For all members.

The internet can be a fantastic resource but very dangerous and destructive in equal measures, we sign up to numerous sites hoping our Data stays safe and secure. When Scammers attack those sites and steal our details, this can seem beyond our control, but the stealing of the data is just the start of the scammers plans. There true intention is to make use of those details to try and steal and give access to your E Mail, Online Accounts and your finances.

Open Subtitles was hit with a Ransomware attack last year with over 7 million account details leaked online for the scammers to use. Many members may have been informed about this through several means, many will not know if there details were leaked.

Things To Look Out For.

E Mails.

Scammers will send out on mass bogus E Mails claiming to be from but not restricted to 

The Post Office

Pay Pal

Amazon Prime (Video and shopping)

The Tax Office.

Think of this as a wide net cast out over a large area, even if just a few peeps get scammed, this is enough to make the act rewarding to the scammers.

Look out for

The e mail calling you by your e mail name and not your own.

The senders e mail address is not official and may contain lots of letters making it look odd and random.

Poor Grammar.

Even though the scammers intellect and knowledge of scamming you is clever, their grammar can often let them down letting us know something is not right, so look out for badly spelt words.

Live Clickable Links included in the e mail .

This is a must for the scammer as they hope they get you to click on one of the links they post, these links will re direct you to wherever the scammer chooses. If you must use this link, copy and paste it into your browser, as most modern up to date browsers can offer some form of protection, but best to not use these links at all, especially if you have already seen some of the warning signs listed above.

Phone Calls

Believe it or not, many users of social media actually post there mobile or Cell Number in the likes of Facebook, as Facebook was set up intending to help you hook up with friends, family or distant relatives etc..

Scammers will pass these phone numbers onto Bogus call centres who's only intent is to access your Computer telling you they are from your bank or Microsoft etc. Any Phone call you get and was not expecting , asking you or telling you your PC is infected and they can help you fix it quickly as long as let them install something or ask you to click a link they have sent you, has the possibility to be very dangerous indeed. Once into your PC they can access E Mail, Online Banking and can wreck your finances.

Remember the scammers need your input to help them scam you, if you receive any of this type of Phone call or E Mail, if they are genuine, they will not mind you telling them , you will involve your son or daughter, Brother or Friend and deal with this later together, if they are scammers, they will not like this as they achieve nothing and may become pushy (another warning sign to look for) and tell you time is important to get you to act right away.

The golden Rules.

If an e mail looks odd , no matter if it is or not, DO NOTHING, ask for a family or friend who may be more Tech savvy than you for help.

Never click on links in E Mails

Your Bank will never ask you to transfer Money from one account to another NEVER.

Never deal right away with a Pushy phone caller, hang up and seek advise.

The scammers know we all have Tax affairs, Packages on the way to us from Couriers or the Post Office, or use Pay Pal etc, so these type of scams may initially fit in with something you use or have on the way, stop take a breath and if unsure ask a trusted source for help BEFORE YOU ACT.

Make sure your online accounts are using strong passwords, also remember your social media will inform scammers of your pets name , or your family dates of birth etc, so never use something easily worked out with the info you have put out there yourself. Never use the same passwords for more than one account.

Sign Up to haveibeenpwned and get notifications telling you if your e mail has been involved in an attack allowing you to take further precautions and make your online world as secure as you can.

Even the best of us can be scammed and the result can be devastating, so please bear in mind and take a few careful steps, don't be prideful , ask for help if and when needed before it gets to be a problem.