More Recent Scams

There doesn’t seem to be a particularly more active time in the year for scams. You would think the build up to Christmas could well be one period for instance. In general though scams are with us throughout the year it would seem. Having said that though, there does seem to be a flurry of activity in recent weeks. More so than normal it would seem. I’ve had a couple of more recent scams of my own to report. Nothing particularly new or inventive, but worth mentioning nevertheless as at least you will know the essence of who the scammers are trying to involve in attempting to make their scam more plausible.

More Recent Scams

Only last week for instance, I mentioned that a neighbour of mine had to change his number because of the sheer volume of calls he was getting. Every day, up to 7 or 8 scam calls.

Over on local forum, Next Door Neighbourhood, others were mentioned. More specifically, a lady reported having received two phone scam phone calls. One from Microsoft and one from Amazon. We’ve already covered the Microsoft one on here a short while ago. But, no harm in reminding you all again is it.

With regard to my own more recent scams, these involved text messages. Nothing new there, but providing the details may help others. Oh, I did also receive another obligatory email out of the blue from some kind hearted stranger who wants to send me oodles of millions for no apparent real reason. Ah, bless ’em.

Anyway, more recent scams. What were they.

More Recent Scams – The Details

I’ve already mentioned that I tend not to answer calls from numbers I don’t have stored in my phone. If the call is genuine but from someone I don’t know then they will leave a message if it’s important. It’s the same with text messages.

Last week I received a text from a number not in my contact list. You may want to make a note of it in case you get one. The number is 07458-149636. The message read:

“To retrieve your voicemail from Louise click and dial 09095-560006. To opt out email“……..they then provided a link for me to click.

A double whammy in effect. In case you didn’t know, numbers with a 09095 prefix are premium rate numbers. So, if you did call any number with this prefix then don’t be surprised to be kept on the call for a long time with a series of time stalling recorded messages. That is if you call in the first place of course. But, reading this and in case you didn’t already know, a 09095 prefix number is premium rate. And, as such, it screams scam.

The other way they try to catch you of course is click this link to opt out. Who knows where that would take you if you clicked it.

More Recent Scams – Last But Not Least

Last for now that is. It won’t be the last ever though no doubt. Unfortunately.

The other text was yesterday. It wasn’t original in it’s idea but it was different than other similar messages as it was addressed to me by name. All other such similar texts or emails have generally been addressed to “Dear Customer” (always a tell tale scam sign by the way), or something like that.

No, this one was addressed to me by first name only. This number – also not in my contact list of course – is 07902-467151. It was headed – “HALIFAX DATA.” And it when on to say:

“Hello Frank. Unauthorised access data reported. You must update your details at” – then it provided a link. As I don’t bank with the Halifax then it stood out as a scam straight away of course. But even if I did, it’s a text to be ignored and reported. What might have thrown me of course was the greeting. Instead of “Dear Customer” they actually knew my name. So, somebody out there is selling databases of names and phone numbers.

No doubt it’s a numbers game. Eventually, a text will be received by a Halifax customer. And with the familiar greeting a recipient may be tempted to click the link.

As I say, not particularly original but currently you now know that there is likely to be a spate of 09095 scam texts and texts purporting to come from the Halifax. If you are a Halifax customer then this is well worth knowing.

Stay safe folks and spread the word where you can.

Chester Crimewatch

Another inclusion in the ever bulging Chester Crimewatch folder unfortunately. But at least you are aware of them. Another request to spread the word if you can.

To see all of the other Chester Crimewatch posts, head on over to HERE and have a look around.

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