Scary stuff
- Chris Barrow

- Jul 2
- 1 min read

Last week I was the victim of a sophisticated attempt to steal my identity and compromise my bank accounts.
I'm going to confess that they had me fooled - I genuinely thought nobody could outsmart me - and they did.
They caught me on the hop, when I was busy, tired and in a rush.
Two calls, both of which appeared to me to to be absolutely genuine.
I've spoken to my bank and I've spoken to The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at the request of my bank. Both of them are amazed at how clever a scam it was.
Thankfully, I didn't give away any sensitive information or allow anyone to access my phone.
I know I'm tempting fate by saying that, and I'm on red alert and changing passwords as I go.
The FCA also confirmed that the methodology was known to them as a new technique that is being specifically targeted at my demographic.
It's a horrible feeling - of being susceptible, violated and fearful that the episode may not be over.
Be careful and be vigilant.




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