Counter Fraud Team alert: Baby Grand Piano

The KCC Counter Fraud Team have been made aware of a fraud incident made against one of the schools within the county.

This is the third time this scam has been attempted against a KCC school within the last 16 months.

While this latest attempt was picked up by school staff who did not engage with the fraudsters a previous fraud attempt is worth highlighting again.

A fraudster has contacted a school offering to gift a Baby Grand Piano. The school accepted the offer and were then told they would need to contact a recommended delivery company to arrange delivery.

The school contacted the delivery company and received a delivery quote, however they noticed that the payment details provided by the delivery company were for a private bank account.

A quick internet search revealed that the delivery company had national coverage, the school contacted them and they knew nothing of the proposed piano delivery.

The fraud was prevented due to the quick and due diligence of the school staff.

The scam was reported to KCC Counter Fraud Team (internal.audit@kent.gov.uk) and to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Actions

Ensure you don’t share your passwords, do not use an easily guessed password as fraudsters will do open-source checks to find out information such as social media.

Whenever you get an email asking for any bank account payment details to be changed, be that staff, contractors, suppliers always check with the contact details you already have with that person or company.

If you notice that a received invoice is different or the payment details are not the same as those on record, check again with the sender that the information is correct.

A phone call is best as if the subjects email or online accounts have been targeted the fraudster may be monitoring them.

Also use a phone number you already have on record and not one that is contained within the email requesting the change, the fraudster will control any phone number they email to you.

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, businesses and the police. They spend hours researching your business for their scams, hoping you will let your guard down for just a moment.

Remember

Stop: If you receive a request to make an urgent payment, change supplier bank details or provide financial information, take a moment to stop and think.

Challenge: Could it be fake? Verify all payments and supplier details directly with the company or individual on a known phone number or in person first.

Protect: Contact your business’ bank immediately if you think you’ve been scammed and report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Advice can be found on the Take Five website:

• Take Five - general advice
• Take Five - business advice