Yesterday alone (24.01.18) we had 4 cases reported to us of a scam email that’s being sent to businesses. It is masked (technique called spoofing) so it seems that an internal member of staff usually the company director has sent the email to the accounts department.

The email states:

“I need you to process a “Faster Payment” to a new beneficiary, can you handle this right now?

Payee details attached.”

There is a pdf attachment  with a counterfeit Payment Details Slip from Lloyds Bank for the amount of £9,945.

However the giveaway is the actual replay email address – if you have an email address of john.smith@company.com the replay would appear to go to john.smith@company.com-p.uk a small detail which some users can easily miss.

We spoke to Lloyds TSB and Action Fraud and reported the issue.

We have dealt with similar scams in the past and have successfully reported and stopped these spoof invoices being paid. This is becoming an increasingly popular choice of fraud for scammers worldwide and they are getting better and better in disguising these. They will even communicate back to potential victims.

We recommend if you receive an invoice through email identical to this one or a similar looking invoice, that you DO NOT pay the amount shown.

If you received similar email and you’re unsure if it’s safe or not please do not hesitate to contact us on 01622 677677, support@computermanuk.com or go to https://www.computermanuk.com – we would be happy to advise you.

Beware everyone of a new crafty email scam going round. We’ve had a few customers report the receipt of an email from DVLA advising that you have an unpaid penalty. Further in the email you’re instructed to click on a link in order to complete a form advising that you’re not liable for the penalty (clever).

BEWARE – clicking on that link you will get infected by the Ransomeware Virus and your documents, pictures and music will be encrypted and ultimately lost (unless you have a backup in place).

We’ve attached a screenshot so you can see what the email looks like (it’s safe to click on the image).

Please let us know if you’ve received similar, so we can post it and protect potential victims.