Have you fallen victim to a scam?
This page includes advice and resources for yourself and anyone who you know who may have fallen for a scam.
We're here to help
At Binary we have a commitment to data protection and assuring that people have a safe and reliable time when surfing the web and using their devices, everyone deserves to have a safe time and to be able to rely on technology when it matters the most.
Our commitment stretches not only to our customers but further into the general population to keep them protected. Whilst we have a suit of security products to assist with the basics on security there is also a massive aspect of education where people need to learn about staying safe.
This page is intended to help users gain awareness of the current scams going round so that you can avoid falling for them.
You can also browse our range of help videos which include cyber security tips to help keep you safe…
Common Scams
AI Powered Scams
An alarming trend in recent years involves the use of AI-generated scams, wherein machine learning techniques are employed to trick individuals into believing that a reputable figure or celebrity is endorsing certain financial schemes or advice, when in fact they are not.
For instance, the accompanying image shows renowned finance expert “Martin Lewis” supposedly discussing a new project alongside Elon Musk. The video appears highly convincing, making it easy for unsuspecting viewers to fall prey to the scam without careful scrutiny.
Reports indicate that in 2022, of the $8.8 billion lost to fraud, a staggering 85% of fraudulent content was curated by AI generative tools.
Phone Scams
Phone scams remain a prevalent and time-tested method of duping unsuspecting individuals. In the UK, one of the most frequently encountered scams involves impostors posing as representatives from HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs), falsely asserting that the victim owes money and may face imprisonment.
When receiving a call purportedly from HMRC, the recommended course of action is to promptly terminate the call and independently verify the situation by contacting trusted government numbers.
However, HMRC impersonation is just one among various deceptive tactics employed by scammers. Other common scams include individuals claiming to be from Microsoft offering assistance with computer viruses, or posing as representatives of mobile phone companies, among others.
Financial Scams
Many scams primarily aim for financial gain, with tactics like pension scams posing a significant risk by luring individuals into forfeiting their retirement funds. Bank scams, on the other hand, can involve trickery that convinces victims to transfer money to unfamiliar recipients, while in the realm of business, cheque and invoice fraud are prevalent threats.
To safeguard against such scams, it’s crucial to exercise extreme caution and thoroughly verify the identity and details of anyone requesting financial transactions. For instance, if a purported business contact informs you of changes to their bank details, it’s imperative to independently confirm these changes by reaching out to a trusted contact within the company.
In cases where individuals are asked to transfer money over the phone, the best course of action is to immediately terminate the call and contact a trusted representative at their bank to authenticate the request.
When it comes to matters concerning pensions and savings, it cannot be overstated: individuals should promptly hang up the phone and contact their trusted bank under any circumstances, without exception.
Social Scams
Social scams exploit emotions and family bonds for financial gain, often manifesting in deceptive texts from unknown numbers pretending that a loved one has changed their contact information and is in distress. These messages typically solicit money or gift card transfers under the guise of assisting the purported family member in need, with spouses and parents frequently targeted.
Scammers capitalise on the inclination to aid those close to us, knowing that individuals are more inclined to assist someone they perceive as socially or familiarly connected. However, it’s crucial to recognise such tactics as likely scams.
In such situations, it is imperative to exercise caution and refrain from acting impulsively. Instead, verify the authenticity of the message by contacting the supposed family member directly, using a known and trusted means of communication. More often than not, the individual will confirm that they did not send the message or change their contact information.
Social scams can take various forms, but it’s essential not to allow scammers to exploit emotions. Trusting your instincts and remaining vigilant are paramount defences against falling victim to such schemes.
Resources
Citizens Advice
HMRC
Stop Scams UK (159)
How we can help
At Binary, we are dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognise and prevent scams. Our comprehensive approach includes providing valuable advice, educational resources, and ongoing support tailored to your specific needs.
Our satisfied customers can attest to feeling reassured knowing they can reach out to us whenever they encounter suspicious activity or have concerns about something they’ve received. Whether it’s a questionable email, a suspicious phone call, or any other potential scam, we’re here to provide guidance and assistance.
Discover how we can enhance your scam prevention efforts and support your business through education and proactive measures. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services and how we can help safeguard your interests.