Call us
01242 697821

Blogs

Keep up to date with the latest news and our guides on all things mortgages. 

Though it may sound like a thrilling way to catch fish, Spear Phishing is far from exciting—and definitely not fun.

Spear phishing occurs when scammers use personal information to impersonate a legitimate business, often one you've interacted with before. Armed with details such as your name, address, date of birth, workplace, or alma mater, they craft messages to deceive you. How many of these details are on your social media profiles, like Facebook or LinkedIn, ready for scammers to exploit?

We've compiled a guide to keep you and your finances safe!

Which? revealed from their recent social media survey:

  • 68% of respondents share their names.
  • 46% disclose their ages.
  • 35% reveal their locations.

Such information enables fraudsters to personalise scam messages with your name and location.

  • 21% of respondents divulge their workplaces.
  • 32% disclose their birthdays.
  • 12% provide their phone numbers and email addresses.

With this data, a fraudster can impersonate a colleague or offer a job in your field.

  • 18% of respondents share places they've visited.
  • 9% disclose their real-time locations via public Facebook profiles.

Such information allows fraudsters to track your movements.

Even with tightened privacy settings on social media, this data may still reside on numerous vulnerable websites—like restaurant or ticket booking platforms—that could be hacked.

The intention isn't to dissuade you from using these websites but to remind you to be cautious when receiving calls, texts, or emails requesting additional information or money.

Ways to protect yourself include using a 'dummy' email solely for logging into websites and social media, enabling you to spot scams by the email used. Check if your data has been compromised at haveibeenpwned.com or, for Google users, at passwords.google.com/checkup.

Additionally, install antivirus software to safeguard your data and consider making social media profiles private while assessing what you share online. (A WhatsApp group with close friends and family can keep them informed while evading prying eyes!)

Uncertain whether a message or website is authentic? Visit www.scamadviser.com and trust your instincts. When rushed, especially under pressure, scams often occur. Seek advice from friends, family, or call your bank on a trusted line.

Report incidents to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Source: https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/spear-phishing-are-scammers-targeting-you

Related

Financial support when you really need it

Financial support when you really need it

Having a policy in place to provide financial stability can help you to relieve any financial pressu...

Read More >
Protect yourself against phishing scams - don’t take the bait!

Protect yourself against phishing scams - don’t take the bait!

Phishing is a type of cyberattack where fraudsters send emails or messages that appear to be from a ...

Read More >
Equity Release - Gifting to Family and Friends

Equity Release - Gifting to Family and Friends

Equity release gifting is a great way to release tax-free cash from your home to help friends and fa...

Read More >
Insured private healthcare admissions at near-record levels

Insured private healthcare admissions at near-record levels

Did you know private healthcare admissions are up, according to the Private Healthcare Information N...

Read More >
Show your finances some love

Show your finances some love

Just like any meaningful relationship, building a strong connection with your finances requires time...

Read More >
Could Equity Release help you repay your interest-only mortgage?

Could Equity Release help you repay your interest-only mortgage?

In the 1990s, there was a boom in interest-only mortgages, and many homeowners who took out these mo...

Read More >

What our clients say...

Latest Blog

A fresh start for your money this spring

Let’s get a bit cheesy this month with this very catchy phrase: “Spring Cleaning Your Finances—A ...
Read More

How does your gender affect health?

Are you looking for a health insurance policy? We’ve looked at the research and there are some dif...
Read More

Your monthly equity release update

New research shows that people over the age of 55 are increasingly choosing to release equity in the...
Read More

Expect the unexpected: Critical Illness Protection for the whole family

Did you know Critical Illness Protection is important for the whole family? Not just the main earner...
Read More

Recently divorced or separated? Is your insurance up to date?

If you're going through a divorce or separation, updating your insurance policies is a necessary ste...
Read More

Why a specialist can save your mortgage

In our post-pandemic world, we are seeing lots of changes for the needs of borrowers! Do you need sp...
Read More

Key Changes to Stamp Duty

As of April 1, 2025, significant changes to the UK's Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) have come into effec...
Read More

Here are some tips for managing bills and finances when you don’t have a regular income

Managing money and bills self-employed can feel like a juggling act. Especially since you don't have...
Read More

Look after your health to ensure you are ready to work

Managing money and bills self-employed can feel like a juggling act. Especially since you don't have...
Read More

Is equity release available for the self-employed?

Are you self-employed, retired, or unemployed and looking for equity release? Are you wondering if y...
Read More


Fairview Financial Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Fairview Financial Ltd is registered in England and Wales no: 10912424. Registered office: 107 Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 1NW.

The guidance and/or advice contained within this website is subject to the UK regulatory regime and is therefore targeted at consumers based in the UK.

@ 2020 by Fairview Financial

Our Fees        

A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

Our standard fee for mortgages is £395 and this is paid when the mortgage is offered. We charge a fee of £295 First-Time Buyers. Other fees may apply depending on the complexity of the work involved or loan amount. The maximum fee we can charge is £795.

Our standard fee for Equity Release is £895 and this is paid on completion.

We also receive a commission from the lender that will vary depending on the lender, product or other permissible factors. The nature of any commission model will be confirmed to you before you proceed. If we receive a commission, this will not affect the cost payable by you.

THINK CAREFULLY ABOUT SECURING OTHER DEBTS AGAINST YOUR HOME.

YOUR HOME OR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBTS SECURED ON IT.

BUY TO LET MORTGAGES ARE NOT REGULATED BY THE FINANCIAL CONDUCT AUTHORITY.

EQUITY RELEASE: THIS IS A LIFETIME MORTGAGE. TO UNDERSTAND THE FEATURES AND RISKS, PLEASE ASK FOR A PERSONALISED ILLUSTRATION. CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE.


  • Back to top