Action Fraud warns about fake law firm using its name to scam victims out of their details
ACTION Fraud is warning members of the public to be aware of a new fake law firm that's using its name to scam victims.
The fraudulent website asks unsuspecting visitors to hand over personal and financial details which crooks can then use to steal your money.
The company, which doesn't come up on the official Law Society's register, is calling itself Action Fraud Solicitors and is purporting to be a legal firm.
It's said to have been using the web address: www.actionfraudsolicitors.co.uk.
Screengrabs from the now-taken down site show fake solicitors being advertised, along with phrases like: "We fight for you."
Fraud reporting agency Action Fraud has confirmed the website is not associated with it, and is warning the public not to hand over any personal details if prompted.
How to protect yourself from fraudsters
ACTION Fraud recommends taking the following advice to stay safe:
- When making a purchase, be suspicious of any requests to pay by bank transfer or virtual currency instead of safer methods, such as credit card or payment services such as PayPal.
- Listen to your instincts: If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Don’t pay for goods or services unless you know and trust the individual or business.
- Personal information obtained from data breaches is making it increasingly easier for fraudsters to create highly targeted phishing messages and calls - watch out for these.
- You shouldn’t assume the caller is genuine just because they’re able to provide some basic details about you.
- Always be suspicious of unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information.
- Contact your financial provider as well as Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 if you think you've been scammed.
The real Action Fraud website can be found via this link: .
You can also can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or through its .
Action Fraud doesn't charge money for its services, so you should never be asked to pay when reporting a crime.
It would also never ask you to provide financial details such as your banking passwords or PINs.
The fake website now appears to have been taken down - something Action Fraud said it was working to do - as it now displays an "under maintenance" message when you try to access it.
We've asked Action Fraud for more information about what the website looked like and we'll update this article when we know more.
If you input your details on the site, contact Action Fraud immediately as well as your financial provider if you divulged any financial information.
You might want to consider monitoring your credit report over the next few weeks for any suspicious activity, such as credit accounts being opened in your name.
You should also be aware of a new "SIM-jacking" fraud where criminals can take control of your phone and raid your bank accounts.
Plus there's a new ATM scam that sees thieves steal your PIN and drain your account.
Here's what you should look out for at an ATM and how you can tell if one has been tampered with.