POLICE are urging Redditch residents to be on their guard against online fraud.
The advice comes following a report of fraudsters posing as an official government body and sending a very detailed email, designed to look as though it had come from a County Court, asking for all official papers and documents in preparation to appear before them.
The form to fill in was an attachment, which the receiver must open to abide by the instruction.
Luckily in the case reported to police, the email was scrutinised and details checked, only to find it was completely false and more than likely had a virus hiding in the attachment.
Police urge residents across the town to be vigilant and be sure of who you are receiving emails or requests from online.
Anyone with any suspicions regarding an email should take care to double check all credentials, not to hand over any money or details and not to open any attachments until you are absolutely sure of who is sending them.
Most malicious emails are designed to instil panic – for example making demands for a fine, payment or immediate compliance with a request. It could be the email is an offer that looks too good to be true, as though you have won a prize or can claim money.
It is never a waste of time to ask for identity or credentials of whoever is trying to get in touch with you.
