I’ve clicked! What do I do now?

It’s all very well telling people not to click on links in emails and texts but what happens when you do. It is inevitable that it will happen, criminals are devious and human beings are curious by nature. So, when you are told by text that you’ve missed a parcel there’s always a temptation to click. Which is exactly what happened to someone I was able to help recently.

This is a partial image of the message that was received.

What is it? – In this example, clicking on the blue link takes you to a page where you are asked to enter personal details, such as full name, address, date of birth, telephone number and email.

Why should you be concerned? – In this example it appears to be the case that the criminals want to get your information. There’s a lot they can do with a name, telephone, address and an email.

How will they use it? – They could try and use that information to open accounts in your name or may even try calling you pretending to be a customer service agent. It’s all geared to con you.

What you need to do.

Firstly, don’t panic or feel stupid. The people that send these things out are cunning, the messages are designed to draw you in.

The list below is not exhaustive and what you have to do may be determined by the types of information you have shared or the delivery mechanism.

• Change the password on your email account

• If you haven’t done so already install an authenticator for your email and any other accounts. If you act quickly, it will stop them getting access (links below for various authenticator apps).

• As a precautionary measure notify your bank

• If you live on the Isle of Man, make an online notification about the incident here

• Live in the UK? Use the Action Fraud service here

• Be on the alert for further texts and emails, information is shared between criminals.

• Be very careful about unsolicited telephone calls, sometimes these sorts of scams are accompanied by calls from fake customer service agents who request access to your computer. Never allow anyone access to your computer unless you have verified who they are.

• Finally, tell your friends and family, the best way to stop criminals is to educate and inform about what they are up to.

Be careful out there!

Authenticator apps you may wish to use – Google, Microsoft, Authy