How to identify common scams and report them

Suspicious Emails

Scammers will often send out bogus emails in an attempt to try and get hold of your personal information, such as login credentials (username and password). Emails which they send out may look very similar to a genuine email from a well-known source.

The most important thing to remember is that we at West Brom will NEVER ask you for account details, payment details or any security details in an email.

If you receive an email which you do not believe has been sent by the West Brom:

• DO NOT click on any links or call any of the telephone numbers which appear in the suspicious email
• Please forward the email to phishing@westbrom.co.uk

Suspicious text messages

Scammers may send text messages (known as Smishing) to trick you into giving them your personal information such as your email address, password, account number, or other important details. If a scammer happens to get hold of your information, they could gain access to your email account, bank, or other accounts, or they could sell your information to other scammers online.

Suspicious text messages can persuade you to click on a link which will often redirect you to a bogus webpage asking you to update or confirm your details or security information. Clicking the link might result in downloading malicious content or software onto your device.

If you receive a text message which you do not believe has been sent by the West Brom:.

• DO NOT click on any links within a text message
• DO NOT share any sensitive or personal information
• You can report suspicious text messages for free by forwarding it to 7726 (this spells SPAM on your keypad). This is a free reporting service provided by phone operators. This information is forwarded to your phone provider and helps spot and block similar messages in the future
• Alternatively, you can take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to report@phishing.gov.uk

Suspicious phone calls

Scammers are becoming more tactical and phone call scams are becoming more common. You may get a phone call from a scammer claiming to be from your bank, building society, HMRC, or 'law enforcement agencies' like the Police.

With a landline scam, they can keep you on the landline by not hanging up and will play a dialling tone over the phone. This tactic can then send you a text message requesting you call them, click on a link, or even enter a One Time Passwords (OTP). Which can appear alongside a genuine message.

The Scammers aim is to steal account security information or trick you into giving them money.

If you receive an unexpected phone call and if you think it is suspicious:

• Be very wary of giving them any personal information such as your name, address, or account details
• Remember, never share your PIN, Password or give out your full Security Details over the phone, especially if the caller-initiated contact