Pix4free.org - link to - https://pix4free.org/
The London Police Service Financial Crime Unit is warning members of the public to keep an eye out for a new type of email scam. The scam involves the scammer sending the recipient personal information including addresses, phone numbers and even photos of personal residences.
“This is really just a variation on a classic phishing scam but what really is kind of insidious about this and is causing a lot more concern is they’re including a picture of the home, of the residence,” says Detective Sean Harding of the London Police Financial Crimes Unit.
Harding went on to clarify, every photo that has been seen so far has been from Google street view.
“For this type of scam the most important thing is one, not freak out and two, never follow the instructions of the fraudsters.” Harding says.
Scammers tell the recipient their device has been infected with malware, and that they have been tracking their browsing history. Scammers then threaten to send their online activity and alleged pictures and videos to their full contact list if they do not receive payment.
Police say in their media release that personal information is probably from a previous data breach. They advise the public to familiarize themselves with this type of scam, and refrain from sending scammers any money. Police continue by saying that the scammers do not have any compromising photos or videos, no matter how believable the email may seem.
Harding also advised to utilize the ten and two rule when it comes to any request for money.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s your friend, an investment, family, a lover, any time there is a request for money, think ten and two. And that is, wait ten minutes before a penny is sent and in that time, talk to two people.”
London police say another step to remain safe from scams online is to change passwords and enable multifactor authentication on accounts for more security.
