There may be times that your business receives an email that you're not sure if it is a genuine query, or fraudulent.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) uses one example called 'The Overpayment Scam':-
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The scammer agrees a price with the provider, who communicates details of how to pay;
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The scammer pays an amount well in excess of the agreed price, typically using a stolen credit card or a cheque which will be dishonoured;
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The scammer comes up with an excuse, often a sob story for the overpayment and asks the provider to electronically transfer the excess into a specified bank account;
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The provider then loses out on two counts as the initial payment does not go through and the amount in excess is lost following the electronic transfer.
The OFT is offering the following general advice to providers in order to reduce the risk of them falling prey to fraudsters.
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Providers should be wary of "phishing" telephone calls, texts, messages on social media or emails. These are attempts by fraudsters, often posing as your bank or the likes of Microsoft, to obtain your banking details or to gain access to your computer.
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Providers should be particularly suspicious of potential bookings that are substantial in terms of numbers and/or monetary value, which put them off their guard. These bookings are often vague about numbers and appear to be too flexible on dates and the length of stay. They are perhaps "too good to be true".
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Providers should be wary of potential bookings where the person is making the booking and has no clue about the Isle of Man, e.g. where it is and how to get here. Most people making genuine bookings will have done some research.
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Providers should be mindful of their computer systems being intercepted and keep security software up to date.
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The Action Fraud website is an excellent source of information about types of scams, the latest scams and how to avoid becoming a victim. Providers should have this website as a favourite and visit it regularly to keep abreast of the latest developments.
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Providers who think that they have lost money through a scam should contact their local police station in the Isle of Man and/or Action Fraud (0300 123 2040) as soon as possible
Further information is available by clicking here or contacting the OFT on 01624 686500
You can also report any concerns you have to the Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance by clicking here