Avoiding email scams and cybercrime
As the Covid-19 situation changes rapidly, there is uncertainty for many family law firms and family solicitors.
The Solicitor’s Regulatory Authority (our professional registration body) have stated criminals are using fears about Covid-19 in their phishing attempts.
- Some scams claim to have information about treatments for the disease.
- Others are disguised as charity communications seeking donations.
- Some impersonate official bodies, such as the UK government or the US Centre for Disease Control.
The phishing scams that were circulating before the current crisis have not stopped. These include emails and telephone calls claiming that HMRC are investigating the recipient.
Familiarise yourself with email scams and remember that we will never ask for bank account details or change our bank account details during the course of a transaction or working with you.
The common factor with scam or “phishing” emails is that you can often only find out more if you click on a link or open an attachment. A scam automated call will invariably ask you to press buttons on your phone and skilled criminals on live calls can deftly convince you of their legitimacy.
This can be disastrous, inadvertently giving criminals access to your computer or phone or, at the extreme end of the scale, emptying your bank account.