Alert: Cyber criminals send victims their own passwords in new sextortion scam

We have had a number of calls from members who have been hit with a particularly nasty scam.

Cyber criminals are sending victims their own passwords in an attempt to trick them into believing they have been filmed on their computer watching porn and demanding payment.

Action Fraud suspects that the fraudsters may have gained victim’s passwords from an old data breach.
 
You can check whether your email has been compromised go to :https://haveibeenpwned.com. Action Fraud have found that in almost all cases their accounts have been compromised.

This is a particularly nasty scam and one which needs reporting. We have spoken to the Action Fraud who are the official body for reporting crimes and their advice is as follows:
 

• Don't respond or reply to the emails.
• Check whether your accounts have been compromised in a data breech via: https://haveibeenpwned.com/
• Change your passwords immediately and use 2 factor verification where possible
• Cover your web camera when not in use
• Always update your anti-virus software and operating systems regularly.
• If you have received one of these emails and paid the fine, report it to your local police force. If you have not paid, report it as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud forwarding the email to [email protected]

For more information about this scam please see the Action Fraud website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/news/alert-cyber-criminals-send-victims-their-own-passwords-in-new-sextortion-scam-jul18
 

​We have received a call from a member this morning in Welshpool regarding a threatening call she had received from a man claiming to be from the B&B Directory.
 
She was told that they have a County Court Judgement against them from York Court, and if she didn't pay £1000 today then they would be sending bailiffs around to their property.

These phone calls usually start friendly but can quickly turn threatening with talks of bailliffs.

This isn’t the first time this scam has hit the area.

Over the years it has been different company names, different amounts and not just phone calls; it can also be through a letter received- but the scam is the same; pay up quickly (for a bill you know nothing about) or expect bailiffs at your door.

If you receive one of these phone calls then the best advice is;

1) Don't Panic! We know these can be quite intimidating but these are scammers, they're not in area, and they won't send any bailiffs to your business!

2) If you feel confident enough then attempt to get a a contact number which can be reported.

3) Report it - The place to report these scams is Action Fraud, you can contact them via their live chat/Report online via their website: www.actionfraud.police.uk or call them on 0300 123 2040

If you feel in anyway intimidated then just simply hang up the phone.

If you have any concerns then please give us a call on 01654 702653

BBC News Feature – Holidaymakers warned about fake accommodation booking

Customers today the option to pay by debit/credit card payment then this may be the time to consider doing so.

Scam horror stories are never far from the headlines these days. Recent BBC headlines warned visitors about fraudsters placing false adverts on websites and conning holidaymakers out of hundreds of pounds advising readers to be cautious about paying directly into an individual’s bank account stating ‘Bank transfers are like paying by cash and so are difficult to trace. It is safer to use a debit or credit card’
 
It is very easy to set up Debit/Credit card payment facilities for your business and MWT has negotiated low cost options with specialist suppliers Kashing and Card Cutters. ​