Officials are warning people to remain vigilant after victims receive giveaway scam emails.
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, has received more than 6,000 reports about fake emails advising people to claim a free Oral-B electric toothbrush.
The emails usually impersonate well-known retailers, such as Boots, and claim that the recipient will receive their free toothbrush if they simply follow the links in the email and complete a feedback form.
The links in the emails lead to malicious websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
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A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “If you have any doubts about a message, contact the organisation directly.
“Don’t use the numbers or address in the message – use the details from their official website.
“Your bank, or any other official source, will never ask you to supply personal information via email.”
If you have spotted a suspicious email, people are being advised to forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at report@phishing.gov.uk.
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at chloe.wilson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @chloewjourno.
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