REPORTS of scam texts and emails purporting to be various difference mail providers are at the forefront of the most recent warning.

These messages claim you need to pay extra for a package or ask you click on a link which could install malware onto your device.

The companies involved all state they would never contact you in this way and would put a card through the door.

National Insurance scam

Another report is of a National Insurance scam using an 01983 number – please don’t believe just because it appears to be a local number it is genuine. Numbers can be purchased and are frequently cloned.

Google scam

A message purporting to be from Google says your phone has viruses and you have to click the link to repair the problem – don’t – this is a scam.

Banking scams

There appears to be an increase in reports of banking texts and some residents are reporting these messages are being followed by phone calls stating there is a fraud on your account.

These may even draw your attention to the number they are dialling from – it will be the bank's number – again these can be cloned.

Hang up and do not engage with these criminals. Call your bank on a number you have found yourself to ensure that your account is secure.

Rogue traders

Several reports in the past few weeks surround rogue traders.

Whether they are looking to carry out work on your property or buy gold or jewellery from you, do not trade on the doorstep as you will be conned out of money.

If they are carrying out work it is likely to be of poor quality and the price they quote at the beginning will escalate during the process.

Remember

  • Scam texts can be forwarded to 7726
  • Scam emails can be forwarded to report@phishing.gov.uk
  • No cold calling stickers are available by emailing trading.standards@iow.gov.uk