More than a million scam texts are expected to be sent in the UK this week, with over half using parcel deliveries as a lure, according to cyber-security experts. Organisations monitoring 'smishing' fraud are urging the public to remain vigilant during the festive season.
Proofpoint, a cyber-security firm, reports seeing ten times more scam messages this year compared to last. Vice president of operations Jacinta Tobin said the combination of Covid-19 and Christmas makes such texts more tempting. 'We are totally susceptible, because we trust and we act quickly,' she noted, adding that 98% of people read a text within three minutes.
'Smishing' involves fraudsters sending texts to mobile phones, hoping recipients will click on a link that downloads malicious software or reveals private data. Tobin explained that scammers use fear to manipulate, with urgent messages warning that packages will be returned unless action is taken.
Katy Worobec, head of the economic crime unit at UK Finance, said impersonation scams have more than doubled in 2021. Scammers use information gleaned from these interactions to pose as banks or police, convincing people to move significant funds, which then fund criminal activities like drugs and human trafficking. In the first half of this year, UK Finance's crime unit made arrests, dismantled 24 criminal gangs, and prevented £85m worth of fraud.
Royal Mail privacy manager Adam Christie stressed that consumers will never receive just a text or email asking for money or information. 'We love putting things through your letterbox. Do not make any payments until you also receive a card through the door,' he said. This year, Royal Mail has been contacted by 60,000 concerned members of the public, leading to 40,000 websites being taken down or blocked within 24 hours.
