Latest scams
Scams come in all shapes and sizes, from dodgy emails to fake sites. And they keep changing to try and trick you. Stay one step ahead by learning about the latest scams.
February 2019
Please find a list of the latest scams below:
Fake Apple email
What to look out for:
You could get an email that looks like it’s from Apple. It will have a link to a fake Apple site. This site has a pop up with a phone number to call to unblock your Apple account.
What you should do:
- Don’t open emails if you’re not sure who sent them.
- Don’t click on any links or attachments unless you know they’re safe.
- If you’re not sure about an email, call the sender using a number from their site. Don’t call the number in an email or pop up.
'V-Bucks' scam
What to look out for:
There are fake sites that offer Fortnite players free V-Bucks if they share their personal details. These details could be used to try and defraud you at a later date.
What you should do:
- Think twice before you share personal details online.
- Ignore sites and emails that offer free things if you give your personal details.
- Tell friends and family about this scam, especially children who play Fortnite.
Scam texts
What to look out for:
You could get a text that looks like it’s from your bank. The number could match the bank’s real phone number. But it’s a scam to try and trick you into moving money to a ‘safe’ or ‘holding’ account.
What you should do:
- Never move money to a ‘safe’ account. This is a scam. We will never ask you to do this.
- If you’re not sure it’s a real text, call the number on the back of your bank card to check.
Fake HMRC emails
What to look out for:
You may get an email that looks like it’s from HMRC, asking you to fill in a form. If you click on the form it could send a virus to your device.
What you should do:
- Don’t open emails if you’re not sure who sent them.
- If you’re not sure about an email, call the sender using a number from their site. Don’t call the number in an email.
- Don’t click on any links or attachments unless you know they’re safe.
Scam extortion emails
What to look out for:
You could get an email that claims to have passwords or personal videos from your device. This is a scam. They haven’t stolen anything. Do not send money to get them back.
What you should do:
- If you get an email like this, delete it, it’s a scam.
- Don’t click on any of the links or attachments.
-
Prudential Regulation Authority
Bank of Scotland does not control the content of third party websites linked to on this page.