Scammers have targeted thousands of people with fake emails purporting to give away a free electric toothbrush.
The often legitimate-looking emails usually impersonate well-known retailers, such as Boots.
They claim the recipient will get the free electric toothbrush if they click the links within the email and complete a “feedback form”.
However, these links actually lead to malicious websites which are designed to steal people’s personal details and financial information, Action Fraud has warned.
Action Fraud posted the warning on X, urging people to watch out for fake emails purporting to be from Boots and other well-known retailers
X | @ACTIONFRAUDUK
They said they had received 9,981 reports relating to fake emails claiming to offer a free Oral-B Series 9 Electric Toothbrush.
Action Fraud says if a person has doubts about a message they receive, they should contact the organisation directly.
People should not use the numbers or addresses in the message and instead use the details from the official website.
To reduce the risk of falling victim to a scam, it’s important to be aware that one’s bank, or any other official source, won’t ask people to supply personal information by email.
Sharing the warning on X, formerly known as Twitter, Action Fraud said: “10,000 reports and counting! Watch out for fake emails promising free Oral-B electric toothbrushes.”
Suspicious emails can be forwarded to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) via report@phishing.gov.uk.
HMRC issued a scam warning this week, urging people, particularly students, to watch out.
Fraudsters are posing as the department and claiming to offer a tax refund.
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Suspicious emails can be forwarded to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS)
PA
Another form of the scam sees the fraudsters falsely claim a person's National Insurance number has been used in a fraud attempt.
Writing on X, HMRC said: “Calling all students! New to paying tax?
“Criminals posing as HMRC may contact you offering a tax refund or to tell you your National Insurance number has been used in a fraud.
“Make sure you’re on your guard! Click below to find out more about tax scams and how to report them.”
