WIREDGOV

Fraudsters are sending out fake Sainsbury’s gift vouchers via email, with 15 reports received from members of the public recently.

The email claims that the intended victim was overcharged on a recent visit to the supermarket and offers the gift card as compensation. However, when users click the link to get to the promised gift vouchers, they are led to a website that could potentially defraud them.

Reports to Action Fraud have said the emails look genuine by using the victim’s first name. They’re signed by Mia Chadwick of Customer Services.

Fraudulent emails that pose as a high-street name usual have poor-quality spelling, grammar, graphic design or image quality. They may use odd ‘spe11lings’ or ‘cApiTals’ in the email subject to fool your spam filter.

When a fraudulent email such as this asks you to follow a link, the website or email address usually doesn’t look right. Authentic website addresses are usually short and don’t use irrelevant words or phrases.

https://twitter.com/actionfrauduk

If you receive an email offering Sainsbury’s gift vouchers

• Be wary. Don’t assume anyone who has sent you an email is from the company who they say they are from.

• Check the sender’s email address. They may use an address that looks like it could be from the brand they’re impersonating

Report fraud and cyber crime and receive a police crime reference number.