ALERT: Scammers targeting Sheffield university staff with bogus pay rise email and then stealing financial details

Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, said they have received reports from more than 100 victims across the country who have received the bogus messages.

The organisation said the phishing emails claiming to be from human resources departments are being used by fraudsters in a bid to gather financial details by suggesting that university staff recipients are due a pay rise.

However, when recipients click on the link, they are taken to a fake website where they are asked to enter personal information, including university log in and financial details. Police forces and governmental agencies have also been targeted by similar emails.

University staff in Sheffield are now urged to change any passwords associated with their email accounts and IT accounts. In addition, staff are urged to avoid clicking on links or opening attachments in unsolicited emails or text messages.

Stephen Proffitt, deputy head of Action Fraud, said: “Phishing emails continue to be a serious problem. It is essential that those affected take the appropriate action to protect their personal details.”

Victims are urged to report fraud and cyber crime to Action Fraud or police on 101.