Suspect a phishing scam after engaging with a fraudulent call, email, or message?

Phishing scams are a rising form of online fraud. Our experienced solicitors can help get your money back from suspected phishing scams with our proven recovery process.

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Phishing Scams Explained

What is a phishing scam?

Phishing scams use fraudulent communications, such as emails, texts and phone calls, to defraud you. Their goal is to trick you into revealing sensitive information so that they can access your accounts and steal your money.

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    How phishing scams work

    You will often get sent something that looks like it's from a reputable source. These messages will encourage you to click or send sensitive information. For instance, you're directed to a website that looks like it's from your bank and prompts you to insert your login details.

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    How they exploit you

    Phishing scams work by impersonating someone you trust. By posing as a familiar figure, such as a friend or your bank, scammers manipulate you into engaging with their message, making it more likely you’ll click a link, share information, or follow their instructions.

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    How they steal your personal information

    Once they have your trust, scammers prompt you to enter confidential information. They gather bank details, passwords or one-time codes, and use them to access your accounts, steal your money, or hold you to ransom.

Types of phishing scams to watch out for

Email phishing scams

These fraudulent emails encourage you to click on a link or download harmful malware. To do this, scammers create urgency by using time-sensitive prompts in the subject lines, such as ‘urgent attention required’. They also often threaten their victims. For example, claiming they will leak something personal and damaging if you don't comply with their demands.

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Spear phishing scams

This type of internet and online fraud targets someone by using their online behaviours to manipulate them. For instance, a scammer may track details from your X profile to see which trades you make and crypto wallets you use regularly. With this information, they can replicate the emails from your broker and prompt you to enter login details.

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Smishing scams

Smishing scams use fraudulent text messages to trick you into clicking harmful links, downloading malware, or sharing sensitive information. Scammers often impersonate trusted organisations, such as banks or delivery companies, and send messages in bulk. The texts create a sense of urgency, prompting you to act before thinking.

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Josh Chinn in WRS office

Whaling scams

Whaling scams target senior employees or business owners, specifically colleagues with access to an organisation's confidential information. Using tactics similar to affinity fraud, scammers create profiles matching those of senior figures. They then write carefully crafted messages to manipulate colleagues into sending sensitive information, wiring transfers, or clicking on a ‘Zoom' link containing harmful malware.

WRS solicitor working in office

Vishing scams

Also known as voice phishing, this scam aims to collect your sensitive information over the phone. Vishing scams can be carried out by real people or AI-powered bots and often claim to be from trusted organisations like the government. Scammers will often threaten legal action or claim your account will be frozen to pressure you into complying.

Liam Ben Ari, Head of Crypto Investigations

Clone Phishing scams

Clone phishing uses near-identical copies of legitimate emails you’ve previously received. With just slight changes to the sender’s address or links, scammers trick you into clicking or responding - often before you realise anything is wrong.

WRS team

Pharming scams

Pharming scams redirect you from a genuine website to a fake one that looks almost identical. Believing it’s real, you enter your login details and give scammers full access to your account and personal information.

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Falling victim to fraud can be overwhelming and distressing. You deserve expert guidance and support every step of the way. That’s what we’re here for.

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Phishing Scam FAQs

  • How to avoid phishing scams

    You can protect yourself against phishing scams by: 

    • Using strong passwords: To keep your accounts secure, use strong passwords, avoiding using the same one for multiple logins. Two-factor authentication also provides an extra layer of protection when signing into accounts. 
    • Be cautious when opening unknown emails: Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments. If an email appears genuine but shows suspicious signs, such as misspelt words or poor grammar, verify the sender’s address. If you’re still unsure, you can search the email address to determine its legitimacy. 
    • Don’t ignore updates: Many people put off updating their devices, but it’s one of the best defences against phishing scams. Updates contain crucial security measures, which can put you at risk if you avoid them for a prolonged period. 

  • My crypto wallet has been hacked from a phishing scam, what can I do?

    If your crypto account has been impacted by a phishing scam, we may be able to help. Our experienced solicitors are proven specialists at recovering money lost to fraud. It’s why we’ve recovered over £50m in the last three years alone. Get in touch to start your claim today. 

  • Can you get a computer virus from a phishing scam?

    Yes, you can get a computer virus from a phishing scam. Phishing attacks usually work by tricking you into clicking a malicious link or opening a harmful attachment. This can then lead to a virus or malware being downloaded onto your device. Once activated, the malware can steal your data, track your activity, or lock your files and demand a ransom. 

    To help protect yourself, you can avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments. It’s also sensible to keep your antivirus software up to date and disable macros in documents from unknown sources. 

  • What happens when you click on a phishing link?

    Clicking on a phishing link can lead to: 

    • Being directed to a fake website: A link may take you to a site that looks genuine (like your bank). However, its aim is to steal sensitive information, login credentials, or payment information. 
    • Harmful malware: Some phishing links start a silent download in the background. This malware can spy on you, steal your files, or give hackers remote access to your system. 
    • Spyware or keyloggers: These programs secretly monitor your activity, recording what you type, including passwords, credit card numbers, and private messages. 
    • You trigger ransomware: In a serious case, clicking a phishing link can activate ransomware, which locks your files or entire device until you pay a fee to regain access. 

  • How do I report a phishing scam?

    Reporting a scam can help keep you and others safe from future scams. You can report suspicious emails by forwarding them to report@phishing.gov.uk and suspicious text messages for free by texting 7726.  

    If you’ve been impacted financially, you should contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

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