Phishing emails are on the increase
Phishing emails are on the increase
HMRC have been warning about an increase in the amount of phishing emails being circulated by criminals. We have certainly noticed an increase in fraudulent emails being received into our client’s email accounts requesting money.
As we provide an outsourced finance department to many clients, we are responsible for monitoring various email accounts in order to manage their finance function on their behalf. Some of the emails can be very convincing so it is worth remembering the following when receiving any emails.
Top tips for recognising a fraudulent email
- An email demanding money or requesting that you enter your credit card details.
- Something that sounds too good to be true – HMRC refund, grant etc.
- Anyone requesting personal information such as your address, bank details or account passwords.
- Check the actual email address in the from box, look out for Hotmail, google or other well-known accounts. Legitimate emails will come from the business email for example @cv-fm
- Look for spelling mistakes, logo difference and use of English.
- Businesses never ask for passwords or account information over email.
- Be aware of links on any emails, especially if they do not match the domain of the business on the email.
- If emails have a sense of urgency this is always a sign that something is not quite right as scammers play on employees fears that a deadline has been missed.
Our Knowledgeable and trained team are always on the lookout for fraudulent emails and we also have excellent support from out IT providers HB Tech.
We have received several phishing emails recently, an example today came through to one of our clients asking for some VAT back on an invoice. At a first glance, the email looked genuine as it was from a supplier the client had been using. On further inspection, we noticed that the email address was actually a Hotmail account.
Scam text messages are also on the rise, much like a fraudulent email always be aware of an unexpected text message. It is worth bearing in mind the top tips above if you do receive a suspicious text message.
At Clear Vision Financial Management, we specialise in providing an outsourced finance function. We love becoming an integrated part of your business and you will benefit from the experience of a wide team from Finance Director level through to Bookkeeper. Find out more about our outsourced finance department.
If you would like a chat about how we can help you with our outsourced finance department, please get in touch with the friendly Clear Vision Financial Management team. You can call us on 01794 330025 or email us
