Morrisons shoppers issued urgent warning over 'mystery box' email scam

05 March 2024 , 11:41

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A scam email pretending to be from Morrisons is currently making the rounds (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Morrisons shoppers have been warned of a new "mystery box" email scam making the rounds

Action Fraud issued the warning on X - formerly Twitter - this week. The fake email shoppers are reporting to have received from Morrisons claims to be giving away a "mystery box" containing free prizes such as cameras, smartphones, TVs, laptops and more. The email asks the reader to click a link through a "take a survey" button to be entered into the prize draw. It also urges readers to act “quickly” - which is a common warning sign for scams.

However, Action Fraud warns that clicking this link will take you to phishing websites which are designed to "steal personal and financial information" such as passwords, account IDs or credit/debit card details.

Morrisons isn't the only company scammers are using, according to Action Fraud, nearly 8,000 reports have come in about scam emails impersonating well-known retail brands, claiming to offer a “mystery box” of freebies. Another example read: “Hi. Exciting news! You’ve scored in our loyalty giveaway. Don’t miss out on your Mystery Box. Claim your reward. Here’s to a fantastic New Year ahead! We appreciate your loyalty and look forward to more incredible moments together.”

This email had an image of a box with the Apple logo on it which was filled with a multitude of Apple products including an iPhone, iMac, and iPads. In its post, Action Fraud urged anyone who had doubts about a message to contact the organisation directly. People who have received a suspicious email can also forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service at [email protected].

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What to do if you think you’ve been scammed

If you think a scammer has got hold of your bank details, contact your bank straight away. You can call the 159 hotline, which will connect you to your bank. Passwords that have been leaked or compromised should be changed immediately.

Make sure you report scams and fraud to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or through the Action Fraud website. If you're in Scotland, report a scam through Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 6000 or on the Advice Direct Scotland website. You can also report scams to Police Scotland on 101.

Ruby Flanagan