As a result of the unlawful cyber-attack on the 2nd April, there is a risk that the fraudsters may contact you pretending to be part of the Commercial Services Group and requesting you to change their bank account details. This is a common or well-known scam (‘mandate fraud’) and if successful could divert payments to the fraudster’s accounts.
Please be extra vigilant and to notify Commercial Services Group immediately if you receive any correspondence or telephone calls stating that Commercial Services Group, including all its trading brands (listed below), have changed their bank account details. They will then be able to verify with you whether this is legitimate correspondence. If you receive any such notifications please immediately contact John Peden on 01622 236943 or Karen Short on 01622 236685 and email copies to their Data Protection Officer at dpo@csltd.org.uk.
If the correspondence you have received is not genuine, they will notify the appropriate enforcement agencies immediately.
DO
• Report it to dpo@csltd.org.uk who will submit the report to the appropriate authorities.
• Mark the email as spam and delete.
•Remain alert to risks of mandate fraud.
•Contact your approved account manager at Commercial Services Group Trading Brands.
• Use the contact details you have on your records prior to April and not on any letter/email received since.
DON’T:
• Change your bank payment records regarding making payment to CSG Trading Brands.
•Reply to the email or engage with the criminal any further.
• Feel pressured into making any changes to your payment records.
Commercial Services Group will provide further updates as they continue investigations, supported by the ICO, Kent Police and cyber experts.