What to do if you think you've received a scam text or email

Leicestershire police said their fraud department receives an average of 50 reports of fraud every week.

While they are nothing new, the pandemic has seen a rise in the number of online and door-to-door scams, as we spend more time at home and on the internet.

Recently people in Leicestershire have reported receiving a fake text (pictured) claiming to be from the Census team. They are told they have made a mistake on their form and that they are liable for a fine.

Although the linked site looks realistic, it's not real and the Census team will only get in touch if you've made an appointment with their contact centre. 

Samantha Hancock, Cyber Protect Officer for Leicestershire Police, told Fosse107 this is just one of many scams circulating at the moment.

"There's a lot of money to be gained from fraud and fraudsters are professionals at what they do because they're doing it day in, day out. 

"The three main scams we're dealing with at the moment are the Census text scams, texts claiming that you owe £2.99 to Royal Mail for a parcel to be delivered, and banking related texts.

"You might get a message saying that payment has been made or a new payee has been set up and there's a link to follow to verify."

Whatever the text or email says, Samantha said there's a golden rule to follow if you're unsure.

"Never click on a link in an unsolicited email or text. The one exception to this is your GP may get in touch this way regarding COVID-19 vaccines.

"If you're ever unsure call whoever the person is claiming to be on a number you've found yourself, not the one they've given you."

Many scammers look legitimate because of so-called, 'spoofing', whereby they make the number appear on your phone as if its the official one from the bank. 

"It's very important to understand that you cannot rely on caller ID or where the text says it's coming from as verification."

Leicestershire Police operate a neighbourhood link service which sends emails informing residents about scams which are circulating.

They also have a Facebook page where residents can keep up to date.