Impersonation fraud and cloned firms
Impersonation fraud and cloned firms
Criminals will pose as legitimate businesses to gain access to your personal information or to encourage you to transfer funds to their accounts. Examples include:
- Fake websites, social media accounts, or emails which are pretending to be genuine companies.
- Being contacted by someone claiming to be from your bank or the Police to advise you that your account has been accessed by fraudsters.
- Being contacted by your Internet Service Provider to try and improve your internet speed.
- Emails or text messages from criminals pretending to be public service organisations such as HMRC, the NHS or the Royal Mail. Messages may relate to refunds, vaccinations or missed deliveries.
- Criminals pretending to be from a software or anti-virus company calling you about your computer being infected with Malware. They may try to scare you saying that illegal files or pictures have been downloaded to your computer.
Protect yourself from impersonation and Cloned Firm Fraud
- Treat any surprise requests, whether via phone, email, or social media with suspicion.
- Fraudsters will frequently put you under pressure. Take time to consider the request and carry out further investigations to validate the request.
- Validate information you receive with other sources such as the company website. Check the company website for any scam warnings.
- Fraudsters can clone telephone numbers (displayed on caller ID) and can keep telephone lines open when you hang up. Only call back on a number from your bank statement or the company website and use a different telephone where possible. If possible, speak to someone you know.
- Fake websites can at first sight appear convincing. Take time to read the content and look for issues such as spelling mistakes and formatting errors. Navigate the website to see if all looks professional.
- Check the website domain for anything suspicious (e.g. spelling mistakes) and make sure it is secure (https:// or has the padlock symbol).
- On social media accounts, review posts to see if there is regular business content. Review comments for indications there are concerns with the account.
- Never transfer money into a ‘safe account’ or take money out of your bank to aid a fraud investigation. Your bank or the Police will never ask you to do this.
- Never allow anyone remote access to your computer unless you are absolutely sure they are permitted (e.g. they work for your company IT Team).
Different ways criminals contact victims
Criminals might try to contact you via phone, email, text message or in person.
Protecting yourself from investment fraud
Be vigilant of investments that seem too good to be true. Always do your research.
Protecting yourself from identity fraud
Criminals try to impersonate victims to steal money. You can protect yourself.
Debit & credit card fraud
Protecting your debit and credit card data is crucial in the fight against fraud.
Romance scams
Fraudsters often start romantic relationships with victims in person of via dating apps and websites.
Payment redirection
Often affecting businesses, this is when a fraudster finds a way of changing payment details when paying invoices.
Cheque fraud
Make sure you don’t fall victim.
Becoming a client
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