Dodgy/Scam Emails - what to look out for

Email scams will usually want to:

1. Get money from you/us/our clients, and/or

2. Get your log-in credentials, and/or

3. Entice you to download something that will be harmful to our computer network (eg. Virus, Trojan horse, etc

They will employ various tactics to get what they want.  Some of them are very simple.  Never ever ever enter your Waldrons log-in credentials anywhere without checking with IT first.

Legal Advisor emailed CCP to client about a property purchase

Scammer was waiting in client's email inbox, saw the message and watched

Then deleted an email from the Legal Advisor to the client, sent their own appearing to be from us

Various emails back and forth - client never saw genuine emails from us; they were deleted

Scammer waited until bank details were required and sent them our bank details

How to spot scam messages or calls
Scammers try to quickly gain your trust, they aim to pressure you into acting without thinking.
If a message or call makes you suspicious, STOP, break the contact, and consider the language it uses.  Scams often feature one or more of these tell-tale signs:-
	Authority Is the message claiming to be from someone official? For example your bank, doctor, a solicitor, or a government department.  Criminals often pretend to be important people or organisations to trick you into doing what they want.	E.g. Land Registry, Court, Police, Other Firm, one of the Directors
	Urgency Are you told you have a limited time to respond (such as 'within 24 hours' or 'immediately')? Criminals often threaten you with fines or other negative consequences.	Deadline to file something, court hearing etc.
	Emotion Does the message make you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious? Criminals often use threatening language, make false claims of support, or tease you into wanting to find out more.	"You'll be in trouble if you don't send me lots of money"
	Scarcity Is the message offering something in short supply, like concert tickets, money or a cure for medical conditions? Fear of missing out on a good deal or opportunity can make you respond quickly.	A client that appears too good to be true, eg. £2M house purchase and offering to pay any fees we want.
	Current events Are you expecting to see a message like this?  Criminals often exploit current news stories, big events or specific times of the year (like tax reporting) to make their scam seem more relevant to you.	Forthcoming changes, eg. Stamp Duty changes, changes to court fees
How to check if a message is genuine If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly.  Don't use the numbers or addresses in the message - use the details from their official website.
Which of the following are genuine email addresses? Which are fake, and why Remember, these addresses won't be on a large screen.  They will be in small font in outlook while you're busy - they might not be easy to spot as they are here