Isle businesses should be on alert for scam

The Dyre Wolf is a sophisticated fraud scheme that has netted more than $1 million from U.S companies.

The scam is run by an Eastern European gang of cyber criminals where people working for companies are targeted for their bank details.

A spokesman for Humberside Police said: “Over a period of time, spam emails, with unsafe attachments, have been sent to as many computers as possible. If installed, the malware - a variant of the malware known as Dyre, waits until it recognises that the user is navigating to a bank website. A fake screen is then created telling the user that there are problems with the bank’s site and to call a number.

“At the end of the phone line is an English speaking operator, aware of the bank that the user is attempting to contact. After obtaining the user’s bank details, the operator commences a large wire transfer of money out of the user’s account.”

To date, the victims have been people who work in large and medium sized U.S companies. At present the NFIB have yet to notice any reports of this type of fraud being reported through Action Fraud. It is anticipated that British companies could be targeted by this fraud type.

Advice from the NFIB to help prevent becoming a victim of The Dyre Wolf:

Ensuring employees are well trained in spotting phishing attacks where unsolicited emails and attachment could contain malware.

Do not give banking details to anyone.

Do not follow links from an unknown source.

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk