by Refundaroo Support | Dec 8, 2022 | Announcement, Phishing
Important announcement
Refundaroo is proud to announce the significant decrease in reports of scam HMRC phone calls over the past year, as revealed by the latest figures from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Our involvement in tackling these scams has played a crucial role in this achievement.
In March 2021, there were a staggering 79,477 reported cases of scammers impersonating HMRC in phone calls. However, by December 2021, this number plummeted to just 2,491, marking a remarkable 97% decrease. Similarly, there was a notable drop in phishing email reports (down 92%) and scam text reports (down 97%) over the same period.
These encouraging results reflect the collective efforts of various teams across HMRC, including dedicated customer protection teams, helplines, and the utilization of innovative technologies. At Refundaroo, we have been actively involved in supporting HMRC’s endeavors to combat these fraudulent activities.
Through our collaboration with HMRC and other law enforcement agencies, both nationally and internationally, we have contributed to disrupting organized crime groups involved in HMRC-related scams. Our participation in awareness campaigns has also helped raise public awareness about cybercriminals and their deceptive tactics.
At Refundaroo, we are committed to safeguarding individuals from scams and ensuring the security of their personal information. We provide guidance on how to recognize genuine HMRC contact and how to avoid falling victim to scams through our platform. Additionally, we offer support to individuals who believe they have been targeted by scammers, guiding them on the necessary steps to take to protect themselves.
If you have been caught up in a scam similar to this, Refundaroo is here to help. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting victims and ensuring that they have access to the support and resources they need. We encourage you to reach out to us to find out if you have a case and how we can assist you in seeking justice and recovering any losses.
Together, we can continue to make a difference in the fight against HMRC scams and ensure a safer online environment for all. Refundaroo is proud to be part of this important initiative, and we remain committed to our mission of safeguarding individuals’ financial well-being.
by Refundaroo Support | Feb 2, 2021 | Blog, Other scams, Phishing
Emma, a 71-year-old retiree from Perth, found herself entangled in a sophisticated impersonation scam targeting Westpac. The ordeal began with a phone call from a scammer posing as a representative from Westpac’s fraud team. The scammer cunningly convinced Vanessa that her Westpac bank account was compromised and advised her to transfer her funds to a “safe account.”
Initially instructed to transfer a nominal sum of $50 to a NAB account named ‘Branch manager,’ Emma hesitated, questioning the legitimacy of the request. However, the scammer adeptly allayed her doubts by providing what appeared to be Westpac’s fraud department’s phone number, falsely confirming their identity. Moreover, quoting Emma’s mother’s maiden name further bolstered the illusion of authenticity.
Despite Emmas’s growing suspicions, she transferred thousands to the fraudsters. It wasn’t until she contacted Westpac’s official number that the harsh reality dawned upon her: she had fallen victim to a heartless impersonation scam.
Turning to Refundaroo in despair, Emma sought assistance from their fraud and scam recovery experts. With their adept legal maneuvering, Refundaroo successfully retrieved Emma’s funds, along with interest, totaling $4,300.
Antonio sensi, a recovery specialist at Refundaroo, reflected on Emma’s case, expressing empathy for her plight. Thomas underscored the importance of vigilance when dealing with unsolicited calls, urging individuals to independently verify the caller’s identity and refrain from divulging sensitive information or transferring funds without authentication.
Refundaroo’s swift intervention not only restored Emma’s financial stability but also gives some faith to victims of similar scams, emphasizing the critical role of legal expertise in combating financial fraud.
by Refundaroo Support | Jun 2, 2020 | Advice, Phishing
Bank spoofing is a type of fraud where criminals impersonate legitimate entities, such as banks, to trick victims into providing sensitive information or transferring money. These scams can be carried out through phone calls, emails, and text messages. Fraudsters use sophisticated techniques to make their communications appear genuine, often mimicking the branding and language used by real banks.
How to recognize and avoid bank spoofing scams
To protect yourself from bank spoofing scams, it’s essential to stay informed and cautious. Here are some key steps to help you identify and avoid these scams:
- Verify Communication Preferences: Ensure you know whether you’ve opted to receive text messages and telephone calls from your bank. Log into your account on the bank’s official website and check your communication settings.
- Never Share Personal Information via Text: Banks will never ask for sensitive information, such as your PIN or online credentials, through text messages or by calling you personally. If you receive such a request, it is likely a scam.
- Beware of Urgent Requests: Scam messages or calls often create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action. If the person insists on urgent action, take a moment to verify its authenticity.
- Check URLs Carefully: Be cautious of links that appear similar to your bank’s official website but have minor differences, such as unusual domain extensions or extra characters.
- Contact Your Bank Directly: If you receive a suspicious message or phone call, contact your bank using the phone number on your card or the official website, not the contact details provided in the message.
How Refundaroo can help
At Refundaroo, we are committed to helping victims of bank spoofing scams reclaim their lost funds. Our comprehensive services are designed to support you through every step of the recovery process:
- Detailed Case Evaluation: Our team conducts a thorough analysis of each case to understand the specifics and identify the best recovery strategy.
- Collaboration with Authorities: We work closely with financial institutions and law enforcement agencies to facilitate the recovery of your funds, ensuring all possible avenues are explored.
- Personalized Assistance: We provide tailored support to each victim, guiding them through the complex process of fund recovery and offering expert advice.
- Educational Resources: We strive to educate our clients about the risks of spoofing and other scams, helping them protect themselves in the future.
Reach out to refundaroo
If you have been targeted by a scammer pretending to be your bank or have fallen victim to any other fraudulent scheme, contact Refundaroo to explore your options for recovering your funds.
