Scammers are continually evolving their tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals out of their hard-earned money. One of the most recent strategies involves sending false litigation reminder texts to victims. These texts appear to be from legitimate sources such as courts, law firms, or even the Enforcement of Warrants in the High Court (EWHC).
Here’s a common phishing text:
“We have received a claim against you, claiming your bank account of £999.99. Please contact us immediately to discuss your legal options.”
This type of message creates a sense of urgency, pressuring victims into taking immediate action without questioning the authenticity of the claim. This is a common trait of these types of scams designed to incite a rapid response, before the recipient has a chance to properly comprehend the message.
The EWHC Litigation reminder phones you that someone, or a company, has a “claim” against you and you must contact them to clarify the situation. It is understandable to feel panicked or anxious, but it’s important to keep a level head. You should be cautious of any message asking you to divulge personal details or pay a sum of money to settle the claim.
Once you become aware that you’ve been targeted by a scammer, act quickly. Contact your bank’s customer service immediately. Inform them that you got a scam message. They will help to freeze all suspicious transactions and stop potential losses.
Once your bank is aware of the situation, they’ll be vigilant, ready to act swiftly in the unlikely event this card or account information isn’t compromised further. You may need to quickly contact your bank, especially if you receive an alert saying money has been stolen or your account is being accessed without authorization.
In case funds were released, your bank may reimbursement process your loss if you act quickly and comply with their instructions. Waiting too long, however, might result in loss of funds being irretrievable.
Such scams are entirely avoidable. Verify sender numbers before responding to any messages received. Be wary of unsolicited communications and never divulge critical financial information over the telephone or any message.
By being alert to this threat, you can decrease the risk of falling prey to such phishing scams. Don’t underplay the risks of releasing your personal details or making unverified payments online.
