A sock puppet called Claude is the star of a video produced by Derbyshire police to warn shoppers about Black Friday scammers.
Fraud-fighting puppet Claude warns against ‘too good to be true’ deals.
In this short video, the bright pink puppet surprises the owner of a music shop who receives an email offering vintage Fender electric guitars at discount prices.
Fortunately, just before shop owner Tyler clicks the link, Claude makes an appearance to remind him to ‘Stop. Think. Tell’ and help to #SockItToTheScammers.
Links like those featured in the video are part of a ‘spear phishing’ scam. This is when scammers do their research on a target and personalise a message, to trick the victim into clicking a link or providing personal details.
The email or message can be very convincing. It may address you by name, pretend to be from a friend or family member, or offer a specialised deal that appeals to your interests or business.
Clicking the link can allow the scammer to install ‘malware’ on your device, which can pick out personal or financial details and send them to the criminal.
Fraud Protect Officer Tammy Barnes said: “By taking a moment to ‘Stop’ before clicking or replying, you can give yourself time to ‘Think’ and question the email.
“If it’s offering a deal, can you verify this on the company’s website? If the message is reportedly from someone you know, can you verify it via a trusted means?
“If you’re worried that a scammer has your details, please remember to ‘Tell’ and report it to Action Fraud.”
Up-to-date anti-virus software on your devices can also help protect against scams like these, as well as ensuring that you have two factor verification on all your accounts.
Further information and tips are available on our website: Online shopping | Derbyshire Constabulary.
Tammy said: “If you’re not expecting the email or message our advice is to ignore it. Never click on links or reply until you’ve verified that it is legitimate.
“Always remember: Stop. Think. Tell."
Partington Theatre is opening its doors to the public this Saturday
Cubs visit Glossop's twin German town for a long weekend
Council leader accused of “chucking his teddies out of the pram”
Glossop author's first book becomes best-seller on Amazon
