Publish date: 1 July 2024

Recently, there has been a large increase in the number of scam emails targeting NHS organisations - including recent local examples such as the one pictured below.

A screenshot of a computer screenDescription automatically generated

Cyber crime groups are becoming increasingly more sophisticated - with email scams (like the one above) being made to look like they are being sent from a trusted source when they are actually being sent from a fake address - known as ‘email spoofing’.

What should you do?

If you receive an email that is unexpected or suspicious, do not open any links or attachments. Report it to your IT Service Desk and then delete it. Never respond to it or forward it on to anyone else.

Be email aware

  • Be suspicious of generic greetings such as "Dear sir or madam".
  • Check the sender’s email address to see if it looks legitimate.
  • Never open links or attachments from senders you don’t recognise.
  • Check the address of any links by hovering your mouse over the link (without opening it) to see if the address matches the link that was typed in the message.
  • Check for spelling mistakes and poor grammar which could indicate the email is a scam.
  • Be suspicious of emails that claim you must click, call, or open an attachment immediately.
  • Never provide financial or sensitive personal information like usernames and passwords over email.

Be cyber savvy!

For guidance on enhancing your cyber security and useful hints and tips, please visit: https://www.be-cybersavvy.co.uk