Tesco shoppers are being warned over a gift card scam that could empty your bank account.
Action Fraud has received 172 reports so far this months about the scam which sees fake emails sent to shoppers purporting to be from Tesco. The emails state that the recipient has been "selected" for the chance to win a £500 Tesco gift card.
To get "one step closer" to winning the prize, the email asks people to confirm their details or log into their PayPal account. The scam email said: "You have been selected to join our loyalty programme for FREE!! It only takes you a minute to get access to this fantastic prize."
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In a warning on social media, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, Action Fraud, said the links provided in the emails lead to phishing websites that are designed to steal your personal and financial information as it issued the following advice:
- Your bank or any other official organisation won't ask you to share personal information over email or text. If you need to check that it's a genuine message, contact them directly.
- Spotted a suspicious email? Forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) - report@phishing.gov.uk
What to do if you receive a scam email:
Action Fraud has the following advice on their website for what you should do if you receive a scam email:
- Do not click on any links in the scam email.
- Do not reply to the email or contact the senders in any way.
- If you have clicked on a link in the email, do not supply any information on the website that may open.
- Do not open any attachments that arrive with the email.
If you think you may have compromised the safety of your bank details and/or have lost money due to fraudulent misuse of your cards, you should immediately contact your bank.
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