Warning over fake Crown Prosecution Service court summons email
Don’t be fooled by this Crown Prosecution Service court summons email – it’s a scam!
Action Fraud has issued a warning about scam emails claiming to be from the Crown Prosecution Service doing the rounds.
These messages state that you have to appear in court and instruct you to click on a link to view your start time/case details.
Don’t do it!
Action Fraud says clicking on the link is likely to lead to malware infecting your device.
Malware is malicious software that contains programmes that will disrupt your PC, laptops and handheld devices.
The malware can come in the form of spyware or keyloggers which collect personal information or data from infected devices. Things like passwords can be tracked and used to commit fraud.
In other cases, it could be ransomware that locks your computer or steals files. Criminals will then issue a demand for money to release your device or return the files.
Crooks plant malware in phishing emails and all it takes to infect a device is clicking the link. Action Fraud says reports of phishing emails has surged 135% since last year.
What the email looks like
Below is an example of what the fake court summons email looks like.
As you can see the email looks pretty convincing with the CPS logo and information telling you the court location.
However, the CPS says it would ‘never email witnesses in order to summons them to court.’
What to do if you get one
Action Fraud says the email has no connection to the CPS and anyone that receive the email should not download any attachments or click any links and instead report it.
You can report the scam email using the Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040 or use the online fraud reporting tool.
Keep safe with loveMONEY:
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