Most involve very convincing looking emails or web sites. Some are extremely sophisticated and may include a combination of contacts, including telephone calls, emails and even personal visits, sometimes over a period of weeks. Here is a basic video on the subject from NatWest.
In due course this site may compile a compendium of example phishing-type scams, so as to alert users. It will never be complete however, as criminals are always inventing new ways of parting innocent victims from their possessions (including their personal information).
If am email comes in and it looks like a phishing scam, do not be afraid to report it. Whatever you do, unless you have absolute trust it came from a legitimate source and the information it or whatever forms it takes you requests are reasonable (for example banks will never ask for you to give them your PIN numbers or passwords this way) dot not give your secrets away.
Also, most email accounts will either have a button to report suspected scams on the page, or like yahoo, a mailing address: abuse@yahoo.com. Alert people.
Be wary and prepared. See the free resources of getsafeonline, referred to below.
If you think your computer has been taken over by malware, or have information you think the authorities will find useful in their fight against crime, report it to Action Fraud, detailed below.
If you have been a victim of crime, call the police.
Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 = http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and internet crime reporting centre
From its home page: ‘We provide a central point of contact for information about fraud and financially motivated internet crime. If you've been scammed, ripped off or conned, there is something you can do about it. Report fraud to us and receive a police crime reference number.’ The site presents alternative contact mechanisms, assorted advice and claims the service is used by: individuals’ police offices; charities; small businesses and large corporations.
Get Safe Online = getsafeonline.org
This is a free service to individuals and businesses about online safety, including security alerts and specific advice for smartphones, tablets, social media, shopping, banking, payments and so on.
