RAC warns not to get caught out by scammers fraudulently using its brand to steal personal details
Offers of hefty discounts on products such as tyre inflators being used to trick people in phishing emails
The RAC is warning people to be wary of scam phishing emails fraudulently using its brand to steal people’s personal details.
The motoring services company has been informed of an email offering the chance to get a 60% discount on an RAC tyre inflator by responding to some survey questions.
The email encourages readers to click on a button to ‘start the survey’, promising the discount will be applied automatically on completion.
Crucially, the email included American words and spellings such as ‘tire’ inflator, and was sent from an unofficial Gmail address.
The RAC is not currently offering this discount on tyre inflators and is advising people not to respond or click on any links in emails like this.
Previously, the RAC warned of emails offering the chance to win or be sent car emergency kits.
One email offered an exclusive car emergency kit containing first aid essentials, roadside tools, reflective safety gear and repair tools in exchange for completing a short survey.
Similarly, the email included several American words and spellings – ‘jumper’ cables, ‘tire’ repair tools and an emergency ‘flashlight’.
The RAC, which is not offering free car emergency kits, says: “In most cases people should be able to work out from looking at the address that the sender is not the RAC and that the email is fraudulent. Hovering over the URL will usually reveal a dubious-looking address.
“Another tell-tale sign for spotting a fake email is the use of poor or odd spellings. Sometimes scammers also create fake social media profiles with fake incentives, but it’s important not to click on any hyperlinks.”
The RAC urges people to exercise caution with any unsolicited emails they receive offering prizes or big discounts. It says: “If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is.”
