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Hackers Trick Victims With Fake Competition Win
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Good afternoon,
Social media users in South Yorkshire are being warned to stay alert
following recent reports of hacking.
Victims have been tricked into giving away their details or clicking on
a dangerous link by cyber criminal posing as friends.
SYP's Cyber Protect Officer Dannielle Lee said: "We all know that social
media is a brilliant way to stay in touch with friends. It was
particularly important to many of us during lockdown, and now we're able
to get out again many of us are using platforms to share photos and
updates of our reunion and celebrations.
"Unfortunately, cyber criminals are lurking on these sites too. Hackers
can access accounts and then pose as someone you trust to trick you into
giving away your personal details.
"In recent cases, mainly on Facebook, South Yorkshire victims have been
told that they have won the Postcode Lottery or a Facebook competition.
Their 'friend' has asked for their details and encouraged them to click
on a link which is unsafe.
"As part of the scam, the hackers are also then able to take over the
victim's account and will go on to target their friends too."
If you have been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, report it to Action
Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk <http://www.actionfraud.police.uk> or
by calling 0300 123 2040.
DANNIELLE'S TOP TIPS
1. Keep your social media accounts secure
Have a strong password by using three random words, such as
phonechocolatetable
Have a different password for every account
Turn on Two Factor Authentication (2FA)
Make sure any recovery contact details are up-to-date
2. Be wary of unusual messages from friends asking for personal details
or financial help. Even if the message appears to be from someone you
know and trust, double check it's really them by calling them or
speaking with them in person.
3. Look on the National Cyber Security Centre website for guidance on
recovering an hacked account
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/recovering-a-hacked-account
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*/Message Sent By/*
Dannielle Lee (Police, Cyber Protect Officer, South Yorkshire)
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