Another Internet Scam

Cue the sound of a deep sigh. As if trying to get through these troubled times scam free wasn’t hard enough, we find that the scammers are still at it unfortunately. You can probably guess what I’m going to say next. This latest article has been sent to me by our ‘scam guru on the ground’ – John from Blacon. Thanks John, as always, much appreciated. Anyway, another internet scam. What is it this time?

Another Internet Scam

I read somewhere, or heard on the radio yesterday, that it is expected that scammers are going to be more inventive during this current crisis. So, as always, stay vigilant folks. We are already primed to do our utmost to remain safe health wise now, so let’s stay alert and deal with another internet scam in the best possible way.

The ‘another internet scam’ article as issued by Cheshire Police is here below in full. Have a read folks and take heed. And, you know what to do, spread the word wherever you can.

Another Internet Scam – Cheshire Police Alert – Sextortion Scams on the Increase Across Cheshire – 17/04/2020

Due to a recent rise in the number of reported sextortion scams in Cheshire, officers from Cheshire Constabulary’s Cyber Crime Team are asking people to be aware of and report emails threatening to blackmail recipients.

The emails will claim to have caught the reader accessing adult websites and demand a ransom. This will usually be by bank transfer or in Bitcoin in order to keep the information to themselves.

These types of ‘phishing’ attacks are made more believable because they provide technical details about how this was achieved. And it can sometimes also include the individual’s password.

Phishing attacks are designed to play on people’s emotions and pressure them into ‘taking the bait’ and paying the ransom.

Another Internet Scam – What To Do

What to do if you receive such an email:

• Firstly, do not engage with the fraudster – delete the email and report it to Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report-phishing

• Do not be tempted to pay the ransom, doing so will likely encourage more scams.

• Also, do not worry if the email includes your password. In all likelihood this has been obtained from historic breaches of personal data. You can check if your account has been compromised and get future notifications by visiting: https://haveibeenpwned.com/

• Check the email. And if the email includes a password you still use then change it immediately.

• If you have been the victim of a sextortion scam and have paid the ransom, then report it to Cheshire Police by calling 101.

For more advice and information about staying secure online, visit the National Cyber Security Centre website: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/section/information-for/individuals-families#section_3

Message Sent By Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications).

Another Internet Scam – To Summarise

There you have it, another internet scam bites the dust. Well, hopefully so anyway. Mind you, sceptics amongst you out there may well be thinking, those that have paid must have recognised the fact that they have been on these ‘dodgy’ websites.

I mean if you definitely haven’t and you are 100% sure of that then you don’t get sucked in and pay do you.

But, having said that, re-reading the article, it doesn’t look like they are speculatively targeting anyone per se. It looks like they have a ‘warm market’ so to speak.

So, this is where the article comes into its own. If anyone knows they have been on a **dodgy** website and of course the scammers also know, then read the above thoroughly.

**Maybe my use of the word ‘dodgy’ may seem inappropriate to those that do visit such sites. Sorry, I’m not being judgemental (each to their own and all that), it’s just that I don’t know what else to call them.

For the benefit of being a bit more open minded and maybe more diplomatic, you may wish to refer to them as something like ‘erotic art.’ Call them whatever you like.

Anyway, be very careful and take heed if you have been on any ‘dodgy’ websites.

Chester Crimewatch

Another very useful and informative article to add to the now bulging Chester Crimewatch folder. As I said above, thanks John. Your input is invaluable. To see all the other Chester Crimewatch blog posts, click this link HERE.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Wait for it!!!! Where’s the fanfare of trumpets (or any other musical instrument for that matter). May I say with so much appreciation, thank you so very much for visiting my website.

And for reading my 300th blog post!!!! Yay, a bit of a landmark.

Yes indeed, 300 blog posts in just over two and a half years. And counting.

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I hope you stick around for the next 300 posts and beyond (at least). Remember folks, stay safe and stay indoors as much as you can. Speak soon.

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