according to the TCSEW.
Some phishing messages mimic genuine government support
Download this image Some phishing messages mimic genuine government support
In the two weeks to 5 August 2022, more than 1,500 reports were made to the Suspicious Emails Reporting Service (SERS), run by the National Cyber Security Centre, about scam emails pretending to be legitimate energy rebates from Ofgem, the energy regulator in Great Britain.
The emails use the Ofgem logo and colours and have the subject header “Claim your bill rebate now”.
It is shameful that in a time of financial hardship, criminal are targeting members of the public by claiming they are entitled to receiving rebates and refunds. If an email is genuine, the company will never push you into handing over your details.
Cifas, a UK fraud prevention service, said there is a “real concern due to the rise in living costs, criminals will look to target loan products and deferred credit services.”
Common campaigns they have encountered include fraudsters posing as utility providers offering deals on energy bills, or competitions to win fuel vouchers.
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