COMPUTER users in the New Forest have been put on red alert over a series of email scams.
Fraudsters have contacted vulnerable email users under the guise of lottery winners, a bank and a telecoms company in a bid to gain access to the recipient’s personal details.
One man was told he was being "gifted" a £3m share of a Euromillions payout by a couple who had decided to dish out part of their fortune to randomly selected individuals.
Another email scam purported to come from NatWest Internet banking customer support and is entitled "Issue with your online banking".
It claims the recipient’s online access to their bank account has been suspended and gives a website link "to restore access".
The third scam appeared to be from British Telecom and claimed that the recipient’s broadband was faulty, supplying a bogus form to fill in with a new password.
Jill Cleary, New Forest District Council portfolio holder for housing and communities, said: “The number of online scams appears to be escalating and I would urge all computer users to be very wary of any dubious emails, even if they appear to come from a company you use.
“Please check it out by phoning the appropriate company and never give your bank details, password or other personal details online unless you are using a secure site that you know is genuine.
“You could lose money and become a victim of identity fraud.”
The warning was issued by the Safer New Forest Partnership after the scams were brought to the attention of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council.
If you believe you have been targeted in an email, you should report the matter to your bank or card issuer as soon as possible.
You can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk.
