Scam Alerts
What to do if you accidentally click a scam link
Don’t panic, accidentally clicking a dodgy link doesn’t automatically mean your device is compromised. However, some malicious websites may attempt to download malware in the background, so it’s worth taking a few precautionary steps to stay safe.
Using a Which?-recommended antivirus and checking for signs of suspicious activity can help keep your personal information hidden from prying eyes. For more information on our antivirus recommendations, you can join Which? Tech Support and chat to our friendly experts on the phone or by email, as often as you need. Find out more about what a membership offers here.
Our tech expert, Tom Morgan, has rounded up the practical steps you should take if you click on a scam link – and the warning signs to look out for.
Keep your email safe from hackers
Fraudsters often attempt to hack their way into people’s email accounts, which can then give them access to other online accounts by requesting password resets and recovery links.
We explain how to recover your email inbox and how to prevent it from happening again. Even if you’re not currently dealing with a security threat, it’s still worth reading our walkthrough to make sure you’re prepared.
What are brushing scams?
A brushing scam is when dodgy online sellers send out parcels to people unexpectedly. Why do they do it? So that they can write fake positive reviews to boost their rankings on online marketplaces, helping them to generate genuine income.
Some mystery deliveries contain QR codes (those black-and-white squares you can scan with a smartphone), which could direct you to a malicious website or cause malware to be downloaded to your device if scanned. Here’s what to do if you receive a suspicious parcel.
Stay safe,
Which? Scam Alert Team
P.S. Please share this information with your friends, family and neighbours – anyone who may find it helpful. Alternatively, they can sign up here to receive this directly to their inbox.
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