Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are warning people to be on their guard against the latest speeding fine scam from cyber criminals.
A fraudulent email is being sent to people that says they have been caught speeding and warning the recipient that a Notice of Intended Prosecution has been issued by GMP.
The email is a fake and the police are warning that it could infect people’s computers with malware that enables criminals to access your personal information including your financial details.
“Greater Manchester Police are aware of a scam email circulating informing the recipient that they have been caught speeding.
"This email is fraudulent and may ask you to give your personal or financial information or attempt to infect your computer with malware,” says Detective Inspector Martin Hopkinson of GMP’s Serious Crime Division.
“Once your computer is infected with malware, cyber criminals may be able to access your personal and financial information which could be used to defraud you.
"GMP would never send out correspondence via email requesting payment of fines now will we ask for your personal and financial information.”
If you receive the email you should not respond to it. Instead report it to Action Fraud or 0300 123 2040.
“I would urge people to delete any such emails and ensure they always have the most up-to-date security software,” adds Hopkinson.
Worried you've been scammed? Check your credit report for any suspicious activity
How to spot a scam email
Fortunately, scammers don’t always cover their tracks so well. Look out for these classic scam email warning signs:
- The sender’s email address doesn’t match with the real organisation’s web address
- You aren’t addressed by your proper name, instead there is a generic greeting such as ‘Dear customer’
- There is pressure to act quickly – either you need to claim a prize before a deadline or if you don’t act your account will be closed
- You need to click on a link in order to act
- You are asked for personal information such as a user name, password or your bank details
- Mistakes – scam emails often contain spelling and grammatical errors.
Worried you've been scammed? Check your credit report for any suspicious activity