Users of Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook accounts are being urged to heed new advice to protect themselves from cybercrime. Action Fraud experts have shared important guidelines that could help prevent falling victim to online scams. One crucial tip is to pause and evaluate before opening any suspicious emails or messages.
Action Fraud emphasized the importance of stopping if a text or email raises doubts. Clicking on links or responding to such messages can expose individuals to significant risks. Scammers are employing various tactics, such as mimicking messages from known contacts and creating urgency by mentioning fines or account closures.
Recent reports from Mirror Online highlighted fake WhatsApp messages urging users to vote and scams targeting Amazon account details. To enhance user safety, Action Fraud has outlined three key rules that everyone should bear in mind:
1. Avoid engaging – refrain from replying, clicking on links, calling provided numbers, or making payments.
2. Verify authenticity – cross-check details with the official website instead of using those in the message.
3. Before deleting suspicious emails, forward them to report@phishing.gov.uk.
Reporting such incidents can help in eliminating fraudulent emails and websites used for criminal activities, as confirmed by Action Fraud. It is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious of any emails that raise suspicion.