TESCO customers are being warned about a new fake gift card scam which could steal their bank details.
Action Fraud has urged customers not to fall for the scam, which could put your personal and financial details at risk.
Action Fraud has received more than 172 reports this month alone about fake emails claiming to be sent from Tesco.
The emails say you have been selected for the chance to win a £500 Tesco gift card, and provide a link to a website to claim your prize.
But Action Fraud warned that this is a link to a phishing website that can steal your personal and financial information.
If you receive a suspicious email, forward it to: [email protected] – do not click on any links in the email.
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Phishing is a type of fraud where the scammer sends an email (or other type of communication) pretending to be from another person or company.
These emails usually contain links or attachments, which have software that can take your login details and account information.
But the scam can also come through text messages or even direct messages to social media accounts.
This latest email isn't the only scam that Tesco customers have been warned about in recent months.
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In May, there were warnings about customers being called by fraudsters pretending to be from the police, DVLA, HMRC and other organisations, Mail Online reported.
The scammers told their victims they needed to buy a gift card to pay for bogus fines and taxes – some victims reported being threatened with arrest if they didn't buy the voucher.
Once the victim had purchased the gift scammer, the fraudster would ask for them to email the voucher code across and take the money from the card.
Tesco put up signs in-store where it sells gift cards to warn shoppers about the ruse at the time.
Gift cards can be used to launder money and are less likely to be intercepted by a crime agency or traced, meaning you can't get your money back.
You should be wary about any calls, emails or texts out of the blue relating to gift cards, or asking you to pay a fine, tax or fee to win a prize.
How do I avoid it?
Scammers are clever and it's often difficult to spot their ulterior motives – especially if they're threatening legal action against you and are claiming to be an authoritative organisation as this can be very worrying.
But you should be wary of any messages or phone calls out of the blue – especially if they’re asking you to purchase a gift card.
Be wary of any messages out of the blue – particularly if they're offering freebies.
And be suspicious of any phone number or website asking you for personal information.
Sarah Sinden of UK Finance said: “'The police, banks or other reputable organisations will never ask you to buy a gift card for them, so alarm bells should start ringing if you are asked to get one.
'Follow the advice of the Take Five campaign: always stop and think before parting with your money in case it's a scam.'
Action Fraud has previously reported on a similar scam concerning iTunes gift cards.
At the time, it release this advice on gift card scammers: “Gift cards can only be used to purchase goods and services from the retailer named on the card. Never provide the numbers on the back of Gift Cards to someone you don't know.
“No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re very likely the target of a scam.
“Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Even if someone knows your basic details.”
What should I do if I think I've been scammed?
If you think you’ve been scammed, do not panic. You can report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If you’ve handed over your bank details, contact your bank immediately. They’ll have measures in place to help protect your money, such as cancelling and replacing your card or monitoring your account.
One of the most common types of scam is romance scams or fraudsters impersonating police or bank staff. You can find out about how to avoid them here.
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