More than 32 million suspicious emails have now been reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS), with more than a third of these reports being made within the past year alone, recent figures disclose.
New data highlights a 44% year-on-year increase in reports, with 11,611,400 reports made to SERS in 2023, a significant rise from the 8,074,200 reports in 2022.
These reports have led to the removal of over 329,000 malicious websites by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). As reports reached unprecedented levels, Action Fraud, the national fraud and cybercrime reporting service, initiated a nationwide phishing awareness campaign on 24 June 2024.
The menace of phishing extends beyond emails, with a substantial number of fraudulent text messages also being reported. In March 2024 alone, more than 60,000 malicious websites were removed following reports via the free service 7726, provided by mobile network operators. This service empowers users to report suspicious texts, helping to thwart potential scams.
Claire Webb, Deputy Head of Action Fraud, remarked, “When fraudsters go phishing for valuable information, anyone could be a target. They will hook an unknowing victim with a genuine-looking email, in a bid to get them to share personal information, or bank details.”
She continued, “Year on year, the amount of people reporting phishing emails and texts is growing. Action Fraud is urging everyone to be extra vigilant of suspicious-looking emails landing in their inbox, which could contain malicious links leading to unknown websites. Remember, if you think you have received a phishing email or text message, make sure you report it. You can forward emails to report@phishing.gov.uk, or forward spam text messages to 7726.”
Launched by the NCSC and the City of London Police in April 2020, SERS has empowered the public to report suspicious emails and malicious website links. Since its inception, the service has handled over 32 million reports.
Phishing, a term encompassing scam emails, text messages, QR codes, and phone calls, is a growing threat. Criminals aim to deceive victims into revealing personal and financial information through seemingly authentic messages. A notable instance in 2023 involved a London doctor who lost more than £150 to a convincing email claiming to be from TV Licensing, which led to a fake but realistic-looking website.
To combat phishing, follow these practical tips:
- If in doubt about a message, contact the organisation directly using official contact details.
- Avoid using numbers or web addresses provided in suspicious messages.
- Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk.
- Report scam texts to 7726 for your mobile provider to block the sender.
- If you’ve fallen victim to a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk.
