Public warned over fake Boots email scam targeting personal data

Cybercrime officers are warning the public about a phishing scam involving fake emails that claim to be from Boots, offering recipients a free Medicare Kit.

The fraudulent messages, which have been reported more than 740 times to Action Fraud in just two weeks, are designed to steal personal and financial information.

How the Scam Works

The scam emails tell recipients they have won a prize, such as a Medicare Kit, and contain links that lead to malicious websites.

Once clicked, these links direct users to fraudulent pages that closely mimic legitimate websites, tricking them into entering sensitive information such as passwords, bank details, or personal identification.

A spokesperson for North Wales Police Cyber Crime Team warned:

“Watch out for FAKE emails alleging to be from Boots offering a free Medicare Kit. They are designed to steal your personal and financial information. The links in these emails lead to malicious websites that aim to compromise your security.”

How to Spot a Phishing Email

Scam emails can be highly deceptive, often appearing genuine at first glance. However, some common warning signs include:

• Suspicious sender addresses – The email may come from an address that does not match Boots’ official website.
• Generic greetings – Instead of using your name, scammers may address you as “Dear Customer.”
• Urgency or threats – Fraudsters often pressure victims to act quickly, warning that an offer is about to expire or that an account may be closed.
• Unexpected links – The email includes links that appear to lead to a trusted site but actually redirect to a fraudulent website.
• Requests for personal details – Genuine companies will not ask for sensitive information, such as bank details or passwords, via email.

How to Stay Safe

• Do not click on links in suspicious emails. Hover over them to check their actual destination.
• Do not provide personal or financial details in response to unsolicited emails. Banks, retailers, and official organisations will never ask for this via email.
• Verify messages independently by contacting the company using details from their official website.
• Keep software and antivirus protection updated to reduce the risk of cyber threats.

How to Report a Scam Email

If you receive a suspicious email claiming to be from Boots or another trusted organisation, forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at:

📩 [email protected]

If you have lost money due to a phishing scam, report it to Action Fraud via www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Support for Victims of Cybercrime

Anyone affected by online fraud can seek free and confidential support from Victim Support, a national charity offering guidance to victims of crime.

Authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and spread awareness to help prevent others from falling victim to online scams.